Feet. They often come secondary on our list of well-being concerns. Not unless we're experiencing foot pain because of wrong footwear choice, or complaining about walking 20,000 steps on a trip abroad, then most of the time, we don't give our feet too much attention. For us ladies, we only think of our toes when we're in dire need of a nail salon session. But did you know that you should be paying attention to your feet a lot more?

We had the chance to speak to a Reflexology Expert at The Sole Retreat in Okada Manila and picked her brain about why feet health is of utter importance to our overall well-being. 'In reflexology, our feet represent each part of the body, such as the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and other internal organs. Since the principle behind reflexology is based on the concept of energy flow, blockages or imbalances in the flow of energy could lead to various physical and emotional ailments. By massaging and applying pressure to specific reflex points on the feet, the therapists aim to release the blockages and restore the harmonious flow of energy, helping the body heal and achieve overall body health', she shares.

If you've ever wondered why you feel a huge sense of relaxation and relief after a foot reflexology session, it's most likely because your body needed that re-balancing of energy, thanks to the reflex points that were targeted during the massage.

If you're still not convinced, she gives us even more reasons to give our footsies a little more TLC that it deserves. She goes on to share that 'Apart from the principle of reflexology, our feet are composed of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments that work together for us to be able to stand, walk, run and other activities while carrying the full weight of our body. When some parts of the feet are not well, it may not only cause discomfort and pain but could also lead to long term joint and muscle damage, making it difficult to move. The restriction in movement could lead to worsening the overall health.'

The next time you're tempted to take your feet for granted, think again. Before bed, give it a good rub with some lotion or liniment, soak it in warm water and some relaxing salts, or put your legs up to allow your feet to fully rest. If you're feeling generous and want to treat yourself, why not book a foot reflexology session to help you unwind, re-balance, and relax?

I recently tried The Sole Retreat and it was hands down one of the best massages of my life. It was one of those instances wherein I tried my hardest not to fall asleep but ended up dozing off out of sheer relaxation and rest. At The Sole Retreat, they are trained in pressure and stimulation using reflexology technique (with choice of Asian or Ingham method) and is applied on specific points, with the aim of improving blood and energy circulation. According to them, they aim to help the clients reach a sense of equilibrium and promote self-healing.

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So the next time you're abroad and you pass by a foot reflexology spa, don't hesitate to enter and treat yourself after a long day of walking. Your body will surely thank you for it and will get you ready for another full day of steps.

Book your appointment at The Sole Retreat here.

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