Colicy Baby, Fussy Baby, Reflexology Fix

“We could do that.” The baby’s father had just seen a few minutes of reflexology work quiet his little one. Colic had been an on-going problem and the tired parents welcomed my helping hand. It was a social event and I had been asked if I had any suggestions. I reached over and pressed.

Really, it’s so simple. Just gently press the sole of the foot a few times. Your target is the ball of the foot just below the big toe. How often? How much? I don’t have an answer but let experience be your guide. Below are studies that may help.

At least three studies hold promise for success. In one study, for half the babies the number of crying incidents lessened from 90 minus of crying time over 24 hours to less than 30 minutes of crying time. (1)

In another study, reflexology was applied to the infants two days a week for three weeks. “… the mean ICS (Infant Colic Scale) score of the study group was significantly lower than that of control group at the end of the intervention (p < 0.001).

In another study, reflexologists provided three to four sessions over an 8 to 12 day period. A standardized 20-30 minutes of body reflexology work was provided over an hour, creating a relaxed atmosphere and exchange of information with the parents. The session consisted of “gentle pressure treatment of soles and feet, hands, head, face, ears, back, neck and whole stomach area”. Results: “The series of the treatments helped reduce the suffering of all the babies with infant colic. The colic symptoms disappeared on 43% of infants and decreased on the remaining 57%. The parents reported having pleasant experiences with the treatment, regardless whether the colic symptoms disappeared or continued. Parents stated that the treatment reduced the most typical colic symptoms; infants' body tension, colic crying and restless movements, poor sleep quality and irregular bowel movements.”

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

     (1)    Författare: Bennedbaek O, Viktor J, Carlsen KS, Roed H, Vinding H, Lundbye-Christensen S., "Originalets titel: Infants with colic. A heterogeneous group possible to cure? Treatment by pediatric consultation followed by a study of the effect of zone therapy on incurable colic," Publicerad: Ugeskr Laeger 2001 Jul 2;163(27):3773-8).

    (2) Icke S, Genc R. Effect of Reflexology on Infantile Colic. J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(6):584-588. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0315

    (3) Hannula, Leena, Puukka, Pauli, Asunmaa, Marjut, Mäkijärvi, Markku, “A pilot study of parents’ experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic in Finland,” Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 2019/11/01

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

Findings in Research: Can Reflexology Help in the Management of Ventilator Dependent or Hospitalized Covid19 Patients

Some of the challenges of caring for ventilator-dependent Covid19 patients are cited in recent news articles. Included is the time consuming task of monitoring and adjusting oxygen levels (1) as well as the increased use of painkillers and sedatives leading to potential shortages of the drugs (2). 

In one example of reflexology research, ventilator dependent ICU patients showed statistically significant differences in sedation and patient-ventilator syncrony following 30 minutes of targeted reflexology work for each of five days. Also improved were other signs of sedation assessment agitation, anxiety, and sleep. In addition physiological parameters of anxiety improved: significantly lower heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rate. (3)

Reflexology was seen by multiple researchers as a non-pharmacological treatment option for nursing care to address physiological and psychological problems presented by ventilator dependent patients: reducing anxiety, preventing physiological reactions caused by anxiety, stabilizing vital signs and managing pain. (4) Such goals are of interest in the management of the sickest of all Covid19 patients, those on a ventilator. While less urgent these goals are also important to those hospitalized with Covid19.

A single round of reflexology work applied to specific reflex areas of the feet was found to create significant differences from control group patients for ventilator-dependent patients recovering from open-heart surgery. (5) In addition significant differences were found when a single bout of reflexology work was applied to hospitalized patients. (9-18) Significant differences were reported in physiologic parameters as well as anxiety and pain. 

