All of the pressure points are said to be in the feet and spreading the toes and fingers releases serotonin.

Moses supposes his toeses are roses

But Moses supposes erroneously

For nobody’s toeses are posies of roses

As Moses supposes his toeses to be.

 

— Nursery Rhyme

Do you remember the last time you massaged your feet? If you have ten toes, chances are you take them for granted.

Most people rarely touch their own feet, dismissing my inquiries into their foot relations by saying “it feels so much better when someone else does it.” Self-massage doesn’t feel bad and massaging our feet is good for us.

It is? Where’s your foot expertise coming from? Yoga teachers mostly and direct experience, I’m still working on my degree.

While teaching yoga I have observed the most serious types of people to giggle when instructed to wiggle their toes to wake them up, root down through the corners of their feet, leave their big toes down and lift all the other toes up before placing them on the floor while creating the most space between them.

According to Chinese medicine the tips of our toes and fingers are where the greatest amount of nerve endings meet. All of the pressure points are said to be in the feet and spreading the toes and fingers releases serotonin.

Feet are where we experience the first signs of aging, on a daily basis they work hard for us. As Michael Sandler states in his article on barefoot running, “When you feel the ground, you unlock the hidden potential within.” When children are allowed to go barefoot as much possible, especially in sand, it strengthens their feet.

While doing posture analysis, almost all problems and misalignments of the body can be traced back to the feet: fallen arches, pregnant arches, standing like a penguin in external rotation, hammer toes, toes being clenched. None of these habits need to be continued.

Feet are the body’s foundation, being barefoot all the time isn’t a viable option for most. Thus shoes that allow space for all of our toes, offer arch support and remain flexible enough to bend with our feet may be the single most important prop for health and happiness. Such shoes are often overlooked in lieu of high heels and shiny shoes that fit like splints. My husband calls watching people walk around in these shoes, “a violation of his civil rights”.

Holding someone’s hand is one of the most calming things you can do for them and rubbing their feet, one of the most loving. Massaging and giving attention to your own feet is practical, natural, rewarding and easily accessed. If you can reach them, start by giving those toes some kisses.