The Soles of Your Feet Tell the
Stories of Your Soul!
Our feet are a tell tale mark of our life stories and are mirrors of the body. Their appearances speak loudly of our state of being and the status of our health. And they represent our connection with Mother Earth and the degree in which we balance the complexity of our lives. In today's concrete jungle with high Rises, asphalt, pavements, sophisticated transportation and more, no wonder we are devoid of the Earth and its healing energies. ( And they judge my siblings in Africa who walk barefooted.) Truth is, we need to return to earth - literally, poetically and dietarily. Thank goodness for Reflexology!
Reflexology is based on the concept that our feet and hands have reflexes. A reflex is an involuntary response to a stimulus, a nerve impulse from a receptor being transmitted inward to a nerve center that in turn transmits it outward to an effector. This means that the feet are microcosms or maps of the body. By applying pressure to a specific part in the sole of the foot the colon can be stimulated. And when the colon is stimulated then the body releases waste. When waste is released, blockages are cleared in the energy channels bringing vibrancy to one's body and mind. It's simply one of the most powerful methods of activating the healing powers and pleasures of the body.
And of course, the feet can also be a sensual spot and erogenous zone! It can rekindle your innate sensuality and bring back a sweet flavor to your intimate relationship. It’s the power the feet carry, the unrestrained freedom it provides and the ability to feel and touch everything that makes the feet such an erotic zone. With bare feet, we feel the textures of the world and breathe deeper into our lungs. We breathe in life (energy) through our feet. Allowing our feet to breathe, regular stretching and rubbing helps keep them steady and strong. No doubt, when the sensual attributes are nurtured it stimulates our libido and enhances our sexual wellness.
Over 10 years ago, I assisted a Yoga class as a part of my teacher training. For an hour long, we focused on the feet. I have to admit that it was questionable because at that time I had no conscious knowledge of the feet's relation to whole body wellness. Then I studied Reflexology I and II, and it opened a whole new world to my feet. I learned of the most detrimental rituals of foot binding that approximately one billion women in China had preformed for nearly one thousand years in an attempt to stop the growth of their feet, while chasing the illusion of beauty. Foot binding not only crippled the women who went through the process, but crippled and disempowered women in China for centuries.
Today women continue to deprive themselves and jeopardize their health for the sake of a fashionable pair of shoes. They pay little attention to their feet while buying the wrong shoes for the wrong reasons. Yet the feet carry the rest of our body, holding us up and baring the weight of our mental burdens, the heaviness of our physical accumulations and the density of our souls. Investment in your health and wellness produces far reaching rewards and benefits.
According to Louise L. Hay, our feet represent our understanding of ourselves, of life, of others and our trust in life. Bunions are toxins that settle in the feet making it difficult to walk with ease. Metaphysically, bunions represent a fear of the future. And the toes symbolize the minor details of the future. So if you're having feet issues or bump your toe badly, a good question to ask yourself is... “What about the future do I fear? Then affirm to yourself that you do have clear understanding and you are willing to change with the times. Assure yourself that you are safe. Thus the proverbial saying, “stop dragging your feet” and feet don't fail me now”.
Reflexology reduces stress, nurtures the central nervous system, revitalizes & balances energy and creates a wonderful sense of well-being. Studies and cases prove that reflexology is profoundly effective in curing or greatly alleviating health problems as diverse as: PMS, stress, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, arthritis, depression, digestive problems, common children's ailments, heart disease, menopausal problems, asthma and more. A good cleansing program will help your feet and the rest of you feel good and function better.
Our feet support us in our every day movement. In order for them to serve us well they need to be keenly sensitive, extraordinarily strong, and consciously supported in their alignment and development. With the arrival of Spring, we are inclined to expose our feet more. But before you go on a spending madness for designer sandals and cute shoes, think about the internal well being of your feet and your body first. Get a reflexology session as often as you get a pedicure. And remember.... pretty souls/soles before pretty toes!
Angelique Shofar, CMT, CYT conducts "Holistic Reflexology Workshops" that integrate Foot Yoga, Foot Readings and fun, exotic healing activities around the feet and hands. To schedule a Holistic Reflexology workshop or Holistic Reflexology session email her at: YogaAfrica@yahoo.com Visit her online at http://www.spiritofwellness.org
