Feet are undoubtedly one of the most hardworking parts of our bodies, and yet, they are often neglected. Think about it: Who here doesn’t like a good foot rub? Our feet are the very foundation of our human structure. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand upright, walk, run, and dance—activities that are intrinsic to our daily lives. But the importance of our feet doesn’t stop at locomotion. Beyond the more obvious function, our feet have a hidden connection with our health, hinting at why giving them a little extra attention, ahem- think natural foot care, might just be the key to a feeling of overall well-being. Let’s step into a world where every footpath leads not just to a destination, but also to better health and comfort.
When we want to do some grounding work, how do we do that? We take off our shoes and walk around the yard. Connecting our feet to the earth and walking around the garden taking in the sights and sounds of our sweet little pollinators. We know this is very healing but why?
To unlock this mystery, let’s take a step in the right direction by learning about natural foot care. We’ll dip our toes in the water with an introduction to reflexology and how our feet connect to every major organ system in the body. If we were a tree our feet would be the roots.
Next, we’ll jump into the natural foot care practice of making and applying homemade foot balm from the goodness of the earth. It is sure to soften your skin and engage the senses for a relaxing nightly treatment.
Reflexology Intro
Did you know that the bottoms of our feet contain a sort of map of our entire body. I’m talking about a fascinating connection between points (energy centers) on the feet and various organ systems throughout the body. The object of reflexology is to locate these points and apply techniques to improve those that are imbalanced.
The main goal of reflexology is to help the body achieve a state of homeostasis; a condition of internal stability. Below is a graphic of the main energy centers of the feet.
How to Practice Reflexology
Work on affected areas, also known as trigger points, using the following protocol:
Finding disharmony in the body is as simple as scanning the bottom of your feet using the pads of your fingers. With a light pressure press along the areas outlined above in search of trigger points.
You will use essential oils in your natural foot care regimen when you have located a trigger point. Research the best essential oil to treat the corresponding organ system. It helps to have a guide to essential oils on hand.
You will want to apply a couple drops of essential oils to this point before massaging, however, you should always use a carrier oil to dilute it first.
Essential oils are so concentrated they can cause irritation to the skin if not diluted. I like to use grape seed oil for this purpose. Remember, we will be making a holistic foot balm which has your favorite oils in it for this natural foot care technique.
Now that you have your oil solution ready, apply it to the trigger point and press into the spot using a somewhat firm pressure. Then, in a circular motion massage over this point until it softens.
Essential Oils and the Autonomic Nervous System
Essential oils have a wonderfully soothing effect on the autonomic nervous system. Here’s why…
The limbic system is the oldest part of the brain. Its primary purpose is to process outside stimuli in search of danger and keep the vital body systems running. Our autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses, as well as sensory perception, are engaged by the limbic system’s command.
Sensory perception is our body’s ability to process our external environment and respond accordingly. We do this through the use of our senses: taste, touch, hearing, sight, and smell.
All of the senses are a valuable part of our sensory experience, but as far as the ANS is concerned- sense of smell is the most significant. If we want to calm the ANS, aromatherapy with essential oils is key.
To put it in perspective, our sense of smell is literally ten thousand times stronger than our sense of taste. Incredible right!? This is why essential oils, with their potent scents, are so very calming and healing to the body.
The scents effused from essential oils are 100% natural. Our ANS is pretty smart, it knows a natural scent from one made in a lab! Ultimately when the ANS is calm, such as during aromatherapy, your body is in a better state for healing to occur.
During times of high stress or perhaps during cold and flu season, we are more susceptible to illness. To combat this we take vitamins, drink immune boosting teas or orange juice, and rest. In addition to these supportive wellness practices, why not add natural foot care with a special focus on boosting immunity?
Below is a recipe for a simple homemade foot balm using a healthful blend of essential oils. You can tailor the oils to your specific needs.
Homemade Foot Balm
Making a homemade foot balm for natural foot care is gratifyingly simple. It helps to research your essential oils ahead of time so you get the best results for your needs.
For my blend, I chose clove, peppermint, rose, ginger, rosemary, lavender, and jasmine. Not only do I enjoy these luscious scents but their properties suit my needs. For example: rose and lavender oil are known for their calming properties, while ginger and clove treat ailments of the digestive system.
It’s important to understand that essential oils can have multiple properties and support various organ systems. Just another reason to love them!
Notice in the picture above, I used a small jar to hold the oil. I added about 10-12 drops of each oil to the grape seed carrier oil.
Now for the secret sauce. To the above mixture, add some fresh aloe vera gel. For a small jar, add two to three tablespoons.
Aloe Vera has so many wonderful benefits for the skin. Not only does it add moisture, it also helps to retain moisture in the skin. Additionally, aloe helps heal skin irritations and promotes elasticity of the tissue.
To learn how to make your own all-natural aloe vera gel, see our post How to Use Fresh Aloe Vera for Beauty Care. The process is simple and there are endless uses for the gel. Check it out!
Our feet are the unsung heroes that carry us through life’s daily marathon. Isn’t it about time we showed them a little gratitude? Imagine embarking on a nightly ritual that not only pampers your soles but also revitalizes your entire being.
Reflexology massage is a harmonious symphony for the feet which resonates throughout the body, touching every major organ system with its healing notes. Accompanying this melody with the soothing harmony of a natural balm can be the encore your body craves — a nurturing lullaby for both the skin and the soul.
As the delicate areas of your feet, those tender energy centers and conduits to wellbeing, relish the nourishing touch and aromatic whispers of the balm, you might just find a sense of serenity washing over you. It’s a quiet testament to the interconnectedness of our body’s pathways.
So tonight, as you prepare to wind down, consider giving your feet the attention they deserve. Let the fusion of reflexology and natural essence be your gentle act of self-care. And if your spirit feels lifted, do share your experience with us. We’d love to hear how this simple gesture has moved you, both inside and out.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3092730/
