More than a foot massage — Reflexology balances mind, body By Susan Rich “Your feet are a roadmap to the rest of your body,” explains Cristy Carlson, owner of Tootsies, a day spa offering clients a variety of treatments designed to ease their aching feet. More than just a foot massage, reflexology is a specialized treatment based on the belief that gentle pressure applied to the feet can benefit and rejuvenate other parts of the body. The idea is to “release tensions, let go of built-up negative cellular memories while in a relaxed state of mind,” she explains. Sound New-Agey? Not really. The origins of reflexology can be traced back to early Egyptian civilization. Hieroglyphics depict pharaohs getting a foot massage. Today, reflexology “stations”are popular on many street corners in Taiwan. The theory behind reflexology and other massage therapies is this: “There are rivers that run through the body, and like any river it can be jammed up, like a tree limb caught on the side, diverting or slowing down the water — which is the healthy flow of energy,” she says. A foot massage attacks one of the most tightly clenched body parts we have, Carlson explains. “When you get in a car accident your first reaction is to jam up your feet. With most forms of exercise, skiing, snowshoeing, or walking, you grip your toes, and put yourself through the strain of tensing up even if you are used to the activity.” Reflexology is good for people with either new or chronic injuries because “It is important to bring a person’s awareness into their feet, because from there, awareness and relaxation are extended to the rest of the body.” Even diabetics can benefit from reflexology, but Carlson urges people to check with their physician first. Too ticklish for a massage? Not to worry, Carlson says. “There’s a way of touching the foot to where the tickle response is gone. I’ve had clients say, ‘You can’t touch my feet, I’m so ticklish. Then we start the session and they forget all about it. I’ve worked with thousands of feet and never had one I couldn’t touch.” For more information, contact Cristy Carlson at 503-286-4726.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

By Heather Pittman

Here we are at the beginning of a new year and so we ask ourselves what next? How can I make things better?

Forget New Year's resolutions. Let's try a different approach. Let's try the things that make us feel good. Let’s put a smile on our face, let’s ooze with delicious feelings of excitement, rejuvenation, and vibrancy. Who wants to focus their year on the lack of things such as cigarettes and food? Can we just agree to put our best foot forward?

FEET FEET FEET. They are our little beauties. They are full of the tiniest bones but we cram them into pointy shoes, we dance all night on them, we pound the pavement with them. They’ve carried us all of our lives by putting one foot in front of the other, even when it was pure agony to do so. We thought we couldn't go any further and there they are one step at a time, bringing us forward. So dependable. When our feet feel good...we feel good.

As a child I used to give my dad foot rubs when he got home from work, a dime a foot, he loved it, easing the tired overworked muscles. It was a small source of income... but what great benefits he got from those tender rubs. We melt as soon as our feet are rubbed... we exhale instantly, our shoulders drop three inches because we realize they've been up to our ears all day. How can feet be so important to our health and a gateway to full body relaxation?

The philosophy that supports this idea is reflexology; birthed from ancient Chinese medicine. Our feet are able to map our whole body... our internal organs. Organ systems can be affected by simply rubbing the feet. No wonder we have full body relaxation when receiving a generous foot massage.

Our feet need to be taken care of... and what an easy way to take care of so much more of our body through this beautiful entryway...of toes, arches, heels, and the occasional callus?

Here are some quick and easy ways to treat your feet as the true luxury vehicles they are. Happy New Year and Happy Feet!

The Wet Sock Treatment
This is a great treatment for the flu and cold season. You’ll need: thin cotton socks, thick wool socks, cold water source. Before going to bed and preferably after a hot bath or shower soak the cotton socks in cold water, squeezing out the excess water and place these chilly little socks on your achy feet. Next place the dry wool socks over the wet cotton ones, and go to bed. This will draw your circulation downward and flush your immune system through circulation and heat generation. By morning the socks will be dry, your feet very warm, and you'll feel so much better. This treatment is best when done at the first signs of a cold or when feeling run down. I've had great success with it.

Salt Scrub Treatment
Easily bought at any grocery store these days but I love making my own. You’ll need: 2 cups sea salt, 1 1/2 cups cold-pressed vegetable oil, vitamin E oil (2 capsules), essential oils (lavender, grapefruit, or bergamot work nicely). Blend oils first, adding enough essential oils to create the strength of scent you enjoy. Adding the vitamin E oil by puncturing the capsule and squeezing out the contents into the oil mixture. Add the salts and whisk together until you have a nice oily consistency. When settled, it's fine to have a thin layer of oil at the top. Use this salt scrub to polish and exfoliate heals and calluses. Then soak your feet in a basin of warm water allowing the oils and salts to relieve tired feet as it softens your skin. Try this in the tub for a full body exfoliation, allowing your whole body to soak in the oils, salts, and water.

Caution: This is a slippery mixture, so be careful when using this in the tub or shower.

Heather Pittman studied massage and bodywork at the Body Therapy Institute in Silk Hope, NC. Co-owner of the Foot Bar and Body Bar located at 909 NW 13th; Portland, OR. For an appointment call 503.224.0292 for more information vist www.footbarbodybar.com.