Foot scents: do it yourself reflexology

New Life Journal, Dec, 2004 by Tacy Apostolik

"WHEN OUR FEET HURT, WE HURT ALL OVER."--SOCRATES

Our feet are our foundation. By being in constant connection with our brain, they enable us to stand, walk and balance. Our feet can carry several hundred tons of total weight in a single day. In confined spaces known as shoes, we walk up to five miles or 9,000 steps on an average day! In order to do this, the foot must maintain a certain level of tension. With repeated patterns of uninterrupted tension, our feet get tired and sore, thus creating stress throughout the entire body. That's where do-it-yourself reflexology, enhanced with therapeutic-grade essential oils steps in. By the use of specific hand and finger techniques, along with the application of essential oils to the feet, we can begin to interrupt stress patterns and clear any blockages that occur over time from everyday wear and tear.

Reflexology is an energy-based healing art that works through the nervous system. There are zones and reflexes on your feet and hands that "mirror" your entire body. Stimulating these reflexes sends messages to the associated body parts. It relieves tension, improves circulation, aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and assists in bringing your body to a natural state of balance. Although there is no substitute for getting a professional reflexology session, there are certainly many self-care techniques you can do to help ease the discomfort of tired, achy feet and aid the body in its own healing process. Some self-care techniques done on a regular basis, enhanced with the application of therapeutic-grade essential oils, can bring you one step closer to good health.

You've probably heard the term therapeutic-grade essential oils; now it's time to explore what they are and what they do. Essential oils are aromatic liquids extracted from flowers, trees, roots, bushes, rinds, and seeds. Each oil essence has up to hundreds of chemical components that must exist in a unique combination in order to be called therapeutic. These complex oils have been used to support health for thousands of years. Essential oils are so small in molecular size that they quickly penetrate the skin, providing numerous health benefits. According to research, the topical application of essential oils can affect every single cell of the body within twenty minutes! Among their many benefits, they are antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and have pain-reducing properties. They deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells and stimulate the immune system. The fragrances of essential oils can directly stimulate the limbic lobe and the hypothalamus (in the brain), having a profound effect not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually.

Applying essential oils to the feet is a safe and effective way to deliver their healing properties throughout your body. In order to get the greatest benefit from their true healing powers, it is very important that you chose the highest quality therapeutic-grade essential oils. From the different schools of essential oil applications, let's discuss the topical application of neat (undiluted) therapeutic-grade oils along with their inhalation. When applying the oils, first drop the appropriate amount into the palm of one hand and, using the fingers of the other hand, rub on the desired area. After applying the essential oils, vigorously rub your hands together. Close your eyes, and cup your hands over your nose, sit for a few minutes and take several long, deep breaths. This gives you the added healing benefits of aromatherapy.

Are you ready to begin self-care reflexology? Start by doing an ankle rotation exercise. In a standing position, lift one foot up onto the ball of the foot. From this position, rotate clockwise ten times, then rotate counterclockwise ten times. Switch feet and repeat. This helps to relax the foot by loosening the four major muscle groups connecting the foot and leg. The rest of these exercises should be done in a seated position by placing the foot being worked on onto the thigh of the opposite leg.

Many have reported success for sinus and respiratory problems with the following technique. A couple drops each of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) and ravensara (Ravensara aromatica) essential oils are applied to the toes of each foot. Eucalyptus (radiata) is a powerful antimicrobial oil used extensively for respiratory infections. Ravensara is antibacterial and antiviral and is well known for its support to the nerves and respiratory system. Now, with the left hand on the dorsal (top) surface and the right hand on the plantar (bottom) surface of all five toes, rub vigorously back and forth. This helps to send the oils inward. Next, supporting the base of the toes of the left foot with the left hand, grab the big toe on either side between the index finger and thumb of the right hand and "crab walk" down to the base of the toe, taking about five to six steps. Repeat in two rows, then "crab walk" along the inside and outside of the toe in two rows. Do the same for each toe. Switch feet. This helps stimulate the reflexes for the head, brain, and sinuses. Sit for a few minutes and breathe in the aroma of these healing oils. This can be especially beneficial for sinus and respiratory conditions!