Sole Wisdom – A step in the right direction

Sole Wisdom – A step in the right direction

April 24, 2019 Posted by admin_ayurdeva

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In the Veda, the feet are referred to as “organs of action.” They are the body’s foundation, structured to support its weight and provide a mobile platform in a variety of terrains. Imagine if the foundation of a house is weak, stressed, or unhealthy, the entire structure begins to buckle. It is exactly the same with the feet. Healthy feet are a sign of a healthy human being.

I have spoken before about the power of “Abhyanga”; a special daily ritual to empower the body’s healing system and to promote overall wellness, through the practice of a full body massage with oil. A similar and invaluable process of massage is the “Padabhyanga” – Pada means ‘feet’ and the word abhyanga is composed of abhi and anga. Abhi is ‘to rub’ and anga means ‘limb’. In other words “Pedicure” is the new Padabhyanga. The humble Ayurvedic foot massage can be traced back 5,000 years and was referred to as the door to the body’s inner pharmacy. The Ayurvedic foot massage or Padabhyanga is a practical way towards healthier, happier feet which in turn offers a myriad of other benefits, like

  • reduces fungal and bacterial infections,
  • improves circulation, which addresses the numbness in the feet.
  • reduce stress,
  • activate our immune system,
  • releases heat and makes you feel calm and cool, relaxed, refreshed and yet revitalised.
  • heal our body, mind, and consciousness
  • is natural with no electronic gadgets, batteries or any chemical creams or treatments involved.
  • relaxes tired feet and legs – particularly for those with a lifestyle that tires the feet – teachers, tellers, front line staff.
  • It helps to balance the 3 doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha thereby activating the body’s natural immune response.

A simple soothing and calming massage, done the right way every night, is all it takes to make the foundation strong and leave you feeling rejuvenated and revitalised.

So how exactly do we actually give ourselves this massage?

Start your ritual with a foot soak made from warm water and a teaspoon full of AyurDeva’s Paduka Foot soak for 10-15min. (Just plain hot water and salt will do the trick as well.) Though not absolutely necessary it sure is more beneficial as it cleans and relaxes the feet and softens them to absorb the goodness of the oil and the massage.

  1. Place Nimil Paduka Oil (or oil of your choice) in hot water to make the oil slightly warm. Warm oil is preferable to cold because it is comforting and penetrates the skin more easily.
  2. Sit in a comfortable chair or on your bed and keep a pair of cotton socks nearby to put on after you’re done.
  3. Place a towel underneath your feet.
  4. Pour a small amount of oil into your hand and spread the oil over the top and bottom of clean and moist foot, including the ankles and toes.
  5. Massage the entire sole of the foot, using circular motions and firm strokes.
  6. Begin with the big toe. Simultaneously press at the base of the toenail and on the underside of the toe with your forefinger and thumb.
  7. Massage from the base of the toe to the tip. Repeat on each toe.
  8. Massage along the length of the top of the foot, firmly pressing into the crevices between each of the bones.
  9. Repeat the process on the other foot.
  10. Cover your feet with socks if doing the massage before bedtime.

Remember, the feet are the body’s workhorses, and without them our mobility, health, and well-being are severely limited. So, it may be a good idea to cultivate some respect for their earthly function.

So why not follow in the footsteps of the yogis and use your body as a laboratory to conduct an experiment? For the next month, make a commitment to develop a deeper awareness of your feet and begin to appreciate all they do for you. Treat them to a foot massage every night and observe the results. Chances are, you’ll be taking a step in the right direction.

 

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