Reflexology Path for Kids: Do-It-Themselves Fun

Are your kids bored? It’s a common complaint these days. How about some entertainment that’s healthy for them?

A build-it-themselves reflexology path offers such an opportunity. What’s a reflexology path? Imagine a sidewalk with section of varying surfaces arranged to give sensory stimulation to the feet. 

For growing children sensory stimulation of the foot encourages development both physically and mentally. Children’s reflexology paths are found in parks in Korea and schoolchildren in Germany make their won paths by gathering sticks, stones and other elements and arranging them in low-walled boxes.

We once introduced a tribe of three brothers to some simple materials to build their own path and watched them go to work. The fun was in arranging and then re-arranging the segments of the path and then experiencing the path underfoot. 

The do-it-yourself path can be made in minutes outdoors with materials gathered around the garden or easily available materials from a big box store. Station one material after another to form parts of the path, shaped like a sidewalk segment or go free form. Paths can be made for the day, casually laid on the lawn, or a more permanent structure, boxed in wooden outlines.

Safety first. Always consider the surface under the materials of the path. Concrete or asphalt can form a hazardous undersurface with potential for materials to slide or trip. Don’t build your path in an area used commonly as a walkway. 

Some ideas for a casual path:

• Walk the tight rope: Arrange the garden hose on grass so it snakes around the yard.
• River rock: Smooth rocks are the easiest on feet.
• Pebbles
• Sand
• Concrete garden edging

For more tips about using reflexology to keep your kids happy and healthy, see Reflexology for Children and Complete Reflexology for Life.

 

For more information about reflexology paths and photos of reflexology paths around the world, see http://www.reflexology-research.com/?page_id=187

 

https://www.pinterest.com/footc1/reflexology-paths-barefoot-parks/

To see do-it-yourself “foot sensation trails” in Germany, see http://www.barfusspark.info/en/path.html.

For ideas about constructing a reflexology path in your yard, see https://playathometeacher.com/2016/06/25/diy-sensory-path/

Books by Kunz and Kunz

Research Books

Medical Applications of Reflexology: Findings in Research About Post-operative care, Maternity Care and Cancer Care
Evidenced Based Reflexology Research: For Health Professionals and Researchers
Medical applications of Reflexology:: Findings in Research about Cancer Care

Bestselling Books

 Reflexology: Hands-on Treatment for Vitality and Well-being
Complete Reflexology for Life: Your Definitive Photographic Reference to the Best Techniques and Treatments  
 

Intermittent Moving Books

Intermittent Moving: How I Lost My Pants and Mastered My Weight
Un-Sit Your Life: The Reflex "Diet" Solution

Healthy Entertainment During the Quarantine- Reflexology Paths for Children:

Are your kids bored? It’s a common complaint these days. How about some entertainment that’s healthy for them?

A build-it-themselves reflexology path offers such an opportunity. What’s a reflexology path? Imagine a sidewalk with section of varying surfaces arranged to give sensory stimulation to the feet. 

For growing children sensory stimulation of the foot encourages development both physically and mentally. Children’s reflexology paths are found in parks in Korea and schoolchildren in Germany make their won paths by gathering sticks, stones and other elements and arranging them in low-walled boxes.

We once introduced a tribe of three brothers to some simple materials to build their own path and watched them go to work. The fun was in arranging and then re-arranging the segments of the path and then experiencing the path underfoot. 

The do-it-yourself path can be made in minutes outdoors with materials gathered around the garden or easily available materials from a big box store. Station one material after another to form parts of the path, shaped like a sidewalk segment or go free form. Paths can be made for the day, casually laid on the lawn, or a more permanent structure, boxed in wooden outlines.

Safety first. Always consider the surface under the materials of the path. Concrete or asphalt can form a hazardous undersurface with potential for materials to slide or trip. Don’t build your path in an area used commonly as a walkway. 

Some ideas for a casual path:

• Walk the tight rope: Arrange the garden hose on grass so it snakes around the yard.
• River rock: Smooth rocks are the easiest on feet.
• Pebbles
• Sand
• Concrete garden edging
• Dowel sticks

For more information about reflexology paths and photos of reflexology paths around the world, see http://www.reflexology-research.com/?page_id=187

 

https://www.pinterest.com/footc1/reflexology-paths-barefoot-parks/

To see the do-it-yourself “foot sensation trails” of Germany, see http://www.barfusspark.info/en/path.html.

For ideas about constructing a reflexology path in your yard, see https://playathometeacher.com/2016/06/25/diy-sensory-path/

Tweets

Kids bored during the quarantine? Help them create some fun with a do-it-themselves reflexology path, providing a healthful sensory experience.

Looking for physical activity for the kids? Help them build a fun walking path that will lead them to taking more steps as well as experiencing healthful do-it-themselves foot reflexology. 

How many steps do your kids take every day? Put some fun into taking steps for your kids with a build-it-themselves foot reflexology path. 

Books by Kunz and Kunz

Research Books

Medical Applications of Reflexology: Findings in Research About Post-operative care, Maternity Care and Cancer Care
Evidenced Based Reflexology Research: For Health Professionals and Researchers
Medical applications of Reflexology:: Findings in Research about Cancer Care

Bestselling Books

 Reflexology: Hands-on Treatment for Vitality and Well-being
Complete Reflexology for Life: Your Definitive Photographic Reference to the Best Techniques and Treatments  
 

Intermittent Moving Books

Intermittent Moving: How I Lost My Pants and Mastered My Weight
Un-Sit Your Life: The Reflex "Diet" Solution

Comforting Children Without Pills and Shots

Increasingly complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are being requested for seriously ill children by their parents. A Wall Street Journal article notes “recent studies showing that more than 50% of children with chronic health conditions use them (CAM) and an estimated $127 million was spent on complementary visits as of 2004.… “‘Whether or not doctors are ready for this or not, consumers are already there.’”says Timothy Culbert, medical director at Minneapolis-based Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, one of the largest pediatric complementary programs in the country. “‘Pediatrics as a profession needs to catch up.’” … Dr. Culbert and colleagues are about to launch a study at four hospitals in the U. S. and Canada to examine in greater depth the use of non-drug coping skills in children with cancer.” (Wang, Shirley S., Comforting Children without Pills and Shots,” The Wall Street Journal, August 17, 2010, p. D2)

A book about reflexology and children with cancer is in the works from Diane Rooney, Program Manager, Integrative Therapies Program for Children with Cancer at Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia University.


Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz

Russian Astronauts and Children's Development

Years ago there was a Russian device that was meant to help with the effects of weightlessness in space. Rather than the high tech devices like the American space program this was pretty simple.

It looked like a detached swing like from a playground swing set. You hooked the "seat" around your feet and pulled on the ropes to produce pressure to the bottom of the feet. Astronauts experience a lot of serious effects of zero gravity. Astronauts particularly lose a great deal of bone mass in the heel. Pressure to the bottom of the feet helps mitigate the effects.

Imagine our surprise to find a similar device to help kids develop neurologically. Again the device loops around the feet and kids walk on it. Maybe these kids are future astronaut in training.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com