March 13th 2024
Your Feet
Consider the feet as an extension of the spine. When we stand, our feet connect us to the Earth. The body is stacked on top of the feet and is balanced. We begin our yoga practice by directing attention to the foundation of each pose, typically starting with what lies on the ground – your feet. With three arches and 33 joints, the foot plays a crucial role in providing flexibility, shock absorption, adaptation to various surfaces, and even weight distribution throughout the body. Understanding how you distribute the weight on the feet can influence not only the foundation and alignment of the yoga posture but also how you move through life.
Think about instances where improper weight distribution led to instability, as seen in news reports of cranes toppling over due to inadequate counterweight at the base. In everyday situations where our bodies twist and contort, such as bending to search a low cabinet or reaching for an item on a tall shelf, yoga asanas become practical and applicable.
In standing poses, a general guideline is to distribute half of the weight on the heel and evenly divide the other half between the ball of the big and little toe. Check the image below for more details.
In class this week we spoke about reflexology of the foot. Here is an image with more details.
FOOT HEALTH FOR HAPPY FEET
Every day, you depend on your feet to live, work, and play. The average person takes about 10,000 steps a day, which amounts to a lot of stress and strain on your feet and ankles. That’s why it is important to assess your foot health regularly and catch problems early. Many experts believe that feet are an indicator of overall health. A change in your feet – whether on the skin, nails, or how your feet feel – can be an indicator of other problems in the body.
Poor Circulation – Blood circulation is important for overall health. While gravity helps blood get to the feet, good circulation gets the blood moving from the feet back up to the heart. Good toe movement and mobility help the blood circulate through the body.
Tip: Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color fades, about 5 seconds. Then let go and allow the blood flow to return to your toe. If you have average circulation, the return of normal color to your toe should take 2-5 seconds.
Stiff Toes, Heels, and Ankles– You need toe, heel, and ankle flexibility for proper walking. Issues in the feet and ankles can affect the body, from the knees to the hips to the back, shoulders, and neck.
Tip: Try to pick up a marble or a small dishtowel with just your toes to assess their flexibility. To test your ankle flexibility, stand on a stair while facing up the staircase. Hang your heel over the edge and let it go below the level of the stair. If this causes pain, stop the test. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, your flexibility level is excellent. If there is some strain, you can correct it with flexibility exercises.
Improper Alignment– Imagine your feet as the roots of a tree. They help stabilize your body during movement. If your body is not in appropriate alignment, decreased strength, stiffness, and eventually, pain can begin.
Tip: Your feet and knees work best together when moving in the same direction. Notice how your knees move with your feet.
Wearing the Wrong Shoes– Any heeled shoe or pointed toe bed (men’s included) can move the feet out of their natural position and cause toe pinching. Choose shoes that are flexible to allow mobility and flexibility and a toe bed that is rounded.
Tip-Stiff toes reduce the ability to flex and push off correctly when walking, forcing the ankle to not move correctly when taking a step. Stiffness in the ankles decreases the mobility in the hips, which forces you to take small steps when walking. Tightness in the heels causes tight Achilles tendons and calf muscles, leading to a reduced range of motion in the ankles, stiff hips, and low back pain.
Foot Yoga Video
Check out my short video on how to better connect with your feet.
News!
You make me better! I am overjoyed with the support you have all given me this season. Now it’s time to make your voice heard! Tell me what classes and workshops you would like to see offered next season. Your opinion matters! Click here to take the survey.
No Evening Class March 22st. Stop by and see our art this evening instead! LAS ARTISTAS are a group of amazing people that found Silvestre Coffee & Bakery to gather and create amazing watercolors and sketches. Friday, March 22st, they will share their work at ARgaleria & Silvestre Coffee & Bakery – 5pm to 7pm. Stop by and show your support!
Off-Season Schedule coming soon – Starting April 1st classes will change due to the season slowing down. I hope to keep classes going until Mid-May. Stay tuned for the new schedule. As a reminder, you can always find updates on my social media. Facebook and Instagram
Got a question? Contact me at aguacatespacificos@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook and Instagram.
Cartoon of the Month!
Some days, you’ll wake up feeling as bright and sunny as a summer day. Other days, it might feel like there are a few clouds in your sky, making things a bit gloomy. And guess what? That’s perfectly okay! Just like how rain comes and goes, it’s normal to have sad feelings sometimes. Remember, it’s all a part of being human, and those feelings won’t stick around forever. So, embrace each day, no matter what the weather.