Monday, October 26, 2009

Happy 25th Hand and Foot Reflexology!!!


It was October 25, 1984 when Hand and Foot Reflexology, A Self-Help Guide by Barbara and Kevin Kunz was first published and, on October 25, 2009, we celebrate twenty-five years in publication. With twenty-five printings in the U. S. and publication in six languages (English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian and Hebrew), it has reached thousands over the years. Not many books reach their 25th birthdays—actually, some 90% of all books fail in their first season and never see

a second printing.


So what was it about Hand and Foot Reflexology that made it a quarter-century success story? When you look inside this book, you well see it is full of self-help technique descriptions and

illustrations. What really stands out to this author is that behind every word and every stroke of the illustrating pen is the power of an idea: The power of reflexology is the power of you. It’s in your hands to make a difference to your body, your health, your mood. You can create change in your own body, its tone, its tension level.


Readers seemed to like the approach. Hand and Foot Reflexology, A Self-Help Guide was the most stolen book at Planetree Health Resource Library—so they decided to offer it for sale. We had added so many drawings—2002 black and white line drawings—because we knew it would help those who spoke other languages. It worked as we saw at a book signing and demonstration in Farmington, New Mexico which borders the Navajo Indian reservation. An older Navajo lady dressed in traditional tribal garb of velvet blouse, full skirt and squash blossom necklace of silver and turquoise. walked in and sat down. She seemed to like the reflexology work. She bought a book commenting, Good. Pictures. As she was leaving she said The tribe wanted me to try the new medicine. I wanted to try the old medicine.

In the writing of this book two things collided. A self-help reflexology approach of just do it, just pick among the reflexology techniques and use the one that works for what you need. Then, there was how reflexology works. If there was a logical explanation, we felt readers would think Yes, reflexology is real and because it is real, it can help me.


Barbara and Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com


Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Malaysia Reflexology Paths Part 2

Hot Spring Parks

Sungai Klah Hot Springs Park

A special treat at this hot springs park is hot spring water flowing over the cobblestoned walkway. (Or, so I thought until I read a comment from one who tried this. The jury’s still out on this one.) “A Water Reflexology Path full of Reflexology Stones where the Hot Spring Water is constantly flowing on top.” Also available are a “pebbled reflexology path” and “a pool in which to dip your feet.” Intriguing are the stations of bubbling spring water in which to boil eggs to observe the water’s temperature.


“A healing centre at the foothill of the Titiwangsa Range, the Sungai Klah Hot Springs Park in Sungkai, Perak, is one of the best managed hot springs in the country.…Sungai Klah attracts both locals and foreigners, including the Taiwanese, Japanese and Koreans. Many come to seek a cure for their skin disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, insomnia, respiratory troubles, blood circulation and other ailments.…Since the official opening in 2003, it gets some 20,000 visitors each month. It is packed on weekends, when the hot springs are open from 8am till 10pm. …Its manager Mohd Zainuddin Masduki says: ‘Visitors, especially those from Ipoh, Trolak, Slim River and nearby areas, come in just one or two hours before closing time. Then there are those who make a quick dash in after office hours.’…The entrance fee of RM5 (US$1.45) for adults, RM4 for senior citizens and RM3 for children offers access to the swimming and therapeutic pools, water reflexology course , family baths etc. There’s also a pebbled reflexology path and a pool in which to dip your feet.”

See the park.





Monday, October 19, 2009

Scientists Use Functional MRI to Validate Reflexology Tenets


Just found this site which is called MRI Answers. It has our functional MRI report. Going mainstream...
Here it is again for those who haven't seen it. 

Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) February 7, 2008 -- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies are about to change reflexology, providing illustration of some of reflexology's basic tenets. In three separate studies, Hong Kong researchers explored with fMRI what happens in the brain when pressure or technique is applied to specifc reflex areas of the left foot. Their finding: the specific parts of the brain activated by such work correlates with reflexology's theory and intended use.

In one study, reflexology applied to a specific part of the foot activated the reflected area. Specifically technique stimulation applied to the inner lateral corner of the left great toe activated the right temporal lobe, the part of the brain related to the reflex area. of the brain inner lateral corner of the left great toe to see if this would activate the part of the brain reflected by this reflex area, the right temporal lobe.

