Achieving Balance: the Feet

As we navigate our daily lives, finding balance can be challenging yet immensely rewarding. Balance encompasses many aspects, but whether we consider it from a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual perspective, it always leads back to being grounded and centered.

In this post, let's focus on balance from a physical standpoint. What is essential for achieving good balance? Many people believe that balance is solely about leg strength. While helpful, it is not the most crucial factor. The legs must also be flexible, properly aligned, and free of tension points. Ultimately, a strong yet flexible core, spine, and foundation (feet) are the most beneficial for enhancing our balance.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

So let's begin by focusing on the feet.
26 Bones

32 Joints

56 Ligaments

38 muscles

7000 proprioceptors

7 introceptors on each proprioceptor

WOW!! Considering all this complexity, it's clear that our feet are incredibly important. Yet, how many people actually exercise their feet or give them the same attention as the rest of their body? Is it because we can cover them up, and who ever compliments someone by saying, "Nice feet you have there"?

The Importance of Healthy Feet: Foundation of Movement and Stability
It's time to give our feet the attention they deserve! We often overlook them, trapping them in sensory deprivation devices (shoes) that limit their ability to feel, move, and expand. Let's set them free!

Our feet and toes are absolutely crucial for movement. They ground us to the earth and serve as the foundation of our bodies. Just like a building needs a solid base to stand tall, our feet need to be balanced and sturdy to support our legs, spine, arms, and head. But that's not all—they also need to be mobile and flexible to carry and propel us forward as we walk. If our foundation is weak and unstable, it can lead to misalignments throughout the body. When a foot is out of alignment, the ankle, knee, pelvis, and spine follow suit. Let’s keep our base strong and aligned for a healthier, more vibrant life!

 Understanding the Impact of Alignment on Pain and Balance
Examining how we stand, walk, run, and sit is key to uncovering the root of misalignment, often the sneaky source of pain. By identifying and correcting this misalignment, we can usually wave goodbye to discomfort! When we're aligned, our balance improves dramatically. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll dive into how having our feet firmly grounded impacts the spine and enhances our overall balance!

Enhancing Foot Mobility and Reducing Tension Through Targeted Techniques
~ Standing barefoot, feel the excitement as you take stock of the weight on your feet! Notice how they connect with the ground, the parts that feel heavier or lighter, and the areas gripping the earth. How do they feel overall? Now, let’s scan the rest of your body as you shift back and forth on your feet, discovering any areas of tension, pain, or limited mobility.

~ Next, let's bring in some delightful warmth! Grab a heating pad, neck wrap, or even an old sock filled with rice, tied off, and heated in the microwave. Use this comforting heat to soften the tissues of your feet by standing on it and massaging the soles. Take note once more of any areas that feel tense or resistant to mobility.

~ Now, grab a massage ball or a well-worn tennis ball!

~ Roll your entire foot over it, and notice any tight spots!

Pressure point areas:

- Big toe ball (try each toe ball to help release and elongate those toes!)

- Arch directly in front of the heel

- Outer foot arch (cuboid)

- Mid inner foot arch (plantar fascia)

~ To energize your ankle, place the ball of your foot over the ball, keep your heel down, and roll the ball of your foot from side to side. Feel the mobility!

Enhance Foot Health and Balance with Our Foot Course
This is an exciting beginning to awakening and freeing your feet for improved proprioception and balance! If you're eager to pamper your feet, checkout our Foot Workshop. Want to be the first to hear about it? Make sure you're signed up for our monthly newsletter!