 As a barefoot therapist, I get tons of people asking me how I keep my feet in such great condition. Clean, soft, and smooth feet are super important to me because I use them as massage tools so my feet have to be in tip top shape. Getting frequent pedicures really help to make sure everything is properly taken care of but daily care is a must. Besides wearing good shoes and avoiding situations where your feet can get rough or injured, I have a few suggestions for regular foot care. Scrubbing them every morning with a pumice stone only takes a few minuets, but makes a big impact on breaking down callous that forms on the ball of the foot or sides of the toes from everyday walking and shoes.  My Mr. Pumice is truly fantastic and is my go to daily foot smoother. I also suggest their callous terminator If you really want to speed up the process.  After cleaning and drying your tootsies, YOU MUST lotion them up! This is pretty important because dry feet can start to crack. It can be painful and not at all sanitary. I choose Lush's foot lotion because I love the natural stuff and its got arnica, one of my favorite pain relievers. My feet and legs tend to get sore from standing all day and from giving Ashiatsu sessions so this stuff really helps.  I LOVE Lush's Happy feet gift set that they put out during the summer! It comes with a foot mask that deodorizes and smooths them, The lotion mentioned above, that is minty and has arnica to help with achy or soreness, a foot shaped scrub that leaves em' soft and smooth and a fun bath bomb. Plus, check out the super cute bandana! Feet with mustaches! What's NOT to LOVE! Not an everyday regimen but a fun treat! So those are just a few of my suggestions on how to keep your feet looking and smelling yummy this summer. QUESTIONS: Do you have any tips to share? Tell me how you care for your feet in the comments below.  Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta and is located in Richardson, Tx. Visit gaiabodywork.com for more information.
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 I just LOVE barefoot massage techniques! This weekend I hosted a Fijian massage class in my office and we had a blast! Many thanks to Jessica Harrison-Davis for coming to Richardson and teaching us this awesome work! Jessica was one of the few instructors to be trained by the founder of Fijian massage before she retired. She works at the Tanglewood resort in Pottsboro, TX and offers relaxation massage, deep tissue techniques, plus Ashiatsu and Fijian Massage. Fijian massage (from the islands of Fiji) was developed by Lolita Knight over the past 20 years or so. The Fijian people are hard working folks and massage is very much a part of their culture to ensure that they can do their everyday work in top physical condition. This type of massage is another barefoot modality (style), meaning the therapist uses their feet to give the massage. It's remarkable how feet make the most effective massage "tools." Sure, hands feel great but when you're wanting DEEP work, feet are much better at getting in to the thicker layers of tissue where nasty trigger points or "knots" like to hang out. Not only is it deep work, but the larger surface area of the heel or the outside edge of the foot makes it relatively pain free- no bony elbows or knuckles to worry about.  I also love the fact that the client doesn't have to undress to get the full benefit of this massage. It can be done anywhere and is very versatile. I KNOW that I will be offering Fijian instead of the typical chair massage when I do events from now on!  We worked for two days in my office learning and practicing. We were discovering new ways to use our feet, how to apply pressure, and use specific movements to give the deeper but gentler massage. It satisfies those clients wishing for deeper pressure and is effective for treatment of deep trigger points, scar tissue, and sore tight muscles. Not to mention, it's very soothing and relaxing. Now it's time for me to really study and practice the techniques before adding it to my massage menu. I'm sure my husband will be happy to be my practice body!  Questions: Are you stuck in a rut with traditional massage or an adventurous massage therapy connoisseur ??? Tell me what you think under the comments section!  Gaia Bodywork is now The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage. is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta Massaging Dallas since 2004. Visit hillaryarrieta.com for more information. |
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 The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage Blog — Healing & Wellness in Plano & Dallas, TX |
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