Two (5) (6) of four studies of ventilator-dependent patients found significantly improved physiology parameters. Noted in parentheses is the number of studies finding differences from the control group in: oxygen saturation [2], heart rate [1], respiratory rate [2], mean arterial pressure [2], systolic and diastolic blood pressure [2]. One study found anxiety and agitation was significantly reduced following 30 minutes of reflexology work (6) while another found anxiety was not reduced following 20 minutes of reflexology work (7). Three of three studies found reduced time spent weaning patients from the ventilator, important following recovery from open heart surgery, by 39 minutes (4), 100 minutes (8) and 165 minutes (5).

Significant differences in physiologic parameters were found for hospitalized patients in nine ((9) through (18) in References) of ten ((19) in References) studies. Noted in parentheses is the number of studies finding differences from the control group in: heart rate [3], pulse rate [3], respiratory rate [6], breathing [1], mean arterial pressure [2], temperature [1], blood pressure [4], systolic [3] and diastolic [2] blood pressure. Significant differences in level of anxiety were found in two of the three studies that looked at the issue.

References

1. Bernstein, Lenny, “Ventilator use is helping save lives,” Albuquerque Journal, July 14, 2020, p. B-3
2. Hopkins, Jared S., “Hospital Stockpiling Sparks Drug Shortage,” Wall Street Journal, p. A-1

(3) Akin Korhan, Esra PhD; Khorshid, Leyla PhD; Uyar, Mehmet MD, “Reflexology: Its Effects on Physiological Anxiety Signs and Sedation Needs,” Holistic Nursing Practice: January/February 2014 - Volume 28 - Issue 1 - p 6–23 doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000007

(4) Abbas Ebadi, Parasoo Kavei, Seyyed Tayyeb Moradian, Yaser Saeid, “The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiologic Parameters and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time in Patients Undergoing Open-Heart Surgery: A Clinical Trial Study” Complement Ther Clin Pract 2015 Aug;21(3):188-92. PMID: 26256138

(5) Elsayed, Amira, Kandeel, Nahed, El-Aziz, Wafaa, “The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiological Indicators and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time among Open-Heart Surgery Patients” American Journal of Nursing Research. 2019, 7(4), 412-419 DOI: 10.12691/ajnr-7-4-2

(6)Yaser Abbaszadeh, Atefeh Allahbakhshian, Alehe Seyyedrasooli, Parvin Sarbakhsh, Sakineh Goljarian, Naser Safaei, Yaser Abbaszadeh , Atefeh Allahbakhshian, Alehe Seyyedrasooli, Parvin Sarbakhsh, “Effects of Foot Reflexology on Anxiety and Physiological Parameters in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Clinical Trial,” Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:220-228. PMID: 29705459

(7) Kavei, P, Ebadi, A, Saeed Y, Moradian S. T., Sedigh Rahimabadi M, “Effect of Reflexology on Anxiety and Agitation in patients Under Mechanical Ventilation after Open Heart Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study, Journal of Clinical Nursing and Midwifery, Spring 2015, Volume 4, Number 1; Pages 16-26

(8)Didem Kandemir, “How Effective Is Reflexology on Physiological Parameters and Weaning Time from Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery?,” European Journal of Integrative Medicine 26 · February 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2019.01.008

(9) Arash Khalili, Negin Masoudi Alavi, Davoud Mardani, Nastoor Bekhradiani Pour, Akvan Paymard, Mehdi Daraei, Shapour Yaripoor, Saba Bashiri and Mehdi Molavi Vardanjani, “The effect of foot reflexology on physiological parameters,” International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 2016/09/01

(10) Mahin Moeini, Leila Sadat Kahangi, Mahboobeh Valiani, Reza Heshmat, “The Effect of Reflexotherapy on Patients’ Vital Signs Before Bypass Graft Surgery,” Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res, Winter 2011;16(1):8-12 PMID: 22039373 PMCID: PMC3203304

(11) Khosrow Hashemzadeh, Marjan Dehdilani, Mehdi Khanbabayi Gol, “Effects of Foot Reflexology on Post-sternotomy Hemodynamic Status and Pain in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Randomized Clinical Trial” Published 2019, Corpus ID: 211201347

