Scottish Institute of Reflexology

BALANCING ACT

As reflexologists we all know the wonderful benefits of working the feet and now scientists are beginning to get the idea too.  The latest research into improving health issues such as high blood pressure, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and chronic tiredness concludes that we should walk on uneven surfaces.

An article in the 24/31 December 2005 New Scientist (www.newscientist.com), caught the eye of both Myrtle and myself. “Walk on the wild side” describes two products – a “cobblestone walk way”, which is a roll out mat, and “Masai Barefoot Technology shoes”. Both are designed to throw you slightly off balance activating a range of muscles around the foot, ankle and lower legs.

In the late 60’s researchers concluded that walking continuously on smooth, flat surfaces, which concentrate forces on just a few areas of the foot, was wasting the natural flexibility of the foot. This in turn was causing blood to pool in the legs stressing the entire cardiovascular system.  Further research in 2005 also concluded that walking on uneven surfaces was a “useful non-pharmacological approach for preventing or controlling hypertension in older adults”, and advocated the use of “cobblestone mats”.

 

In China outdoor cobblestone paths have long been widely used as a way to maintain health and wellbeing, and Europe is now taking up the idea with people visiting “barefoot parks” where they can keep fit and healthy by walking along “paths of the senses”. 

 

As ever there is also the “high-tech” approach. You can now purchase the “Masai Barefoot Technology shoes”, which cause you to rock slightly when standing, due to their rounded soles. The sales pitch for both the mat and the shoes is improved health through your feet.  Something reflexologists have believed for some 5000 years!

 

Louise Baillie M.S.I.R.

( A similar article also appeared in the Scottish Daily Express which interested Elizabeth Reid. She had a letter published saying that while she agreed with the principle of the benefits of walking on uneven surfaces, they could be a menace to wheerchair users, people walking with sticks, mums with buggies, etc. Much better to have reflexology; “sheer bliss and no inconvenience to others.” Liz has managed yet another plug for reflexology in the press. ED)

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