Shoe wearers self-care 101

Let’s talk about our feet, shall we? They carry us through life—literally. Sometimes, we can forget to give them the love and attention they deserve. Whether you're pounding the pavement in your favourite funky mid-heels or just lounging around, your feet are doing more work than you may realise. Why not support them with a little TLC?

First off, foot health goes beyond just picking the right shoes. It's about maintaining good circulation, reducing tension, and keeping your feet flexible and happy. Getting Chinese foot massage is one way to support healthy feet. Another natural way to help with all of that? Essential oils!

According to a study in *Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice* (2016), essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus are known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. A few drops of these oils, mixed with a carrier oil, can be massaged into your feet for a calming, relaxing effect. Not only do they smell amazing, but they can also help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling after a long day.

And don’t stop there—why not stretch out those feet with some yin yoga? Yin yoga is all about holding poses for longer periods, and it’s perfect for releasing tension in the feet and ankles.

Some go-to poses for foot health include *Butterfly Pose* (Baddha Konasana), where your feet are pressed together while sitting and gently stretching the ankles, and *Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose* (Supta Padangusthasana), which stretches the feet, calves, and hamstrings. Studies, like the one published in *The Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy* (2017), highlight how regular yin yoga practice helps with improving flexibility and blood flow in the lower body, including the feet.

So next time you’re taking a breather or winding down, remember your feet. A little essential oil massage and some gentle yin stretches will go a long way toward keeping them happy and healthy—ready to carry you through whatever life throws your way! Relaxing them will help your whole body feel amazing.