January 2009. Volume 1, Issue 5 | www.infiniteindulgence.com
Tips for Pampering Those Hard-working Feet
by Ann Karcich
It's easy to ignore our feet -- and most
of us do ignore them -- until they start to hurt. As the Greek philosopher
Socrates once said "When our feet hurt, we hurt all over." Foot problems
can range from dry, cracked skin to athlete's foot to more serious problems
that are indicators of major health problems like diabetes. This article
describes some simple, inexpensive ways to keep your feet in top condition.
And these tips will also help you get your feet beach- and sandal-ready in
no time.
Basic Steps
Daily care is the first step to healthy, sexy feet. Wash your feet daily in
warm, not hot, soapy water. While washing, inspect the feet for cracks,
infections or any injuries. Rinse and dry the feet thoroughly especially
between the toes. This will help prevent fungal infections like athlete's
foot which thrive in moist environments. Then apply your favorite
moisturizer all over -- again except for between the toes. The hydrated
skin of the feet will be less likely to crack which can be painful and make
you more susceptible to infection.
Feet Need to Relax Too - Try a Foot Soak
Every day our feet endure many tons of cumulative force -- just during our
routine activities. And the dictates of fashion often tell us to wear shoes
that just aren't feet-friendly (think six inch high heels). So a little
tender loving care for our feet not only can help the feet but can also give
a few minutes of revitalization time for our mind and spirit as well.
A foot soak is one way to give our feet a timeout. Soaking not only gives
us relief for our tired, aching feet but it also can draw toxins out of our
system. You can create a simple but beneficial foot soak with two
tablespoons of Epsom salts in three quarts of warm water. Soak the feet for
ten to twenty minutes -- and pretend you're walking along a salt water
beach. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the soak can calm
and refresh you mind as well. After the soak, be sure to dry your feet well
-- again especially between those toes.
Feet Still Tired? Try a Foot Massage
Massaging the feet is another way to provide whole body and mind relaxation.
For a massage oil, use a vegetable-based oil like sesame or olive oil and
add a few drops of a high-quality essential oil. Rose, lavender or
sandalwood oils are often used for relaxation and calming. To perform the
massage, use gentle, but firm, squeezing or stroking motions. Circular
motions using the thumb and forefinger and kneading motions can also be
enjoyed. Try them all and see which ones you like the best. And don't
forget to massage both feet -- the few minutes you spend on each foot can be
a welcome gift you can give yourself.
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