Pampering Your Feet at the Spa

By Marla Montgomery

This summer marks my thirtieth year of caring for and nurturing others’ feet. I find people and their feet very interesting. When I first became licensed, I was mostly interested in clipping, filing, nipping hangnails, and painting pretty colors on the toenails. My interest in feet grew as I researched different techniques in foot soaks, aromatherapy, acupressure, and homeopathy. These tools help to address some of the foot problems many walkers encounter.

A weekly pampering pedicure and massage might be the answer to these problems. At the very least a treatment will leave the feet feeling refreshed and ready for action.

Many day spas offer not only body massages and pedicures but specialize in treating the feet. (Today’s spas are not just for women. Men need to take care of their feet as well.) Expect to spend an hour or more at an appointment depending on the treatment you choose. Foot soaks can be as simple as adding Epson salts to warm water, which eases muscle aches. Many spas add essential oils such as lavender for emotional and physical healing, wintergreen for cooling and reviving, lemon and verbena for rejuvenation, and sage and bayberry for strength. They are often used in combination to achieve the greatest benefits. These oils are added to warm water and many times topped off with rose petals. Prices range from $18 for a simple soak to over $200 for the works, which might include wrapping the feet in seaweed (taking up to 2 1/2 hours) and a massage.

Caring for the nails is another delicate treatment we must do on a weekly basis. A licensed manicurist should do this procedure. The nails must be carefully trimmed and special care is given to the cuticle area. The feet are sometimes dry and callused. A good foot scrub exfoliates and encourages foot circulation. Using a foot file or pumice stone on dry, callused skin makes the feet feel smooth and clean.

When you select a foot care professional, take a close look at the facility and the soak tubs. Sanitation is important. Ask how the equipment is cleaned and disinfected. Nail fungus is easily transmitted if the tools are not properly maintained. Just because a facility is licensed and uses licensed servers, doesn’t necessarily mean humans don’t make mistakes. A professional will be more than happy to show you that you are safe in their establishment.

Any person with diabetes, a nervous system or cardiovascular disorder, skin condition or cancer (that involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy) may find that the sensation, circulation, or health in the feet is affected and may need a physician’s release before some therapies can be provided

Our feet reveal the state of the body. I sincerely hope that people will read this article and will take a second look at their feet. They are eagerly awaiting some TLC.

Marla Montgomery owns Montgomery Place Day Spa and has been pampering not only feet. The spa offers a variety of services for the entire body. The spa is located at 6740 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219; 503-245-1429.