You don't have to be an imaginary penguin to have "happy feet.
" Making your feet happy is easier and more important than you might imagine; the condition of your feet reflect your overall health and wellness.
Dahn Yoga practice integrates exercises and wisdom based on acupressure, and your feet are a great place to start! The human foot is a marvel of bio-mechanical engineering that most of us take for granted until the system fails or breaks down.
The average person will walk the equivalent of twice around the world in a lifetime, which is a long time on your feet.
Since they bear the weight of our bodies, the muscles, joints, and bones in our feet need to stretch and move.
Unfortunately, we tend to wear shoes that have narrow room for toes or restrict the movement of instep and arches.
This can cause unhealthy foot conditions that lead to foot pain and even affect the way we walk.
In addition, the feet can be a barometer for the condition of the meridians and organs.
Acupressure for feet can be done on its own or as part of your regular exercise routine to improve your circulation, for relaxation, and for general energy improvement.
Of course, you can massage your own feet anytime, but in the diagrams below, we'll show you some simple ways to perform foot hwal-gong (healing massage) for another person.
Though often overlooked, feet support our bodies and are our basic connection with the earth.
Self-healing techniques for the feet have been used for centuries in Asia as a simple, effective way to take control of one's own health.
Exercises for foot flexibility and massaging specific acupressure points can alleviate pain and improve sleep, as well as be used to maintain health.
Let's Do It: Reflexology and Foot Massage for Relieving Pain and Fatigue Many meridian channels and acupressure points are concentrated in the bottom of the feet, so applying pressure can help relieve symptoms related to the corresponding organs and structures of the body.
(Note that they are not symmetrical.
) It's great for relieving fatigue! Stepping on the bottom of a person's feet is a simple, wonderful way to help them unwind.
Let the receiver lie on their stomach on a flat surface with some cushion (like a thick blanket on a floor), with their heels outward and big toes inward.
Stand facing away from the receiver.
For the most part, your heels should fit in their arches as you press their soles by stepping.
Be sure the receiver communicates how it feels and what they want you to do.
Another way to stimulate the receiver's soles is by tapping with your fist.
Bend the knee and support the foot with one hand.
Keeping your arm and shoulder relaxed, make a fist with the other hand and let it fall repeatedly all around the receiver's sole.
This method feels great as well, and especially comes in handy if the receiver's knees feel uncomfortable using the stepping method.
It can also be easier for you to control how hard you tap with your fists.
*If you have a serious condition, please be sure to consult with your physician before trying these home healing methods.