Lets think about it. The foot is our body's main source of support. The feet connect us to the earth. Feet work harder for you than almost any other part of your body. In addition, feet are furthest from the heart where circulation tends to stagnate and gravity tends to pull toxins.

Feet are of high importance because each foot is home to 7000 superficial nerve endings. They support us with an intricate structure that consists of 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles and 107 ligaments.  Our feet deserve the same wellness considerations as the rest of our body, and yet it is an area that is often neglected until we start to experience problems.  (nearly half of the U.S. population will at some point in their lives experience problems with their feet.)


Wear the Correct Shoes and Check the Size Regularly. Despite their popularity, flip-flops were never designed to be worn as an all-day work shoe. Even as part of the latest trend, people should use caution about wearing them for hours at a time on cement and hard surfaces. Flip-flops are beach shoes, meant to be worn to protect the soles of our feet while walking on a surface like sand. They offer no arch support and no protection for your feet. If you want to wear a sandal to work, experts say something like a Birkenstock or Chaco (that offers some support) is a much better choice.

Pamper Your Feet. Get a pedicure from a professional at least once a month. Good nail care can help present future foot problems. A good nail technition will help you keep an eye out for issues, like the start of a nail fungus, a callus, or a blister. Lynn Lemke (see my website under "Beau's Favorite Providers of Other Services") is offering a special on pedicures this month for my massage clients. Clip the coupon at the bottom of this newsletter, give her a call and be sure to mention my newsletter to get your discount.  She's excellent!


Most of us will log about 1,000 miles each year on our feet. Because of this, it is important to stretch the muscles in the foot, ankle, and arch. An effective way to stretch the bottom of the foot is with a tennis ball. While sitting watching TV or even while working on the computer, roll a tennis ball along the bottom of your foot from heel to toes, applying medium to deep pressure as you go. Another good stretch is to grab all of the toes on one foot with your thumb on the bottom, and the rest of your fingers on the top and stretch by pulling toes up toward your knee and then curling them down toward the floor. I personally like to do foot stretches while soaking in a hot bath with epsom salts and essential oils. It helps to warm up the feet and leg muscles for about 10 minutes in the water then start the gentle stretches. You will be amazed at how great your feet will feel afterwards. (as well as your legs and the rest of your body!)

Be kind to your feet.  Give them the pampering they deserve so they will be happy and healthy.  The rest of your body will appreciate the feet being happy too!