Sunday, June 20, 2010

My Dad always said " Wash your feet!"

Every night before bed my Dad would say, "Goodnight, Melissa. Don't forget to wash your feet!" Part of it was an inside joke but really, he meant it! Dirty feet alway disgusted him. After today, I have just had enough of looking at tired, calloused, and black feet in those disgusting cheap flip flops. UGHH! I was downtown returning from a great day at the beach, revering in the amazing warm breeze off the water, when I glanced down next to me; there was a clean-cut guy standing beside me who had the grungiest feet that I've seen in while! I was tempted to instruct him on scrubbing and disinfecting secrets but I decided against it. "Mind your own business" I muttered to myself, and regale your tips to those who may actually care! Our feet carry us through the day in many a grungy places. Especially now, wearing flip flops, sandals, and even going around bare foot both inside and out, we carry layers of dirt, pollution, bacteria, and fungus all the way into our beloved homes and into our beds! YUK, right? As important as washing our hands during the Influenza/Flu season, washing and caring for our feet should be your priority this season. EVERYONE benefits from a foot scrub and soak. Tired & sore feet, dirty feet, swollen ankles and feet, pretty feet, smelly feet, Pregnant feet, Young and Old....try it. You'll love it. And, don't forget about following up with a lotion foot massage afterwards! First off, take a good look at your feet. Top and bottom. Take note of blisters, sores, dried gum (yes, that happens), moles, callous, ripped skin, redness, etc. If you notice anything that you don't recall you had any responsibilty of inflicting, please see a foot specialist (Podiatrist or Chiropodist) or your family doctor. Tis the season for Athletes Foot, Fungus infections, Infected toenails (from bad pedicures and clipping your nails too short), Infected Blisters, and the dreaded Wart. Otherwise, you need a good scrub, wash, soak, and rub with lotion. Now doesn't that sound good? Set yourself up with these essentials and then set your alarm for 20 minutes, then ENJOY.
  1. Large Basin, Tub, or any deep and wide bowl filled with some soft polished rocks in the bottom
  2. A few towels
  3. Relaxing music
  4. An extra pillow or two...one to lean your back on and another to place on your lap so you can rest your arms on - relax those shoulders and deep breathe!
  5. Mix your favorite scrub in a ceramic bowl and place it near your feet
  6. Have your favorite foot lotion or oil near-by
  7. Bring your Essential Oils of choice
There are many options and recipes for a foot soak therefore I will leave you with one of my favorite sites to peruse through and find one that suits your needs. www.diy-stress-relief.com/foot-bath.html I will always be here to answer your questions or concerns and to help you tailor a mix especially for you and your condition. Simply, enjoy and relax.
TIP: LEAVE NEAR YOUR BATHTUB at all times.....
  • Glass jar filled with Sea Salt or White Sugar
  • One type of Essential Oil, or a bottle of reputable/organic essential oil mixed tincture
  • Small plastic bottle of oil - Organic Sesame, Jojoba, Grapeseed, or Olive Oil

When scrubbing your feet, to avoid a slip or loss of balance, please sit on the side of the tub.

BE PREPARED:

Open all bottles of oil as well as your jar of salt or sugar.

Grabbing a handful of sugar/salt in one palm (about 1/2 cup)... add 3-5 drops of Essential Oil AND then a few drops of Carrier Oil. With the water running on low, run your free hand under the water, grabbing a small amount of it in that palm....drop small amounts of the water to your other palm holding the scrub - creating a moistening;...JUST enough to see a 'paste' form. Mix it gently with a free finger. Then, get scrubbing - one foot at a time.

You'll feel goosebumps, tingles, even some sensitive areas. Just make sure to cover it all...even your toes, cuticles, nails, heels, and even your shins. Go slowly and don't use too much pressure. Let the scrub do it's work, naturally. Gently. The oils will soon penetrate your tired feet and its healing benefits will be absorbed into your system. Inhale the wonderful Aromatherapy, calming your senses and releasing tension.

After a few minutes, run your feet and hands under the water, or in the shower.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO SLIP...

THIS WILL LEAVE A FILM IN YOUR TUB OR SHOWER AND IS DANGEROUS.

After you have rinsed off, dab your legs and feet dry. Then, rub in the excess oil that is left on the surface. Follow up with a lotion massage.

Feel how soft and healthy your feet are. And, your hands, too!

Breathe and blossom

Namaste,

Melissa