(12) Fatemeh Rigi, Aram Feiz, Zainab American, Mohsen Naseri, Shahyad Salehi, “The Effect of foot reflexology massage on physiological parameters in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass,” Complementary Medicine Journal of (Arak University) Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, 2014; 4 (3) :865-875 Corpus ID: 110819484

(13) Vinaya Anjaly Thomas,  Shweta Pattnaik, “Effect of Foot Reflexology on Vital Parameters of Hypertensive Patients” Published 2017 Corpus ID: 195746695

(14) Quattrin R., Zanini A., Buchini S., Turello D., Annunziata M. A., Vidotti C., Colmbatti A. & Brusaferro S. “Use of reflexology foot massage to reduce anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment: methodology and outcomes,” (2006) Journal of Nursing Management 14, 96–105

(15) Fatemeh Heidari, Nahid Rejeh, Majideh Heravi-Karimooi, Kamran Ghodes, Mehrdad Karimi, Davood Tadrissi, “The effect of stress on foot reflex zone therapy on anxiety, hemodynamic parameters of patients waiting for cardiac catheterization,”Avicenna Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Care Summer 2015 Volume 23 Number 2 (49) #G00167; Pages 63 to 73

(16) M. Torabi, M. Salavati, A. Ghahri Sarabi, "Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage and Benson Relaxation Techniques on Anxiety and Physiological Indexes of Patients Undergoing Coronary Heart Angiography," Iran Avicenna Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Care Volume 20, Issue 1 (5-2012)

(17) Khosrow Hashemzadeh, Marjan Dehdilani, Mehdi Khanbabayi Gol, “Effects of Foot Reflexology on Post-sternotomy Hemodynamic Status and Pain in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences, Vol. 6, No. 4, October 2019, 517–522 eISSN 2148-9696

(18) Hassani, S., & Hassani, K. (2015). “The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiologic Indices and Pain Severity Following Cesarean Delivery.” Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 9(3), 114-117
(19) Mehrnoosh Khoshtarash, Atefeh Ghanbari Mohammad Reza Yegane, Ehsan Kazemnejhad, Parvine Rezasoltani, “Effects of foot reflexology on pain and physiological parameters after cesarean section,” Iran Koomesh Autumn 2012, 14 (1): 109 - 116

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

Ventilators, Reflexology and Research

Brian Hall / Public domain

Ventilators, Reflexology and Research: Reflexology Use an Effective Treatment Application to Address Patients’ Physical and Psychological Problems

Multiple studies show reflexology helps in the treatment of patients placed on mechanical ventilators. Five of six studies, all but one noting its use as “an effective nursing intervention,” recommended nurses’ training in and use of foot reflexology for patients on mechanical ventilators. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6) 

Results of the studies noted patients experienced: improved physiological parameters (e.g. heart rate, oxygen saturation) (2, 5); lessened anxiety and agitation as well as better sleep and patient-ventilator synchrony; (5) less use of drugs for sedation (2, 5) and pain (2); shorter length of time on the ventilator (weaning time) (1, 2, 3) and increased level of consciousness for those in a coma (6).

Ventilator use creates problems for patients

Problems result for patients placed on a ventilator. As noted by researchers Abbas Ebadi et al: “Studies have shown that prolonged mechanical ventilation increases healthcare costs and also negatively affects patients’ cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems, fluid and electrolyte balance and psychological state. … MV (Mechanical Ventilator) associated with physical and psychological problems cause considerable stress to patients ….  This stress, in turn, stimulates sympathetic and neuroendocrine responses, disturbs patients' sleep, increases cardiac muscle oxygen demand, and causes tachypnea, and hypertension …. Accordingly, patients who receive MV usually are treated with sedatives, hypnotic, and tranquilizers to alleviate their pain, stress, and anxiety and also to prevent from patient-ventilatory asynchrony …. However, these agents can slow the process of weaning from MV ….” (1)

Why the therapeutic application of reflexology is important for patients using ventilators 

Reflexology provides a therapeutic application with advantages over other methods utilized to address physical and psychological problems experienced by patients on ventilators. (1) 

