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

Reflexology Jade Walking Blanket

So popular is reflexology mat walking in China that new products are constantly cropping up. We like the name of this cobblestone mat product—the Jade Walking Blanket. It combines reflexology Tap Shek (stone stepping) ideas with thoughts about the value of jade as a health enhancer.

It’s interesting to follow the development of the reflexology mat industry in China. It is a reminder of the value of the reflexology industry as a whole. Aside from mats, it is estimated that 4 million Chinese are employed at and provide reflexology services at small, one person reflexology businesses or at a reflexology “parlor” chain, with 700 locations across the country. Then, there are the medical applications of reflexology, carried out in clinics and hospitals by those with “first class” reflexology licenses issued by the government. (By the way, the government estimates it needs another 1 million reflexologists and is seeking to up-grade education for reflexologists.) Then, there is the industry of building reflexology paths. Rock companies offer and sell suggestions for stones to be used for paths at one’s home. The government is funding paths to be built in outdoor sports facilities across the country as a part of the country’s 10-year Fitness Program.

Reflexology mat use indoors grew with the popularity of reflexology paths in parks. The current use of “walking blanket” to describe a reflexology mat possibly started out with the manufacturer of the first mats, a blanket company. Plastic “pebbles” were embedded into felting, an existing product of the blanket company. This mat is widely used throughout China to experience the benefits of walking the reflexology path when it’s raining outside and paths in parks are not usable. It has been available for sale for years at pharmacies (drug stores) all over the country.

Points of importance to the consumer are reflected in advertising copy for the Jade Walking Blanket: “high-grade agate massage blanket / health trail walk / foot massage pad / pebble.… “This section walks away blankets, at the end of glue imported from Germany with a silicone medical environment, superior adhesion, non-toxic and tasteless, agate never fall, can be washed, … “Particularly highlighted: agate size specifications are recommended by experts, people step up, through its pressure on the plantar foot massage to stimulate acupuncture points, exactly in line with traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture massage pressure points, such as another bigger or smaller, simply not achieve the effect of massage points.”

Benefits of mat walking are: “Agate health walk blanket is based on science and health Foot health theory developed from jade. Foot health study it and study in one health and jade, agate natural stone instead of manpower through the body's own pressure, while walking on the foot pressure point massage therapy to acupuncture. And thus help promote blood circulation, strengthen the heart power. Adjusting the internal organs function, and enhance immunity. Eliminate fatigue, relieve stress, improve sleep quality foot health effects.”

Instructions are given about how to walk on the mat to achieve effects for specific health goals.

“Here are some more efficient use of walking blanket approach:

1, heart relaxed walk method: go easy on walking on the carpet. (Leisure and fitness)

2, focused massage the pain points of law: that is to go walking on the carpet and found that pain point, then focus on massage. (Health, physical therapy)

3, hands Paitui law: that is to go on a walking carpet, the order making the legs with both hands simultaneously forcing up the legs. (For arthritis, osteoporosis and other patients)

4, body tapping law: that is to go walking on carpet, use both hands free to beat the abdomen, chest and other parts, play the effect of relaxing the body. (Through the meridians)

5, four-step health law: that is to go walking on the carpet, the pleasant four-step jump, while meditation soles of the feet, soles of the feet. (For patients with hypertension and mental)”

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&langpair=zh-CN%7Cen&u=http://www.vhotshop.com/product/3584.htm

Japan: "Reflexology in the "Relax Forest"

Japan: "Reflexology in the "Relax Forest"
“These days, ‘relaxation’ spots are as ubiquitous as Internet cafes and pachinko parlors. As people seek a quick fix for the stress of modern life, businesses offering anything remotely "therapeutic" or "healing" are springing up everywhere. Whether it's reflexology (foot massage) salons in office buildings, drop-in hand/body massage shops at train stations or aromatherapy practices handily located near hairdressers, you're never far away from a relaxing retreat amid the hustle and bustle of urban living.”

“‘Relax Forest’ is a part of a “sprawling indoor amusement park called Namja Town” in Tokyo  that includes “Gyoza Stadium, Ice Cream City and Tokyo Chou Cream Field, this new "forest" may be more of a small wood—but it is nonetheless an exciting new outgrowth of the firm's (Nmaco Ltd.) continuing endeavor to test the limits of entertainment. It's also ‘Japan's first healing park’—whatever that means.”

“‘Sure, commercial facilities featuring health and beauty already exist,’” Ikezawa (of Namco Ltd.) said…. “‘But they have merely been a strip of shops. We are trying to offer them as a form of entertainment.’” Consumers feel many salons are too expensive and want a quick charge sometimes rather than the lengthier services of “nationally licensed massurs, acupuncturists” and others.

“So what can people expect from Riraku? The theme park features what Namco succinctly calls "super therapists"—ranging from a Nanjing qi-gong specialist to an Indian head masseuse, to a Thai massage therapist. One of the unique features of Riraku is that it offers a really quick fix -- some shops offer a session as short as 10 minutes.