In another study, reflexology technique stimulation of the eye reflex area activated a region of the brain matching acupupoint stimulation of stroke patients with vision defects but not the visual part of the brain.

In a third study, reflexology pressure work was compared to electro-acupuncture work. This study is discussed in detail in below. The above-mentioned studies will be detailed in the future.

The studies were presented at the NeuroImage Meeting, the Annual Meeting of the Organization of Human Brain Mapping, 2005 and 2006. The researchers found that the"fMRI is a useful to investigate the central neural pathway of reflexology" The researchers, Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Chan C.C., Edward Yang, K.K.K. Wong and R. Li are with the University of Hong Kong.

During the study "Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro-Acupuncture: An fMRI study," the researchers used fMRI to compare what happens in the brain when pressure is applied to foot reflexology's adrenal gland reflex area and what happens when electrical stimulation is applied to acupuncture's K1 point, both located in approximately the same area of the foot. What they found was that the areas of the brain activated by both "were mostly localized at insula region. The stimulated reflex zone and acupoint is the treatment point for psychological anxiety, inflammation and asthma according to Reflexology and Chinese medicine. The activation in insula demonstrated that massage (reflexology) or acupuncture stimuli at the point may probably regulate emotional and pain effects. Our results are consistent with the results in psychological asthma. Also, our results indicate that massage (reflexology) has the same function as acupuncture." Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Edward S. Yang, "Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro-Acupuncture: An fMRI study," The Jockey Club MRI Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 474 TH-PM; Presented at Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping; NeuroImage 31 (2006) 237

The insula is associated with emotions, pain and visceral functions as well as integration of homeostatic information. According to Dr. Martin Paulus, a psychiatrist at the University of California, San Diego, the mind and body are integrated in the insula. "The insula itself is a sort of receiving zone that reads the physiological state of the entire body and then generates subjective feelings that can bring about actions like eating, that keep the body in a state of internal balance." (Blakeslee, Sandra, "A Small Part of the Brain, and its Profound Effects," New York Times.com February 6, 2007)

The fMRI study showed that reflexology stimuli activates other areas of the brain, one of which receives information about sensory information such as pressure to the feet. This area is the somatosensory cortex, the homunculus or the "little man," a representation of the body projected onto the brain. Reflexologists view the reflexology chart as a representation of the body projected onto the foot. The fMRI study thus shows that stimuli applied to the representation of the body on the foot communicates with the representation of the body in the brain. (Kunz and Kunz have long contended that the foot reflexology chart is one of several "homunculi" of the body. At least five parts of the brain are organized as a homunulus.)

The implications of the fMRI study are many. Among them is an understanding of other recent studies. For one, reflexology work was found to improve pain tolerance and pain threshold. (Carol Samuel "The effects on reflexology on pain threshold and tolerance in an ice-pain experiment on healthy human subject," May 13, 2007, International Congress on Complementary Medical Research (Conference)) The fMRI study has found a direct correlation between pressure to a single reflex area of the foot and one of the brain's processing areas for pain, the insula. This same area of the brain helps integrate homeostatic responses and may help explain results obtained in other research studies that link reflexology to changes in the body's viscera. Austrian researchers, For example, found improved blood flow to the kidneys after reflexology technique was applied to the kidney reflex area. In another study, Austrian researchers found the same results with an intestine reflex areas and blood flow to the intestines. Further research has demonstrated a change in blood sugar level (pancreas function) as well as functions of the heart.

Such results support a contention by Kunz and Kunz that reflexology's stimulation of pressure to the feet, by definition, communicates with and creates change in the body's homeostasis. The rationale is that in order to walk the body must see itself and fuel itself. The fMRI study demonstrates an actual mechanism with the body to explain such a theory.

