The summer time is a great time to start practicing a daily, weekly or monthly ritual of self massage. The element of fire, ruled by the heart is at its best during the summer months. This means that your circulation should be optimal as your energy level increases with the sun shine and long days. As you begin to spend more time outside, and perhaps more time in sandals or barefoot this gentle ayurvedic foot massage is a great way to treat your feet.

Our feet may be the least appreciated and ignored part of our bodies. Yet our feet are the foundation on which we stand, walk, run and play. Our feet also hold a micro system sometimes referred to as reflexology which maps the entire body. Just by massaging the feet we can affect the rest of our system.

If you've ever wondered what the benefits of massage therapy are, give this short exercise a try and see if you notice a difference.

Start first sitting with your legs out in front of you. Take a moment to notice how your feet are feeling and observe the size and shape of your ankels as well as the coloring in your feet.

This massage is light and gentle and can be done with or with out massage oil. 

 

Beginning with your right foot, gently rub oil in small circular motions from your ankle to the toes; then from the ankle to the heel.

Gently rub oil in small circular motions on the sole of the foot.

Next press the thumb on the place where the shin meets the top of your foot. Gently, slowly drag your thumb across the top of your foot to the big toe. Return to the ankle and in the same manner drag the thumb toward the second toe to the fifth toe.

 

This initial treatment improves circulation and activates important energy points on the feet.

Cross your right ankle over your left knee and cup the side of your right heel in your left and push the foot inward, outward and then in a circular motion first counter clockwise and then clockwise.
With your right thumb, apply pressure from the big toe to the heel, along the inner border of the foot. Then drag your thumb from the root of your fifth toe to the heel. Make a fist with your right hand and press it against the foot, working it along the sole in a circular motion to activate a variety of energy points.

 

Next, slowly pull each toe away from the foot, as though you are “popping” the joint, to remove stress.

When finished with your right foot take a moment to observe any changes in the feel of your right foot and how it looks next to your left foot.

Repeat with your left foot. When you’re finished, soak your feet for 5-10 minutes in a bucket filled halfway with warm water and epsom salts to draw the stress and toxins out of your feet.
 
This is a great practice to enjoy first thing in the morning to wake up and is also a great practice to end your day with after standing all day long.

To schedule a massage session at Whole Health Acupuncture call 847 357-3929. For a complete listing of our services visit us on the web at www.wholehealthprograms.com

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