As noted by researchers Abbas Ebadi et al: “Complementary therapies and non-pharmacological interventions are noninvasive, simple and less expensive, and have less or no adverse effects compared with pharmacological remedies. Shortening the length of mechanical ventilation (MV) and lowering dose of sedatives among critically ill patients can decrease complications, intensive care length of stay and mortality rate. Therefore, introducing  non-pharmacologic interventions such as reflexology became an issue of concern for critical care nurses.” (1)

Researchers Elsayed et al note: “Some studies revealed that foot reflexology has immediate effects on reducing heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP & DBP), and increasing arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) …. These findings are worthy of getting the attention of critical care nurses as the improvement of vital signs without medications is a significant goal of care. Additionally, foot reflexology can be used to improve physiological indicators in unconscious patients in ICUs.” (2)

Researchers Elsayed et al further note: “It had been proven that foot reflexology massage is an efficient technique in decreasing postoperative pain and the use of analgesics, as well as lowering anxiety levels 19. Additionally, it has been reported that foot reflexology is a useful method for managing incision pain after coronary artery bypass graft surgery …. Reflexology is an effective method for improving muscle comfort by enhancing blood flow which stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system ….” (2)

Among results noted by researchers:

“Conclusion: Study findings indicate that foot reflexology is an effective nursing intervention for facilitating MV (Mechanical Ventilator) weaning after OHS (Open Heart Surgery). Given the simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of foot reflexology, we recommend the development and implementation of reflexology training programs for both nursing and practicing nurses.” (1)

“Conclusion: Foot reflexology is an effective method for stabilizing physiological indicators and decreasing ventilator dependence among patients undergoing OHS (Open Heart Surgery). Therefore, it can be introduced as an adjunct to daily care of OHS patients in ICU.” (2)

“… Reflexology did not have a significant effect on physiological parameters in patients receiving mechanical ventilation support. Shortening the weaning time from mechanical ventilation suggests that it might be applied effectively in patients receiving mechanical ventilation support in intensive care unit.” (3)

“Conclusion: Foot reflexology massage in reflection points of the heart and lung in patients after surgery did not reduce anxiety and agitation in patients.” (4)

“Reflexology can serve as an effective method of decreasing the physiological signs of anxiety and the required level of sedation in patients receiving mechanically ventilated support. Nurses who have appropriate training and certification may include reflexology in routine care to reduce the physiological signs of anxiety of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.” (5)

“There was significant increase in (conscious level as measured by) GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale). So, because of the positive results of the intervention, the nurse practitioners may be trained about the technique of foot massage and reflexology.” (6)

References

Mechanical ventilator: Physiological parameters (Pulse rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, percutaneous oxygen saturation); Weaning time

1 Abbas Ebadi, Parastoo Kavei, Seyyed Tayyeb Moradian, Yaser Saeid “The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiologic Parameters and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time in Patients Undergoing Open-Heart Surgery: A Clinical Trial Study” Complement Ther Clin Pract 2015 Aug;21(3):188-92. PMID: 26256138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.001

Mechanical ventilator: Physiological parameters (Heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation); Weaning time; Sedation and analgesic drug use

2 Elsayed, Amira, Kandeel, Nahed, El-Aziz, Wafaa, “The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiological Indicators and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time among Open-Heart Surgery Patients” American Journal of Nursing Research. 2019, 7(4), 412-419 DOI: 10.12691/ajnr-7-4-2

(Full study available: http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajnr/7/4/2/index.html)

Mechanical ventilator: Heart rate, Oxygen saturation

3 Didem Kandemir, “How Effective Is Reflexology on Physiological Parameters and Weaning Time from Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery?,” European Journal of Integrative Medicine 26 · February 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2019.01.008

