As the foundation of the human body, feet receive a lot of abuse from their owners in day-to-day tasks such as standing, walking and running. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association “An average day of walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons to bear on the feet.”
Using bodywork modalities specific to the feet is a common tool in a good foot health regimen.
East Asian Foot Massage, or zoku shin do
Zoku shin do is a Japanese form of foot therapy with roots in Chinese medicine. Popularized by Shogo Mochizuki, author of The Art of East Asian Foot Reflexology Japanese Foot Massage and Shiatsu for the Foot, Asian Bodyworkers are more likely to offer this modality than Swedish style massage therapists.
Foot Reflexology
One of the most common forms of foot therapy, Reflexology has roots from Egyptians, Chinese medicine and Native Americans to name a few. Modern Foot Reflexology is available through Reflexologists that have received specialized training in this modality. See Finding a Reflexologist for more information.
Padabhyanga
Ayurvedic medicine’s answer for foot therapy includes liberal amounts of oils or ghee (clarified butter), and some focus work on small energy points called marmas. A three-metal bowl called the kansa bowl is used during the session. Johari is credited with the saying “Diseases do not go near one who massages his feet before sleep, just as snakes do not approach eagles.” An Ayurveda practitioner is likely to offer Padabhyanga. There are also Reflexologists incorporating techniques from this modality and offering Ayurvedic Reflexology, a blend of theories from both worlds into a single session.
Rolfing Focus Work on Feet
Applied in the second session a Rolfer focuses his or her work on the feet and lower legs to provide support for the body’s foundation. It is not a separate modality and is only given in succession with a Rolfing series.
Rwo Shur or Taiwanese Foot Reflexology
Known for its intense pressure, the Rwo Shur modality has a very large following in Asia, traveling well outside of Taiwan. It was originally founded by a Swiss priest who was able to cure arthritis in his own knees using a self-help Reflexology book a friend sent him. Sessions are shorter than Western Foot Reflexology and practitioners employ a wooden dowel to prevent thumb overuse and to achieve large amounts of pressure. Western practitioners trained in Rwo Shur can easily adjust pressure as their foundation is a more moderate to light pressure style of Foot Reflexology. Father Josef’s method is taught in the United States still.
Thai Foot Massage
Developed in Thailand the Thai Foot Massage uses Sen lines, or energy lines, and borrows theories from Shiatsu, Reflexology, Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Small wooden dowels are used on the feet for stimulation and to allow the practitioner to reach a level of pressure comfortable for the client.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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