MASSAGE THERAPIES

A wooden foot roller makes a useful substitute for a relaxing massage.

A massage quickly revives tired feet. Use a refreshing cream or oil (with peppermint, for instance) and work your thumbs in a circular motion, starting at the ball of your foot, moving backward toward your heel. Return to the toes, massaging each individually. For more about massage techniques, see the coming post.

Wooden foot rollers, which come in all shapes and sizes, offer an easy alternative to massage. If you cannot find one, an old-fashioned rolling pin can be used at a pinch. Simply place the rolling pin on the floor and place you foot on it. Roll along the entire length of the foot, backward and forward, concentrating on the arches. Do this rolling 10 times, then swap to the other foot and repeat. This helps to strengthen your arches and to relieve fatigue and cramping.

Walk on pebbles or sand to massage your feet and unblock energy pathways.

Shiatsu
If you are stressed, a professional shiatsu massage will ease tension. It is an invigorating massage rather than a relaxing experience. The Japanese interpretation of Chinese acupuncture, shiatsu (which means 'finger pressure') involves the exertion of firm pressure on various points of the body that relate to different organs and energy pathways. This addresses imbalances and ensures that the body's energy, which often becomes sluggish and blocked due to stress, flows freely again.

As an alternative, walking barefoot on pebbles is also a good way to invigorate blocked energy.

Reflexology

An ancient technique practised for thousand of years, reflexology involves therapeutic massage of pressure points on the soles of the feet to stimulate major organs and aid in the excretion of toxins. There are reflex points on the hands as well as the feet, so reflexologists can work on these too, although most of them prefer working on the feet because there are more reflex points.

Reflexologists suggest that energy flows through our bodies in 10 zones. These run from the head down to the toes and the fingers, which are rich in nerve endings. The flow of energy - what the Chinese call chi - ends in many reflex points in the hands and feet.

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY POINTS

Different parts of the toes and feet relate to various organs or systems in the body. For example, the big toe corresponds to the head and the brain, the heel relates to the lower back, and the ball of the foot to the lungs.

If an area of the foot feels particularly tender, to a trained reflexologist this pain indicates tension or congestion in the related part of the body. The theory is that if there is an imbalance in the body, the energy becomes blocked at the reflex points, where toxins (uric crystals) will form.

A reflexologist can feel these blockages and will massage them to break down the crystals and restore the flow of energy. The massage may be gentle or deep depending on the degree of blockage. It will also stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and help to flush away any toxins.

Reflexology can alleviate stress and anxiety, headaches, migraines, insomnia, asthma, eczema, premenstrual tension, digestive disorders, back pain and high blood pressure. Reflexology treats the body and mind, so expect fairly detailed lifestyle questions at your first appointment. The therapist will normally start with a general foot massage, familiarizing herself with your feet and helping you relax, before going on to work on specific areas. It is not painful, although there may be some tenderness in places where there is congestion. During the treatment you may feel hot or cold as energy shifts around your body. You will probably feel tired, but relaxed, after the treatment.