Mechanical ventilator: Anxiety, Agitation

4 Kavei, P, Ebadi, A, Saeed Y, Moradian S. T., Sedigh Rahimabadi M, “.Effect of Reflexology on Anxiety and Agitation in patients Under Mechanical Ventilation after Open Heart Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study,  Journal of Clinical Nursing and Midwifery, Spring 2015, Volume 4, Number 1; Pages 16-26

Mechanical ventilator: Physiological anxiety signs (Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate); Sedation

5 Akin Korhan, Esra PhD; Khorshid, Leyla PhD; Uyar, Mehmet MD, “Reflexology: Its Effects on Physiological Anxiety Signs and Sedation Needs (in patients receiving mechanically ventilated support/ICU),” Holistic Nursing Practice: January/February 2014 - Volume 28 - Issue 1 - p 6–23 doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000007

Mechanical ventilator: Consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scoring)

6 Maha Salah Abdullah Ismail, Manal S. Ismail, Amir M. Saleh “Effect of Foot Reflexology Treatment on Glasgow Coma Scoring Among Mechanically Ventilated Patients,”IJBPAS International Journal of Biology, Pharmacy and Allied Science), July, 2017, 6(7): 1384-1394, ISSN: 2277–4998; (Full Study available: https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2017/July/1498792891MS%20IJBPAS%202017%204209.pdf)

Copyright 2020 Kunz and Kunz

10 Awesome Ways Reflexology Can Help Your Family

By AlexanderHovanec - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64379278

1. Take control. You can manage how your family feels just like you manage your family’s budget and meals and so many things. 

2. Target those complaints. Tummy aches, owies, headaches—there’s a reflexology solution for everyday problems.

3. Create some face time with your family. Everyone’s busy these days and reflexology creates time to sit and talk.

4. Show you care. Hugs are great but reflexology lets that loving touch go on longer.

5. Create a special relationship. One woman is called Aunty Foot by her young niece who loves her reflexology time.

6. What’s wrong, honey? I don’t know. When it’s one of those times when no words describe what your loved one is feeling, reflexology can bridge the gap.  

7. Take care of yourself. Your family needs you. That little thing that’s bothering you (nagging headaches, bad menstrual pains etc.) needs some attention for you to be your best. 

8. Take the edge off. Life is more of a tension filled roller coaster ride for some of us. As told to Kevin by more than one reflexology client, my family is glad to have me come and see you to make me easier to live with. 

9. Special care for special ages. Whatever the age, reflexology offers solutions medicine doesn’t. Whether it’s teething and colic for infants, growing pains for the teenager or reassurance for the elderly, you and reflexology can be there. 

10. You’re not alone. You’re not helpless. When life takes a turn with a serious illness or family problem, reflexology offers an opportunity to reach out when there are no words to help.

Take advantage of nature’s gym

"Take advantage of nature’s gym. Let the terrain and conditions dictate movement, making you stronger, healthier and more able to enjoy your time outside when nature’s call comes. Learn more at Merrell.com today. #TrainSoICan"

Ad for Merrill training shoe. I really like the idea of nature's gym. We weren't born with shoes. Nature provides the most natural workout for our feet. But it sounds like technology is catching up.

Why People Walked Differently in Medieval Times | Mental Floss

By Stilfehler (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Why People Walked Differently in Medieval Times | Mental Floss

We are heel walkers. In fact we are very hard on our heels. According to this article our ancestors were more toe walkers.

Barefoot runners are very different than shod runners in the area of the foot that receives the initial impact. The stride impact is directly on the toes with a barefoot runner. YouTube has a video which shows this dramatic shift.

As we age we tend to lose the fatty pad and the heel gets harder and harder. Also the heel is prone to spurs, jagged calcified outcropping from the bone.

In recent years I have focus more and more on the heel. I think the heel as much more sophisticated than I once thought. Because of the heel's role in locomotion I now think of it as a multitude of sensors whose job is to feedback information about the terrain under foot.

It is hard work and can be hard on your thumbs but by working the heel more I find it helps loosen the whole foot. Breaking down the deposits in the heel helps me to reset the this stress level not only in the foot but the rest of the body as well.

Kevin Kunz