Tang Annie M., Li Geng., Chan C.C., Wong K.K.K., Li R. and Edward Yang Brain Activation at Temporal Lobe Induced by Foot Reflexology: an fMRI Study, 11th Annual NeuroImage Meeting. 2005, 1445. (Publication No. :102229)www.humanbrainmapping.org

Tang M.Y., Li G., Chan C.C., Wong K.K.K., Li R. and Yang E.S., Vision Related Reflex Zone at the Feet: An fMRI Study, 11th Annual NeuroImage Meeting. 2005, 1431. (Publication No. : 102226)

Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Edward S. Yang, "Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro-Acupuncture: An fMRI study," The Jockey Club MRI Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 474 TH-PM; Presented at Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping www.humanbrainmapping.org; NeuroImage 31 (2006) 237

Author: Barbara Kunz- Reflexology Research Project

http://www.reflexology-research.com (Reflexology Research Project)

Friday, October 16, 2009

Dr. Oz's Show

©2008 David Berkowitz
Just got off the phone with the producer of the Dr. Oz Show. We are still in contention for being on the show. It sounds like when, not if. Keep your fingers crossed.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology

Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

What stress cues do you see?


Facebook | My Photos - Wall Photos
We are having a great discuss on this stress cue picture. Come join us. If you need to become my Facebook friend to view this page and hopefully comment send me a request. 

And remember both The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology and MyReflexologist Says: Feet Don't Lie have information on stress cues.



Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology

Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.

National Association of Free Clinics(NAFC)

National Association of Free Clinics(NAFC)
Dr. Oz made a very good presentation on this group last night on MSNBC. Check them out and then give.

Thanks
Kevin Kunz

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Headed to Santa Fe

Headed to Santa Fe to take some time off. Hopefully we can catch the aspens turning. Thinking a lot about forming a non- profit for supporting educational, research and legal efforts. It could help develop such things as a stress cue library or sponsor conferences on research. What would you like to see?

Monday, October 12, 2009

Self Reliance and Reflexology

Dear Mark, (http://markschinablog.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-stone-reflexology-sandals.html)
Your blog posting gave me pause. I appreciate the comments and observations made by a world traveler such as yourself. I would like to put an oar in the water here by challenging your comments about reflexology. The reason I’m doing this, is that now is a critical time for thinking about health and how one acquires it. With aging populations and rising medical costs, such issues are under debate and reflexology deserves a chair at the table.

You see in many cultures, people do take responsibility for their own health and reflexology is a key component. I contend that this fact did not present itself during your Google and Wikipedia searches is more of a commentary about the intricacies of information-finding in the world of the Web than it is about the place of reflexology in the world.

You write:
“I've also done a Google search on reflexology and there seems to be a large segment of the world's population who think that reflexology is a complete sham.… “Personally, I'm happy to wear these sandals around my apartment for a few minutes a day. Do I think that my life is going to be changed significantly by wearing them? No. Do I have faith that these sandals might help my qi out in some way that could possibly have positive benefits on my life? I'm not counting on it.”

When you note that your Google search revealed that most of the world doesn’t believe in reflexology, aren’t you noting that this is true when one refers to information available through an English-language Google search? (Google foreign language searches tell another story and, by the way, “reflexology” may not be the word utilized for the practice in these other languages.)

At the same time you note that the reflexology paths (as shown by a photo on your blog) are found in most parks in China and Asia as well as the reflexology sandals you picture “mimic the walking paths” and are found in most Chinese pharmacies. It seems that you yourself are making an argument for the fact that reflexology is used by those in the most populous country in the world as well as all Asian countries. After all why would these reflexology paths be in parks all over China and Asia if people did not believe in the idea?

Also, FYI the Wikipedia posting on reflexology that you note is a battleground for reflexologists and skeptics. Depending on when you read it, you’ll see which opinion holds sway at that particular moment.
• You quote Wikipedia noting that reflexologists don’t agree on how reflexology works. This is true of not only reflexology but of any vibrant, idea that enthusiasts enjoy discussing. (To see why we think it works in the nervous system as well as to view the research undertaken in some 23 countries, see our web page.)
• The definition of reflexology cited on Wikipedia doesn’t agree with the consensus of reflexologists which is that reflexology is the application of pressure to the feet. Further digging will show you that pressure to the feet is central to the body’s proprioceptive (nervous system) information for helping the body move as well as determine what the internal organs need to be doing. If pressure from the feet shows an individual is seated, a different internal response is needed than if the person is jogging.

