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The Feet Feel Too {By: James Gilbert Pynn}

by James Gilbert Pynn

Though I run the risk of coming off as an adherent of New Age philosophies, I feel I have to make the case for something called zone therapy, otherwise known as reflexology. I know what youre thinking: James, you’ve done it again. Yes, perhaps I have. But so what? This ancient therapy does not require the use of any special crystals or ethereal pan flute music. All that’s required is a semi-open mind and your bare hands and feet.

Reflexology is more than just a hand or foot massage, even though it is, well, a hand or foot massage. It’s all in the intention. A trained reflexologist knows which points on your hands and feet (and sometimes ears) correspond to which organs, joints, or bodily functions. For instance, the hollow of the foot is said to correspond to your stomach. Have a muscle cramp? Have that part of your foot rubbed.

This may sound like a pitch for snake oil, but the respected journal, Neuroscience Letters, claims that there is indeed a neural link between the brain and the foot. Of course, I would say, how else are we able to walk? Thanks, I’ll be here all week! But seriously, folks, there is something to be said for this form of therapy. I know because it worked for me. My chronic headaches, which bordered on migraines, have abated since I started getting my hands rubbed.

Bizarre, sure. Slightly creepy, you bet. But it works for me. It could work for you. It’s like Tai Chi — some people swear they can feel the chi running through their bodies. Other people punch people like that in the stomach and laugh. It’s hard to say and I do sympathize with those of you who are creeped out by other people touching their hands and feet.

To that end, I recommend a handy, dandy foot massager. You can find models that are electric (and hence vibrating) or wooden (and do nothing but get mashed into your soft spots). The vibrating ones get the job done and even come with warm water jets and DVD players. I’m just kidding about the DVD players. Either way, it’s something that may work for some people out there, and if something works, why not give a try?

About the Author:
There are a number of foot massager models out there. Find one that doesn’t scare the daylights out of you and give it a go. My advice, start slow. Throttling an electric foot massager at full blast out of the box is just asking for trouble.


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