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“Diseases do not go near one who massages his feet before sleeping just as snakes do not approach eagles.” Ancient Saying
According to custom, beauty in the body arises from a
straight, strong back. Healthy nerves from the spine provide quality
inspiration to all the organs and allow for graceful movement. But, for
us to carry ourselves out into the world in a elegant manner, we also
need strong, beautiful feet to support our steps and ground our energy.
As with the hands and ears, touching the soles of the
feet stimulate, cleanses, and balances all of the organs in the body.
This is one good reason for going barefoot regularly. There is nothing
more wonder. Full than walking on a pebbly beach or running through
grass covered in morning dew. That is why intentionally massaging the
soles of the feet is relaxing.
Massage of the feet prevents and cures dryness,
numbness, roughness, fatigue, and cracking of the heels. It reinforce
walking and running. Foot Reflexology, a healing art that specifically
focuses on the feet as being a reflection of all the organs and
structures in the complete body, is wonderful for relieving acute pain,
improving posture, as well as health of the organs. According to the
Ayurvedic physician, Vagbhata, nerves in the soles of the feet are
connected to the eyes and ears. Thus, massage to the feet can help with
the functioning of these sense organs. A good massage before bed can
ensure a soothing night’s sleep.
As with the hands, work gently and for short periods
of time on the precise points of the feet, working on the same areas of
both feet. Use oils in accordance with needs and conditions. Normally,
use sesame oil. Sesame and brahmi oils promote deep refreshing sleep.
(You’ll need to wear socks to keep the sheets clean until the oil is
absorbed.) Mustard oil protects the feet from the drying effects of
cold weather and also helps prevent the growth of athlete’s foot.
Essential oils of lavender and rosemary, added to the base oil, are
wonderful for active legs.
- Massage the Ankle – Rub oil
energetically into the whole ankle joint, emphasizing the areas
around the bones on the inner and outer side of the ankle. Pinch
down the large (Achilles) tendon that connects the calf muscle to
the heel. Repeat this stroking and kneading of this tendon several
times.
- Massage the Top of the Foot- Supporting
the foot by holding the heel and leasing the arch rest on the
palm, use the thumb of the other hand to resolutely stroke from
the ankle between the tendons to between each of the toes. Repeat
this two times.
- Massage the Toes- Starting with
the big toe and ending with the body toe pinch from the base on
either side to the tip of the toes. Pull and rotate each toe,
massaging on all sides. Oil well between the toes.
- Massage reflexively on the Soles-
referring to a foot reflex chart, work on the head and neck areas, the
shoulder, the spine, then any problem are, end with the kidneys.
(Please note the reflexive foot massage is not advised during
pregnancy.
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Ayurvedic Self Massage Techniques
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