“For therapists trained to minister to a customer for at least half an hour, however, exchanging pleasantries and offering a truly relaxing service in such a short time could be a big challenge. But, in fact, therapist Sachiko Nemoto of reflexology salon Precious Foot did just that when this reporter tried a 15-minute course there .… “… when she found a pressure point on my sole that was particularly tender, she suggested my digestive system might be in trouble.

“And she stayed professional throughout, despite the occasional "meows" and buzzings from a haunted-house attraction on the other side of the wall.

“Ikezawa acknowledged that Riraku will not be the quietest space in town…But Japanese people are used to—and can even feel more at home with—a bit of hustle and bustle, he said.

“‘It depends on what kind of iyashi [healing] you are looking for," he said. “‘Luxury resorts can surely give you a sense of healing. But Japanese healing started from hot springs, which have always been packed solid. Sparsely populated iyashi spots are only for the affluent class. We are targeting the masses.’”
Tomoko Otake, “‘'Relas Forest,’ Taking it easy in the urban jungle,” Japan Times. Sunday, July 17, 2005 (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20050717x2.html)


Want to try this? Cobblestone Mat by ORI http://t.co/SsdQfp7 via @amazon
or look for our Reflexology Path Kit in Barnes and Noble Stores every where. 



Barbara and Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz

Marketing Reflexology Mats: “The best gift to send parents”

Used in China During Bad Weather

Tap shek (stone stepping), the Chinese tradition of walking on a reflexology path for health, is a popular activity in China’s city parks. When it rains, tap shek continues indoors on cobblestonelike mats. The mats, made of plastic “cobblestones” embedded in felting, are commonly sold throughout China.

The marketing of cobblestone mats has moved on from merely offering the product to touting its positive qualities. Plastic “cobblestone” mat products have evolved with differently shaped “cobblestones.” One company notes its products are “more environmentally friendly, more reliable quality” Want a mat with “cobblestones” embedded into the shape of a reflexology chart, complete with words noting the reflex areas in English and Chinese? Want the best mat to give your parents? They’re available.

Marketing of reflexology mats now includes copy directed at propitiate customers: “(Those who) Often sit and work or study of people: “People in the business unit's office or school for people who work long sitting, sitting in the production of long-term operation of the factory workers, taxi drivers and students, due to the specific needs of work or study, due to the long and monotonous work or study in attitude and too little activity will be more frequent in the mental outlook of tension, forgetfulness, neurasthenia, lack of energy, gastrointestinal diseases, arthritis, obesity, allergies, loss of appetite, eczema, dermatitis, decreased immunity and so on, through the use of the product above can be eliminated or reduced the size and extent of disease, long-term use can achieve better health results.”


Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz

Contra indications to Walking the Reflexology Path

Tap shek (stone stepping), the Chinese tradition of walking on a reflexology path for health, is a popular activity in city parks. When it rains, tap shek continues indoors on cobblestone-like mats. The mats, made of plastic “cobblestones” embedded in felting, are commonly sold throughout China.

Among recent developments in cobblestone path walking is consideration of contraindications.

City/ State Government Directions to “stampede the cobblestone”

One government site notes benefits of the “healthy way,” walking the reflexology path but cite "counterirritations", those with:

• Parkinson's disease, cerebellar dysfunction, and balance thecervical spinal cord, such as patients, due to poor control of the pace, can not conduct such training;
• more serious hip and knee patients, the less flexible joints, uneven pavement will increase the load on joints, increasing joint lesions
• bedridden due to physical injury or a fixed time people started to practice walking, due to the lack of lower extremity muscle strength, exercise such right may be at risk
• lead to lower limbs due to neurological disorders such myasthenia should not exercise.”

More Contra indications

“Old (senior citizens) if fitness walking cobblestone road, to consider their own physical condition, in general, each time not more than 15 minutes is appropriate. Prohibited under the following conditions walking: the first is leg pain, sprains, trauma, swelling of the time; Second, rheumatoid

 ever exposure to cold and flu; Third, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, liver and kidney dysfunction and other chronic deterioration; Fourth alcohol, dizziness when psychosis imbalance; Fifth, the weather changes unexpectedly, when the ground has frost. The knee bone joint inflammation in patients with pebbles fitness should be prohibited.

“Po doctor also suggested that if foot pain appears to be the best to the hospital for treatment, usually

before going to sleep every night under warm water for half an hour by foot, foot massage can take the method, which can effectively prevent the plantar fascia inflammation and the formation of bone spurs, but also to prevent the arch of the change.” (People's Health Channel)

Editor's Note: Quotations are taken from Google Translate therefore they may appear a bit awkward. 



Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz

The “Smart Cobblestone Road” / Reflexology Mat

“Smart,” “intelligent” reflexology mats are now being sold in China. Marketing material notes that walking on the mat’s special stones provides the opportunity to receive in two months the benefits typical of walking on a regular mat for two years.

All sorts of questions come to mind. How much difference could result from walking on the mat’s tourmaline and geranium stones? Is it a miracle product or a hyped marketing ploy?

