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

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

Small Park
More Information

Press Releases
Interesting reading from miscellaneous press releases.

More Information

Forests

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.” 

More Information

Walking barefoot
Walking barefoot to a buddhist temple is shown with photos showing a walking meditation technique.
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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”
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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 ….”
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Sports Park
Bird’s-eye view of a barefoot shiatsu course in a sports park.

More Information

The Reflexology Path Kit

We just sent back corrections on the Barnes and Noble kit we are doing. It is due out in the fall. It is called The Reflexology Path Kit. These are really fun to do.

The first kit Total Reflexology is all ready in reprint for the fourth printing. It has been a phenomenal success. Barnes and Noble can't seem to keep them in stock.

The new kit will contain a cobblestone mat, a piece of bamboo, a chart and a book. Not sure what they will price it at yet. But B&N always prices it at a reasonable rate.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology

I've gotten addicted to walking on cobblestone mats

I have fallen in love with walking on cobblestone mats or as we call it around here "walking on bumps". I have to admit it is a positive addiction but an addiction none the less. We have talked in this blog about cobblestone paths and cobblestone mats. The benefits are many according to an Oregon Research Institute study.

But there is something downright soothing about walking on these "bumps". Not at first will that be the way one would describe it. At first it is hard to adapt to without saying "ouch" every few seconds. But after your feet adapt to this new challenge you start to miss it when you can't do it.

Here is what I have found. I have better contact with the ground. I feel it more. I sense changes underfoot. I adapt quickly to imbalances caused by irregular surfaces or loose materials under foot.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology

I have more energy. If I miss sleep I am not done in like I used to be. My moods are steadier. I feel healthier and have a sense of being more positive about things.

My reflexes seem quicker. I feel like my reflexes are sharper and reaction time is quicker.

I sense that my peripheral vision seems to have improved and I "take more in". I get more done and take less time to get things done. Better focus seems to be developing.

I think it impacts my thinking process but I might get a debate on that from people who know me. I feel less mental fatigue but that isn't perfect.

I think it effects muscle tone especially in the abdomen. You feel stronger but not in a bulkier sort of way.

We are doing a lot of this bump walking for a new project we are working on which is a Reflexology path kit for Barnes and Noble. What a great project for our own benefit and hopefully the benefit of others.

Bumpy Brain Boosters

Barbara and I have been brainstorming in the mornings while walking on cobblestone mats. We have suddenly noticed how inspired we have become. We think it is all the mat walking.

Cobblestone Mats are all the rage in Asia and have been scientiifcally tested by Oregon Research Institute. They have been shown to help with blood pressure, pain and recovery from falls. It was an Institute on Aging study through the NIH.

Reflexology paths are spreading like wildfire across the globe. The biggest concentration is in Asia but they are they have takesn hold in Europe particularly in Germany. The US is just starting to discover the benefits of reflexology paths with 3 built in Washington State by the Park's Department alone.

The cobblestone mats were originally for indoor use when the weather doesn't permit outdoor participation on reflexology paths. The mats are are easy to use and very portable.

One note of caution is to be sure they are not on a slick surface like a wood floor. Carpet underneath is best.

We just started to casually talk about projects we are working on as we walked on the mats. What evolved was brain storming sessions. We found ourselves tackling tough problems and finding it easier to solve them. Is more blood flowing to the brain? Seems like it but a simple brain scan would tell you more. Unfortunately we don't have one here.

But the really interesting thing about Einstein was when they dissected his brain. Einstein's brain is actually smaller than the average size brain. There were a few differences in his brain but not as dramatically different as one might expect. One theory is that he simply had more blood pumping to the brain.

Brisk walking has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain. Could mat walking be helping pump more of this needed blood to our brains? Only more research will be able to test this hypothesis.

Will the business brainstorming sessions in the future have business people walking around on these mats while tackling problems. Our our government leaders taking on big challenges while pacing across these mats in their socking feet. Imagine the Pentagon planners shoeless and walking on mats.

Could be highly amusing yet very productive. We plan to continue with these bumpy brain boosters.

Kevin Kunz
http://www.reflexology-research.com

Britain's first barefoot park - Times Online

Britain's first barefoot park - Times Online

© OndagoArts Name. Image from BigStockPhoto.com

The article was in the Times of London. It was on Britain's first barefoot park. These parks are common throughout Germany. They are really sensory pathways with a variety of materials like grass, mud, straw and pine cones. These pathways frequently take you through water. The Germans also have really cute pathways for children in the shapes of different animals like snails. The paths do have a connection to reflexology but not in an overt way.

But as I am reading this article there is the most astonishing statment by Open University.

"Of course, there are those who refuse to accept reflexology as a valid concept. 'The notion that there are connections between the feet and other areas of the body have no foundation in anatomy or physiology,' says Dr Hilary Macqueen, a senior health lecturer at the Open University. 'You can't underestimate the power of placebo. If you believe something will make you feel better, it will, as the body has huge recuperative powers.' London Times

This is one crazy statement. But it is also an eye opener. Open University really believes that there is no connection between the feet and other areas in the body. Sorry, Dr. MacQueen but the placebo effect doesn't account for locomotion and the attending parts of the body necessary to make movement possible. That includes the internal organs that help provide fuel to make walking, running and other bipedal activities possible. And yes, the brain is also involved.

What dawned on me after reading Dr. MacQueen's profoundly ignorant statement is that in fact most of Western science and medicine do not get the connection between the feet and the rest body. Feet are like wheels on a cart to them. The feet aren't connected to anything but the leg. The feet do not integrate their activities with other parts of the body. They just don't interact with any other part of the body.

So there you have it. Like Donovan's brain the feet are disconnected from the rest of the body having little or no impact on the body's sensory or motor functions. Donovan's Feet?

I feel really good that I have a handle on what these "scientists" are thinking. Rubbish.

Kevin Kunz

YouTube - Reflexology Park

YouTube - Reflexology Park

This is really a pretty good video of a Reflexology Park in Korea. It is from YouTube. 

The first reflexology path Barbara and I saw was in Tokyo in 1990. It was built by Shisiedo engineers. The idea was that the path would work each and every part of the foot. There were even temple bridges that used small pebbles to work the toes. 

The engineers used rocks embedded in concrete that varied in size and shape. The were also set at different distance apart to change the level of challenge. And they had bypasses if you found the going too tough. 

The engineers used logs to simulate takifumi. Takifumi means to literally "step upon bamboo". Legend has it that samurai warriors would chop down some bamboo from the forest. The Samurai's then split the bamboo and walked on the rounded part for fighting spirit. 

In 1990 we thought that the reflexology paths would spread like wildfire throughout Asia. But it hasn't stopped there as it continued onto to Europe.

 The Germans really were taken with the whole idea. They built sensory pathways that run for a couple of kilometers at times. They include such elements as mud, grass and straw. 

And now it is here in America with Bastyr College and the state of Washington Parks Department building some of the first in the US. 

Here are some links for you.

Paths in Europe

Paths in Asia

Reflexology Paths

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com