Beat the chilly feet blues: easy DIY foot reflexology at home!
Are your feet still feeling the winter blues? Spring officially arrived in Amsterdam two weeks ago, but the temperatures haven’t quite caught on, and my feet surely feel chilly. Before your toes see the light of day in sandals, treat them to a refreshing DIY foot reflexology routine!
It seems like I often find myself writing about feet during spring, like in 2022’s Dutch blog, but incorporating foot reflexology into your self-care routine can be a powerful way to align with the energy of spring and nurture yourself from the inside out.
Why reflexology?
Reflexology isn’t just about pampering your feet; it is an ancient holistic practice that targets specific pressure points linked to various organs and systems in your body. By stimulating these points, you can experience a range of benefits, including:
- Stress & anxiety relief
- Improved sleep
- Boosted energy levels
- Headache alleviation
- Overall wellbeing enhancement
Sneak in some TLC while you multitask
No time for a dedicated session? No worries! Here are some sneaky ways to turn everyday activities into a foot massage on the go:
- Screen time: Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite show or catching up on emails, take a minute to wiggle your toes to boost circulation.
- Work warrior: Ease workday tension by rolling a tennis ball (or better yet, a cork ball) under your arch while tackling your daily tasks, making foot care part of your easy foot care routine.
- Culinary footwork: Improve circulation with calf squeezes and heel lifts during cooking, fitting foot care seamlessly into your busy day.
Got 10 minutes? Take a DIY reflexology break
If you do have a few minutes to spare, you can reap the benefits of reflexology with a little DIY session:
- Warm up:Â Rub your palms together and cup your feet for a few seconds each.
- Target foot pressure points: Focus on specific areas like the solar plexus (below your big toes) to promote relaxation. It roughly corresponds with the Kidney 1 point mentioned in my February ’24 blog post. The solar plexus is a network of nerves located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. It also plays a role in regulating the digestive system by sending signals between the brain and the gut, so stimulating this area can address digestive issues.
- Cool down:Â Gently wiggle your toes and relax.
Spring cleaning your body – The liver & gallbladder connection
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) associates the Wood element with spring, symbolising new beginnings, growth, and outward movement. The Liver is seen as the body’s “Wood” organ and is said to play a central role in detoxification, renewal, and overall well-being. The Gallbladder is energetically connected to the Liver.
Locating the liver & gallbladder reflex zones:
On the top of the foot, just below the base of the second and third toes, you’ll find the reflex zones for the Liver and Gallbladder. Similarly, on the sole of the foot, these reflex zones are more or less mirrored towards the inner edge, just below the base of the second and third toes. Apply gentle pressure to these areas to stimulate the corresponding reflex zones.
Enhance with essential oils
Elevate your DIY reflexology experience by incorporating the soothing aroma and healing benefits of essential oils like Geranium or Peppermint. Add a few drops to a carrier oil (like almond oil) and dilute it properly before applying it to your feet.
Feeling the benefits? Want to dive deeper?
While DIY techniques are a great introduction to reflexology, if you’re ready to take your foot care to the next level, consider booking a professional session at The Essence of Presence in Amsterdam for a deeper, more personalised experience.
Jessica Felsenthal
This post is also available in: Dutch