By the way, reflexology is fully integrated into the seeking of health health and medicine in Chinese culture as well as that of other countries in Asia. Reflexology use in hospitals of China and Korea especially speaks of its use on a medical level. The reflexology paths and sandals are examples of self-help use. (The Chinese government includes Tap Shek (Stepping Stone) paths as part of its National Fitness Plan including granting money to build paths in Chinese cities. It is seen as a low impact fitness system appropriate for senior citizens who, reportedly, line up for their “fashionable fitness activity,” a 15-minute morning and evening walks..) Reflexology services are available across China in several chains of “reflexology parlors,”  one of which includes 700 outlets. One of the top tax payers in Japan is the woman who owns a chain of reflexology parlors in that country. Japanese tourists travel to Taiwan to visit that country’s reflexologists who practice a unique style. I could go on with other examples of the active reflexology industry in Asia, making one think that all this money is being spent on a commodity (reflexology) that these people belive in.

Thanks for the chance to voice my opinion and safe journey in your future travels,
Barbara Kunz

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Reflexology Paths of Malaysia

The reflexology paths of Malaysia are most notable for where they are found—virtually everywhere, spreading throughout the culture with the most diverse use of reflexology paths of any country.


In Malaysia, if you build it, be sure to include a reflexology path or so one might think when

reviewing them. Paths are found in: city parks, national forest parks, hospitals, hot springs resorts, spa resorts, commercial developments, housing developments, and group homes for special children and the elderly. We counted thirty paths noted below and didn’t bother to keep track of how many condominiums included a reflexology path—they all do and there are lots of them.


Great stone work, lovely designs and pleasant surroundings are hall marks of the reflexology

paths of Malaysia. Like paths in other countries, most paths are situated in multi-use areas where there are many activities, for example, playgrounds, jogging paths, hot springs, hiking trails, and /or swimming pools. Surroundings include landscaped park settings or forested nature. Reflexology paths built for particular groups—at hospitals, facilities for special children or residences for the elderly—show reflexology paths situated alongside the institution and tailored for the group with hand rails. 


Cobblestone path predominate. Many are artistically designed with patterns or various colored cobblestones. Common underfoot materials include cobblestones, rounded wood or concrete halves, larger stones set in grave.


Reflexology Path at Changwon has the cutest picture ever of kids walking on a reflexology path


We are working on a full report on http://www.reflexology-research.com. 


Kevin Kunz


http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology

Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Life is here- Order yours today.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Parent's Guide to Reflexology Released as an Electronic Book


Parent's Guide to Reflexology was originally published in 1996. Parent's Guide to Reflexology had a tough go as it was launch the day Random House was taken over.
Parent's Guide to Reflexology is one of our favorite books for a lot of reasons. After the mess that comes about when a book is released during a take over it developed a cult following. Parent's Guide to Reflexology has a standing on Amazon higher than some of our other books. It has to be because people are buying used editions. There may be a little confusion on the inside as the original title was Children's Guide to Reflexology.
Here are the particulars.

We are releasing this classic as an electronic book

if you have young children, buy this book!!!

By An Amazon Customer

My 19 month old has severe asthma and had not slept all night in weeks until a friend introduced me to reflexology. He now sleeps till 9:30 in the morning and comes to me each night to rub his feet. It has completely changed my life!!!

Make A Difference In Your Child's Life

Touch has been proven to have an impact on a growing child's health.

Reflexology focuses that touch on stressors found in the hands and the feet.

This book shows you how to:

  • Sharpen your child's reflexes
  • Learn how to relax your child in times of stress
  • Form a bond with your child that will last a Lifetime
  • Give your whole family the many benefits of reflexology
  • Target your child's stressors
  • Use the appropriate pressure techniques to combat growing pains and stress with an A-Z guide to common problems
  • Build a program of simple techniques to help the whole family
  • 256 pages, fully illustrated with easy to use charts

    Order Today!!!

    Friday, October 2, 2009

    The Reflexology Paths of Korea- Part 2

    © ngothyeaun. Image from BigStockPhoto.com

    The tourists who pass by them in the city parks of South Korea call them reflexology paths. But, to the people of South Korea wthese are barefoot parks with a barefoot shiatsu course. Some would say it’s a matter of semantics, that these look pretty much like “reflexology paths.” What’s really going on, however, is far more interesting than use of words. The paths, by any name, are a means of “well walking,” working toward health, as defined by the country’s traditions and trends.