Tap shek (stone stepping), the Chinese tradition of walking on a reflexology path for health, is a popular activity in city parks. When it rains, tap shek continues indoors on cobblestone-like mats. The mats, made of plastic “cobblestones” embedded in felting, are commonly sold throughout China.

Kunming Fukurokuju hi Fitness Equipment Co., Ltd. has created a “smart cobblestone road” or “intelligent cobblestone path.” (In the following the Kin Kin Tourmaline energy mat is referred to as a “health blanket” owing perhaps to the original manufacturer of the plastic cobblestone mats, a blanket company.)

The mat is made with tourmaline and geranium stones so that “…it not only has cobbled road foot massage function, but also release large amounts of the beneficial far infrared, magnetic, negative ions, the effect of the cobblestone road to the limits. Stepped on a day 15 minutes, so that each foot point is to move, not only can eliminate a variety of chronic, intractable diseases, but also longevity, many of the elderly is reflected in the step and more energy to go blanket foot health for some time, drugs do not eat a lot of chronic diseases all good!

“Dr. Chang pointed out that Chinese researchers: take the cobblestone path is to use the body's own point of gravity on the foot reflex zone massage, people have multiple, massage intensity there is much that a hundred times stronger than the intensity of foot massage, the new smart cobblestone path that has Energy massage is unmatched outdoor cobblestone road, take the 2 years before the effects of cobblestone road, now only 2 months to achieve. Smart cobblestone road has now swept South Korea, Japan, in China Beijing, Shanghai and other big cities, people have started using this amazing smart cobblestone road.”

One consumer notes his exploration of improving his health by walking on the above described Kin Kin Tourmaline Energy Mat (blanket). “I stumbled Taobao go on sale this blanket, and normally should be good for the body, before walking to the park with my parents, my mother would let me take off your shoes full of stones in the road to go, that is good for you, then without thinking to take off their shoes in the gravel on the way to go, really go in the above, the foot simply can not stand, or even pain untenable. Now grown up, knew the concept of health, often on television or the Internet to watch Beijing TV's “Yangshengtang” section, that there are many experts will be invited to explain the health regimen of treatment, about 30 minutes per episode, after seeing benefit, so I know Yang Yi, it is the speaker foot, and listened to her explanation, that the foot is so important,…”

Medicinal Garden Opens | NSU News Center

Medicinal Garden Opens | NSU News Center

"In the center of the garden is the reflexology path. Based on wisdom from ancient Egypt, India, and China, walking barefoot on a reflexology path massages and stimulates acupressure points in the soles of the feet connected to various energy meridians of the body. The pressure of stones under the feet combines with gravity to provide a therapeutic exercise that stimulates health wellness. NSU’s 66-foot long path features special, smooth river rock artistically embedded in cement. A handrail will provide stability and improve accessibility, particularly for older walkers. The uniqueness of the NSU University reflexology path will draw significant interest from local and national media as well as visitors."


Kevin Kunz 

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

Reflexology Paths Gone Mad, Reflexes Gone Wild

Revisiting the newest in reflexology paths, I couldn’t help but think, Yes these are reflexology paths gone mad with creativity. But, they’re also vehicles to drive reflexes wild.

A reflexology path as the flooring for a walk through hot and cold water jets? As the flooring of a shower? That’s creative. On reflection, I’m most struck by what reflexology path / spa equipment from Exar of Italy are made to do. They’re there to provide multiple sensory experiences—and drive reflexes wild. Yes, taking the reflexes to places they’ve never been before. After all, one of them “The Wellness Route is much more than a Kneipp route—a never felt sensation is expecting you.” I like that idea— a lot.

Here reflexology paths, built to exercise the pressure sensors of the feet, are paired with the exercise of multiple reflexes simultaneously. Exposure to hot water, cold water and light are built in to the spa equipment with reflexology path floors. (Carrara marble reflexology paths? Wow). The Wellness Route: “provide(s) the sole of the foot with an efficacious massaging effect.” Water jets in the path’s perimeter columns “offer legs a healthy hydrotherapy massage.” The hydromassage Scottish shower cabin includes the reflexology path floor, 15 jet nozzles on three levels and “optic fiber sequence with relaxing effect” in the ceiling. Benefits of water jets are noted as: “The hot-cold effect of dilatation-constriction make blood vessels exercise: the skin is better nourished and oxygenated, looks tighter and brighter.”

Other equipment from Exar includes machines providing benefits of exercising multi reflexes at once. A vibrating platform combines the benefits of “aroma-enriched oxygen inhalation to those from color therapy in a new high-tech concept, and Combiplate, a vibrating oscillating platform ideal for toning muscles and weight loss. … “Stress, smoke, wrong lifestyle and overweight reduce our capacity to absorb oxygen, while our oxygen need doesn’t decrease. Oxygen improves circulation, gives mental lucidity, helps metabolism, stimulates body's defences, revitalizes tissues, detox blood.Many reasons to choose oxygen, many reasons to choose.”

Bottom line: Reflexology ideas are taking a step into the future, being included in cutting edge, high tech, top-of-the-line spa equipment and taking a place as a valuable health resource.


Barbara Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz