3 healthy treats for your feet

The average person walks, or should aim to walk, around 10,000 steps per day to keep in good health.

But if your feet are tired or chapping, bleeding, aching, blistering, ballooning or just refusing to budge, it may be time to address your foot health.


According to Chinese medicine, our feet contain a reciprocal pressure point that relates to every one of the major organs, senses and spinal chord. By treating our feet well, we can treat our whole body and that leads to happier minds.

So here are 3 good feet treats to help you enjoy optimum health.

• Reflexology

This ancient therapy is ever popular as more people understand the holistic approach of Chinese medicine - looking at the whole person not the just the prescribed illness or ache. Foot Reflexology is a relaxing treatment where soothing hands massage your ankles, sole and toes, in a theraputic and distinct way.

As parts of the feet correspond to parts of the body, it's natural to feel a sensation in your kidney, stomach, liver etc. Advise the reflexologist if you feel anything so they can moderate the pressure.

After a session I usually feel relaxed - my feet bathed in love - but the next day I'm empowered, like I can 'get on and do'. Don't worry about ticklish feet - the pressure is firm not soft!
International Institute of Reflexology is a useful resource

• Pedicure

The neatest feet treat and its not just for girls - men have pedicures too! Cutting, clipping and cleaning toe nails is essential to keep them clean and prevent ingrowing nails or 'claws'. Bacteria can build up under than nails, leading to nail disease and bad smells, so whether you self-pedicure or seek out a professional, you can eliminate problems before they mature.

Dry flaky skin is scraped off, leaving soft, smooth skin where rough patches once stood. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing new skin to look clean and healthy. A pedicure is not simply about vanity, but can prevent bunions and corns, which if left untreated are painful.


Finish with a foot massage. Increased circulation to your toes and heels will create better looking feet. Your calf muscles will relax as you take the weight off too. You can opt for a polish, or leave your nails clear and fresh. When your feet look good, you feel good.

• Foot spa / bath

Whether you're slipping your feet into a bowl of tea tree and chamomile infused water in front of the TV or dipping them into a luxury detox foot bath, you can't beat the simple pleasures of a foot spa. Foot baths can massage, pummel and heat your feet while you simply sit back and relax. But in addition to the relaxation, foot baths have major health benefits.

Ion foot baths are widely available as detox aids. Because it is generally accepted that the body eliminates toxins through the feet, it makes sense to focus on this area.  This
Foot bath video is worth a watch to understand how these nifty things work and Detox Foot Bath is an easy to read site with useful info.   But whichever way you chose, be sure to treat your feet.