- Treat Your Feet to Some TLC
with Ayurveda
- BY: Shreelata Suresh
Our feet are often the least
pampered parts of our bodies. Here are some suggestions from
ayurveda, the ancient science of healing from India, for taking
care of your feet on a regular basis:
1. During your pre-bath ayurvedic massage (abhyanga),
pay special attention to your feet. Massage the feet, each toe,
the ankles, the heels and the soles in turn with the warm oil,
gently stretching the feet and toes as you massage them and using
circular motions around your ankles and heels. (Pat excess oil
off your soles with paper towels before you step into the bath
or shower and watch your step because oil can be slippery). This
daily foot massage enhances lubrication and circulation, and
helps draw toxins to the surface for release. Using massage oil
that has been fortified with nourishing ayurvedic herbs provides
added support to help keep your feet strong and flexible.
2. During your bath or shower, let your feet enjoy
warm water for a few minutes, then cleanse with a gentle, non-irritating
cleanser and a footbrush or washcloth, working between the toes
and scrubbing the heels to slough off dead skin. Use a neem based
cleanser to help rid feet of odor or bacteria. After your bath
or shower, pat your feet dry and apply a moisturizing body lotion
if you use one anyway, otherwise massage a little plain shea
butter or coconut oil on your feet before slipping on a pair
of cotton socks.
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3. Once a week, apply a natural exfoliating
mixture on your feet, especially on the heels and soles, when
you cleanse, to remove hardened dead skin. Make your own exfoliating
mixture of 2 parts coarse oatmeal, 2 parts chickpea flour (available
at Indian grocery stores) and 1 part rose water. Add warm water
as needed to form a thick paste. Apply on your feet and scrub
gently, then rinse off with warm water. Pat dry and follow with
an application of coconut oil, shea butter or natural body lotion. |
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4. Follow basic rules of comfort. Wear
footwear that fits properly and is roomy enough so that no part
of your foot feels pinched. Do not wear high heels except when
you absolutely have to. Replace shoes before they wear out or
become lopsided with use. Wear cotton socks indoors to protect
your feet from the cold. When the temperature is comfortable
and you are indoors, walk barefoot occasionally to allow your
feet to breathe. Sit, stand and walk with an erect posture. If
you work at a sedentary job, take breaks every hour or so and
walk around a little. Use a footsie roller at your workstation.
5. A nightly foot and lower leg massage
not only relaxes the feet, it also helps promote restful sleep.
Use a light, non staining oil such as almond or jojoba, and if
you like, you can add 4-5 drops of a relaxing essential oil such
as lavender or sandalwood to every 2 oz. of base oil. Take a
very small amount of oil, just enough to offer lubrication, in
your palm and gently massage your lower legs and feet for 3-4
minutes each until the oil is absorbed by your skin. Use soothing
strokes and breathe deeply as you massage. No need to wash the
oil off--you can go to bed as soon as you are done.
6. For tired, stressed feet, try a foot
soak. Either of the following two recipes will have you sighing,
"Ah, this is bliss," as you soak the tension away.
Herbal foot soak:
1/4 cup lavender flowers
1/4 cup lemon peel
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons fine oatmeal
2 tablespoons almond meal
Wrap the ingredients
in a cheesecloth and tie with a string. Bring a pot of water
to a rolling boil. Drop the herb sachet in and turn off the heat.
Let steep for 15-20 minutes. Combine the herbed water with enough
comfortably warm water to immerse your feet up to your ankles,
and soak your feet for about 15 minutes. Stay relaxed as you
soak, either just sitting in silence and breathing deeply or
hearing relaxing instrumental melodies. Pat you feet dry and
rub on some lotion or shea butter.
Aromatherapy
foot soak:
1/4 cup sea salts
1 tbsp Epsom salts
1 tsp baking soda
2 drops essential oil of lemon
2 drops essential oil of sandalwood
2 drops essential oil of coriander
Combine well all
of the above in enough comfortably warm water (about 2 quarts)
in a foot basin or bath-tub to immerse your feet up to your ankles.
Soak your feet in the mix for about 15 minutes. Stay relaxed
as you soak. After you're done, pat your feet dry and apply some
moisturizing lotion or shea butter. Mmmm!
7. If your feet tend to perspire a lot
or to help your feet stay fresh in warm weather, dust them lightly
with the following natural powder:
1/2 cup arrowroot
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
2 drops essential oil of peppermint
2 drops essential oil of lemon
Pass the dry ingredients
through a sieve two or three times to mix well. Add the essential
oils to the mix, stir well, and sieve again. Store in a dry container.
Notes:
1. If you have any medical condition,
please consult your health professional for proper care. Foot
soaks, Epsom salts and essential oils, for example, are not recommended
in certain conditions.
2. Exercise proper care when using salts
and essential oils.
Disclaimer: The
above article is educational in nature, and is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical
condition, please consult your physician. |
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