They carry us through life, don’t they? We tend to take our feet for granted most of the time and only notice when something is wrong with them.  However, just a few minutes of attention can help to avoid most common problems. Many of us suffer from heavy and swollen feet and ankles – very often during the summer months, but also after a day’s worth of combat-Christmas-shopping....  In many cases, congestions in the lymphatic system are to blame. A regular routine of “hot-cold-footbaths” (the KNEIPP method), where both legs are bathed alternately in vessels containing cold and bearably hot water (finish with the cold bath!) can help. The water should reach to mid -calf. The addition of Dead Sea salt enhances the therapeutic effect. Regular massages can also help.

Patches of hard skin disappear when treated with a pumice stone under the shower or in the bath, when the skin is softened by the water. A nice foot cream afterwards is a real delight!

A more serious problem for some is bunions. Strappy sandals look nice for an evening out dancing, but are often only a dream for sufferers, and buying shoes can turn into a challenge.  In many cases bunions can be treated successfully with a course of acupuncture, combined with massage. Depending on the degree of deformation, five to ten sessions can make a big difference! Gentle manual manipulation targets any calcifications in the joints of the big toes and helps to release the excess mineral deposits from the joints. Tendons and ligaments will be stretched and exercised so that they are able to support the affected joints.

The application of very thin needles in certain acupuncture points along the affected meridian – mainly located on the feet – will help to get rid of any blockages in the Spleen/Pancreas Chi (“life energy”).  Some of the points may be a bit sensitive at first, but you should notice a difference after just one session. Your feet will thank you!

For more information about this treatment, contact Monika Becker at the Wantage Natural Therapy Centre on 01235 760079.