Got the Feet Winter Blues?

May sound strange…but there is a direct connection. With over 7,000 nerve endings in our feet, our entire body is constantly stimulated and circulation increased when we walk barefoot. This includes the stimulation of the glands that release all of those feel good hormones. Wonder why we feel so much better in the summer? It’s not just the sunshine.

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When the weather cools our feet are stuffed into socks, slippers, shoes and boots and our body loses that essential connection to the earth.  With cold weather the circulation to our feet and hands can also contract, just when needed the most, as our body works to keep its core warm. So with all the stimulation our nerve endings have been used to through the warmer months reduced considerably, our whole being suffers.

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What can you do?
Stimulate your feet on a daily basis through the winter months to increase the blood and nerve circulation. Here are a few diy suggestions:

• Give your feet a moisturizing massage. Skin tends to be drier this time of year and needs a little extra care. When applying lotion to your feet use some pressure and be sure to massage the entire foot, top and bottom, between the toes, on the tops of the toes and up around the ankle. This will stimulate the entire foot’s nerve endings.
• Walk barefoot over carpet or textured flooring, bring a small tray of sand or small, rounded rocks inside to walk upon, use a foot roller or roll a golf ball under your barefeet. The uneven textures will help to stimulate the different pressure points in your feet and increase circulation.
• Look for activities where you can participate barefoot such as yoga, dance, martial arts … not only great for your circulation, keeping active helps to lift your mood and release natural feel good hormones and chemicals in the body. As a dancer, and a yoga enthusiast I can attest to just how beneficial barefoot activities are for mind and body wellness through the darker, colder months. 

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Can Reflexology Help?

Regular sessions during the winter months will keep your body and mind feeling great!
Since ancient times Reflexology has shown to be beneficial for:

• Circulatory Problems
• Back Problems and Muscular Aches & Pain
• Plantar Faciitis
• Migraine and Stress Headaches
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Sinus Problems and Breathing Disorders
• Digestive Issues
• Arthritic Conditions
• Tension and Stress
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and acute Anxiety 
  or Panic disorders

In creating a state of deep relaxation, Foot Reflexology and Hand Reflexology encourage the body to heal itself, naturally.

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​Teresa Graham studied Clinical Reflexology through the Reflexology Association of Canada and has had an active practice since 1995.

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