    Barefoot walking—especially in scenic surroundings—is seen to help one: enjoy nature, ease fatigue, relax stress and ease feet accustomed to walking on asphalt. General purposes of barefoot walking are noted as: “Can feel a sense of unity with nature. Accumulated stress and positive thinking to relieve the psychological, spiritual healing can be obtained.” “helping to ensure health;” “to keep health and to foster eco-experience;” “facilitate the natural way to treat everyday illnesses;” and “solve the day’s fatigue.”

    The barefoot shiatsu courses provide a means to walk for health or as one focus of a park visit for a family outing, individuals or a couple. In addition to walking the course, one can enjoy nature, have a picnic, watch the children play, and use other park facilities such as in-line skating, badminton or other activities. Particular goals for walking the course include (as roughly translated by Google translate): “Plantar stimulate blood circulation, the immune system function and enhances the natural healing recovered;” “Feet to stimulate the muscles to release the knot, as well as the body's immune function that increases the natural healing;” “Peripheral nerve stimulation to the feet, the long-gathering capabilities, as well as smooth muscle came together to fulfill, such as fatigue is the body's natural healing that enhances immune function improves;” and “The human body organs and nerves, all connected to the human body, called thumbnails of your foot.”

    Newspapers, television and government Web sites provide information about the paths. A Web site for the National Health Insurance Corporation includes a list of the 22 paths in Seoul city parks with details about the merits of the course: descriptions of the paths, contact phone numbers and directions on how to get to them. Descriptions include elements for considering use of each path: landscaping and/or plants in the surrounding area (city park, forested or mountainous); the surface underfoot; the availability of facilities to wash the feet after the walk or a path for children and whether it’s a hiking trail.
    More information

    City Parks
    Seoul City Parks
    Photos are posted of “popular” barefoot shiatsu courses in several city parks including a children’s path. A list of barefoot parks in the city is included.
    More Information
    Multiple photos show people walking the barefoot shiatsu course. This was most commonly mentioned park during a Google translate search. Senior citizens are pictured using paths.

    A description of a family outing in Seoul includes children on a barefoot shaitsu course as well as a mother working on a child’s feet. Included in the description of the visit to the “barefoot in the park” activity is the phrase “sole chiropractor.” The word chiropractor appears at times among descriptions of walking barefoot.
    A family outing at an unknown park in Seoul

    “If you want to become health, walk barefoot”
    Multiple pictures of barefoot shiatsu paths. One photo shows the design unique to Korean paths: the sole of a foot in a color of stone different from that of the path as a whole. A photo of a foot reflexology chart is shown as well as couples walking a path.
    More Information

    “My feet are smiling”
    A personal statement about using a barefoot park is included with photos of the path.
    More Information
    Barefoot shiatsu course for children (?) is pictured in this park with pine trees normally found in the mountains. Captioning notes “walking down a chiropractor Press.” References to the paths as a “chiropractic activity” are not uncommon.
    More Information

    Press Releases
    Interesting reading from miscellaneous press releases.

    Civic Forest
    The densely forested park includes an outdoor wedding hall, outdoor stage, playground and hydroponic facilities, monuments and sports facilities—and a barefoot path with an artistic and interesting design.
    More Information

    Jang Jang Forest: “forest bathing”
    “Chapter forest bathing and walking slowly magnolia, forsythia, cherry blossoms, azaleas and flowers are in bloom.” Mallards and fish are a feature of this forest walk. (Eds. Note: We love the phrase “forest bathing” found here as well as other Web pages. No water is mentioned. Perhaps it means immersing oneself in the forest as one would immerse in water.)
    More Information

    Chonbuk Sunchang
    A personal statement about a forest walk with photos. “Clear water flowing in the valley do not know the name of prehistoric grass bloom is simplicity. Barefoot walking on the path to the well-being when you get down to gangcheonsa gileneun good to walk along the forest trails. Fresh air flowing through the valley and the birds chirping and the sound is the harmony of nature can enjoy the orchestra. Thanks to the refreshing feeling becomes.” 

