Oh those aching feet! Who hasn’t said that at least once in their life? Many of us work in retail, factories, fast food and so on where we stand on our feet all day

Oh those aching feet! Who hasn’t said that at least once in their life? Many of us work in retail, factories, fast food and so on where we stand on our feet all day. I worked in retail for twenty-five years and at the end of the day; my feet were letting me hear about it. There are things we can do to take the stress off the feet because they deserve pampering for taking us to where we need to go. The study of reflexology and natural foot care are two ways to start taking care of those aching feet. You do not have to buy expensive natural body care products from the store, you can make your own with the following recipes. Read how natural alternatives to foot care benefit the body as a whole.

Reflexology is kind of a unique and different form of exercise. It is based on the belief that the hands and feet are important in influencing the entire body. This theory is quite ancient and deeply rooted in ancestry because feet are used to run away as in the “fight or flight” reaction, and the hands are used for defending with a weapon. The body will react to fear by pumping adrenaline throughout. Reflexology uses pressure applied to the sensors of the feet and hands. The feet are the gauges for the ground below them. They are the controllers for what is going on, such as lying down, walking, running, etc. These things change constantly through the course of the day; and the feet will communicate with the body to let it know what is going on. If it is believed that the body is made up of energy centers or meridians; it just makes sense that keeping the energy flowing throughout the body and relieving any blockages could be quite beneficial for the body to heal itself. There are many charts available for free download on the internet; or you can purchase them as well. These charts show exactly what points on the feet and hands correspond to the positions in the body.

Reflexologists try to assist the body with relaxation, improved organ function, and circulation. It is also said to reduce pain and there are no side effects as can occur with drugs. It is the goal of reflexology to create a healthy body and promotes a better quality of life. It is not meant to be a substitute for traditional medical care. It is very non-invasive and just “feels good”. There is also a social aspect to using reflexology. People extend relationships through family members and close friends because there is a hands on touch of the body. When this occurs in a safe environment; this opens up communication as well. There is research being done on the power of touch and how it can influence the body and mind.

Some specific issues have been studied and found that reflexology can be an effective alternative. It’s good for the feet as well as the body as a whole. Some of the specific conditions are:
??? Patients receiving hand massages during chemotherapy experienced less nausea and after effects.
??? Babies with colic were either cured or their crying was greatly reduced.
??? Women in labor experienced pain reduction during delivery and a reduction in the time of labor with reflexology.
??? Women experiencing painful menstruation or suffer from PMS find reflexology reduces pain and irritability.
??? Men have found these exercises effective for sexual dysfunction.
??? Reflexology is good for people experiencing constipation, diarrhea, poor digestion or other intestinal issues because blood flow is stimulated.
??? Cholesterol may be lowered through these exercises.
??? Seniors may benefit from reflexology through a reduction in muscle and joint stiffness, a reduction of blood pressure and pain may occur and improves the quality of life in general.
??? Headaches and toothaches and nasal passages respond to the reflexology exercises.
??? Hospices use reflexology to decrease pain and nausea, and it may increase relaxation. Appetite, breathing, communication, less anxiety and concentration were better.
??? Alzheimer’s patients may show less wandering, restlessness and confusion.
??? Reflexology used in MS patients, early on in diagnosis, show increased mobility.
??? Cancer patients have shown better quality of life from increased appetite, better communication, and better concentration, less anxiety or fear of future, less nausea, pain, and insomnia.

Natural foot spa remedies are ideal for feet and fun to make at home. Let your tired feet soak in a footbath or have your favorite someone give you a foot massage. Feet need to be exfoliated to remove the skin cells so you have smooth happy feet every day. Here are some fun recipes to pamper your feet naturally.

Rosemary Footbath: Use cold water because this helps swollen feet. A footbath is therapeutic to aching feet. Rosemary is an analgesic and tea tree is an antiseptic.
Fill a large pan with cool water and add ice cubes. Add one fresh rosemary sprig broken into pieces. Put in 8 drops of tea tree essential oil. Swish the mixture and put your feet in for about thirty seconds. Take your feet out and rub them vigorously. Repeat this until your feet are red. Dry feet with a towel - it’s invigorating.

Salt Foot Smoother: Warm water is good for feet too and helps reduce lactic acid buildup. Combine ?? cup Epsom salts, ??-cup sea salt, 2 oz. carrier oil such as almond or walnut oil, ten drops of grapefruit oil (use only pure essential oils), eight drops of lemon oil, five drops of mandarin oil, six drops of lime and eighteen drops of rosemary oil with one sprig of fresh rosemary leaves chopped. Mix all this in a bowl and soak feet for ten minutes. Rub the salt mixture onto the feet and wrap them in plastic wrap for fifteen minutes. Rinse and towel dry - It’s a smoothie.

Romantic Foot Massage: A foot massage does wonders for the libido. Start at the hands and end with the feet. Squeeze the foot while massaging. Gently stretch the toes and flex the ankles to loosen the joints. Use circular motions on tender bottom feet. Use a one oz. bottle. Add five drops rose otto essential oil, 5 drops bergamot oil, four drops sandalwood oil and two drops jasmine oil. Add one oz. carrier oil, cover and shake. This blend is floral and sweet - it’s “scentual’.

Experiment with essential oils and your own creative recipes for your feet. If you like spicy or citrus scents, go for it. Do not be afraid to add your own personal touch. The evening is a good time to take care of feet and give them the proper attention they deserve. They follow you everywhere so make sure you keep them in shape every day.

Beverly Hlavka is a certified Aromatherapist, Feng Shui consultant and successful entrepreneur. She gives consumer guidance regarding natural hair care products and ideas or recipes on natural beauty products and ways to take care of the skin through organic body care.