Happy Feet, Happy Travels

Ohhhhh, the humble feet. How often we just walk all over them and don't give them the kuddos they deserve. I wonder how many miles I've walked on them.... According to the website SnowBrains.com, the average person will walk about 110,000 miles. Ok, it's the internet, so don't hold me to that, but is sounds about right.

When we look more closely at them, we begin to see what an engineering marvel they really are. Here are some fun facts a bout the feet.

Each foot contains:

• 26 bones
• 33 Joints
• Over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments

Here are some ways that Yoga can help benefit you and your tootsie companions😁

• Improves Posture. Since the feet are our foundation, having a healthy and balanced posture is dependent on their health. Conversely, having a healthy, balanced posture can also help your feet
• Yoga strengthens the intrinsic foot muscles, which help keep the ankles, knees an hips to be more healthy as well.
• Stretching the back of the legs and feet in postures like Downward Facing Dog can help to reduce the tightness of the fascia at the bottom of the foot. When this fascia becomes really tight, it can get inflammed and irritated, causing "plantar fasciitis"
• Being barefoot. Since we are usually barefoot in class, this gives our feet and toes a chance to stretch out more, it also strengthens them.

To help you get started, I've created this 20 minute practice video that stretches and strengthens the feet.

What can you do?

The first step (no pun intended), is to start from where you are. If you are dealing with an injured foot, or simply have a lot of discomfort, please see a medical professional. I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on the internet, so I want to make that very clear.

You may even benefit from seeing a physiotherapist who knows you and your specific situation, they might have some helpful exercises.

Otherwise, you might consider some of these ideas to help keep your feet happy and healthy:

• Make sure your shoes look more like your actual foot and allow your foot to move as naturally as possible.
• Consider learning some self-massage techniques.
• Do strengthening and flexibility exercises

In order to help you get started, I created a 20 minute practice video, to stretch and strengthen your feet. Check out the new video, "A Gentle Practice for the Feet and Lower Leg".

If you're interested in learning more, check out this very comprehensive video from Rachel Scott in which she discusses the anatomy, massage techniques, stretches and strengthening exercises for the feet and lower leg.

Rachel Scott Video for the feet and lower leg

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I know how valuable your time is, so I truly appreciate it.

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd LOVE to hear from you.

Be well and may you always find joy in your practice,

Deb

Rachel Scott Link