    Walking barefoot
    Walking barefoot to a buddhist temple is shown with photos showing a walking meditation technique.
    More Information

    Themed / Tourism
    Jeju Halla hyuaeri Natural Living Park (Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes)
    Walking barefoot on a volcanic maze is one of the features of “Korea's largest tourist attraction, Jeju Halla hyuaeri Natural Living Park.” Visitors “Can experience the unique culture of Jeju yeongwa the natural life of the park: Chasing a baby pig, hare, amusement parks, sodalguji riding, volcano clusters labyrinth walking barefoot, doltap pile, mulheo.”
    Odongo
    Photo of path at Odongo resort

    The purpose of the “Yeosu Odongdo resort (is) to experience nature-oriented attractions in the themed attractions in the environment is changing experience.” including: “Odongdo barefoot shiatsu course, natural botanical garden, wildflowers through page to install the other hand, such as Turtle Ship and Panokseon exhibits, themed environments, and development experience to Destinations”
    More Information

    Gangwon Hwacheon hwacheoneup 1-5 Ha Lee p. 45
    A “waterfront promenade” is one feature at this island resort along with a campground and “Toe-ball, tennis courts, a multipurpose stadium, volleyball courts, and a permanent stage, hall, toilet, water and natural recreation leisure.”
    More Information

    Longevity Village
    Maintaining the health of the increasing elderly populations of small villages is discussed with the inclusion of a barefoot course. “Elderly people in the middle of town where you can relax in the brook is a small pavilion. Goteneun to promote the health of its residents and the various exercise equipment is made baljiap course. Finish to complete the lessons and dance sports, villagers descended. Elderly people walk barefoot baljiap course unpacked fatigue while sitting around ….”
    More Information

    Sports Park
    Bird’s-eye view of a barefoot shiatsu course in a sports park.

    Thursday, October 1, 2009

    The Reflexology Paths of Korea

    The tourists who pass by them in the city parks of South Korea call them reflexology paths. But, to the people of South Korea what the tourists have just seen are barefoot parks with a barefoot shiatsu course. Some would say it’s a matter of semantics, that these look pretty much like “reflexology paths.” What’s really going on, however, is far more interesting than use of words. The paths, by any name, are a means of “well walking,” working toward health, as defined by the country’s traditions and trends.

    An overview of the country’s use of foot-related therapies (shall we call them) reveals a deep entrenchment in uses for the country’s health care, so deep that precise language is utilized. Reflexology is viewed as the targeting of specific areas of the feet and hands. Korean nursing schools and journals are at the forefront of research into reflexology. By one calculation, some 59 research studies have been published in nursing journals or as graduate school thesis and dissertations in the past twenty years. Nineteen studies available in English, are discussed at the Kunz & Kunz Web site. (See. 
    http://www.reflexology-research.com/korea.html) Topics for research cross all age groups and show possible uses within the medical system including: college-aged, middle-aged and elderly women as well as stroke and hemodialysis patients. Hand, foot and self-help reflexology are each tested.

    Walking barefoot in the landscaped, forested or mountainous areas of city parks and national parks is a popular trend to “promote” one’s health. For some paths, a scenic overlook, sculptures or a lake is featured or a Buddhist temple is the destination. A “barefoot park” designation indicates that paths appropriate for barefoot walking are available. At least 22 parks within the city of Seoul are barefoot parks.

    “Barefoot shiatsu courses” are found at many of the “barefoot parks.” For example, a Boramae Park, a large Seoul city park is described with: “Major facilities include a lawn, a pond, greenbelt and other facilities and bare(foot) landscape parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, gymnasium and sports facilities, a zoo, Boramae Youth Center.”

    Elements underfoot vary from course to course but common ones include: cobblestone, black and white pebbles, sand, gravel, crushed yellow soil, rounded rock halves in a bed of gravel, rounded concrete halves and brick-sized blocks in gravel. Some report the inclusion of up to 28 different kinds of rocks. A design seen frequently—and unique to South Korea—is an embedded stone walkway with the sole of a foot in a color of stone different from that of the path as a whole. (
    http://www2.donga.com/fbin/moeum?n=d$01&a=v&l=4508&id=200508270057) Some paths include beginner, intermediate and expert sections or courses specifically for children. At times a reflexology chart will be posted to show “How is this connected to the foot and body parts.”
    Barbara Kunz