I often describe Chinese medicine as a metaphorical medicine which uses observation as its most invaluable diagnostic tool. In this system nature is the macrocosm to which our bodies are the microcosm. Health is seen as a return to nature, surrendering the struggle against nature. Whole Health Acupuncture focuses on body awareness, client education and the mind-body connection. When a client presents with foot pain we don't just want to know where the pain is at, we want to know what it feels like, what makes it feel better or worse, what times of day the pain is worst and if the weather affects the pain, among other things. Then we ask the question, if your foot were trying to tell you something through this pain what do you think it is?

In the book, You Can Heal your Body by Louise Hay she would say the feet represent our understanding of ourselves, of life and of others. Pain represents guilt. Louise argues that guilt always seeks punishment. In the instance of foot pain perhaps there is a miscommunication happening in the client’s life that is causing the pain to manifest in the feet. This usually facilitates an a-ha moment for the client and bridges the gap between pain and self. The first step in removing the pain is awareness. Louise is a proponent of positive affirmations, in this case using “My understanding is clear, and I am willing to change with the times. I am safe.” for the feet and “I lovingly release the past. They are free and I am free. All is well in my heart now.” for the pain. Ultimately through the client's habits, lifestyle, etc he or she is responsible for the creation of this imbalance. However, in Chinese Medical terms the same energy that caused imbalance will also be the driving force in the return to balance, and the release of pain. In this way there is no need for the blame and shame game just an opportunity for learning.

Morgan Marlo's Mutant Message from Down Under describes a passage where Morgan's feet are aching after her first day on a “walk-about” barefoot in the bush with an aboriginal tribe. The Medicine Woman comes to ease her pain. The Medicine Woman holds her feet in her hands and says a blessing, thanking Morgan's feet for all they have provided not only in the functional activities of walking and standing but the part her feet play in the community, letting her feet know through touch and words that the entire community appreciates their effort so that Morgan could walk with them. She then massages her feet with an herbal salve and "ta-da" her feet feel soothed. Our feet are our foundation, how often are they taken for granted?

In our office we use many Chinese herbal liniments and decoctions both externally and internally to achieve balance and relieve pain as a tool to our other modalities (acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki etc). We are a big proponent of Aromatherapy to further connect mind with body as our sense of smell is directly connected to our limbic system, or emotional center of the brain. Therapeutic grade essential oils have medicinal value for the physical and emotional bodies. Cypress, lemongrass and wintergreen is the equivalent to a natural "icy-hot" helping to increase circulation and relieve tension and pain. To further assist in body awareness and prevention the client would leave with homework or in this case "foot work."

Self Foot Massage

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.

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 one teaspoon of salt to draw the stress and toxins out of your feet.

 


Whole Health Acupuncture
50 Turner Ave
Elk Grove Village IL 60007
847 357 3929
for more info visit: www.wholehealthprograms.com

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