In addition to the Tsuboki Foot Massage I have introduced the Ayishu inspired Bain de Pied. I wanted to make this Treament for your Feet something a little different and for the massage to benefit you from the start in a relaxing, warming and calming way.
Cold weather, daily exercise, and even open-heeled footwear can dry up the skin on your feet. This can lead to coarseness, itching, and cracking. While moisturising your feet can help, it may be insufficient, especially if you’re inconsistent with it.
THE BENEFITS OF A BAIN DE PIED CAN INCLUDE:
mental relaxation
release of muscle tension
better sleep
reduced stress
increased circulation
replenishes the body’s minerals
Can also be pacifying if you experience feelings of:
helplessness, frustration, anxiety, depression, anger or fear.
It stimulates blood circulation:
Circulation is essential for good health because it delivers blood and oxygen to every part of your body. This is necessary for all your vital organs, including your brain, kidneys, and heart.
When your heart rate increases, so does your blood circulation. Similar to when you exercise, your heart rate will elevate as you soak your feet.
On an energetic level, foot soaks disperse stagnant energy and will move it to different regions of the body.
According to many myths, metaphors and symbols for the foot also represent life-spending fertility, eroticism, and sexuality. But nevertheless the foot is also a symbol of respect, reverence, and subservience, feet washing and anointing is an act of humility and love.
WHY AN AYISHU INSPIRED BAIN DE PIED?
I wanted to make your Tsuboki Foot Massage a little diffferent, so on looking into the Bain de Pied it seems that the benefits of a pre massage soak would add something extra to This unique Foot massage.
I love the Ayishu inspired Bain de Pied, I see my clients visibly relax into the water, enjoying the feel of the special foot bath and rubbing their feet together to enjoy the sensation of the water and it’s “magical effects” in all honesty I use exactly the same ingredients for my personal BdP and I get it….it’s like leaving the stress and negativity in the water!
Delving into Chinese Traditional Medicine and Japanese culture further I found that there are so many positive benefits to using minerals, in concert with the soak, it can clean your feet thoroughly enough to remove germs and substances not seen with the naked eye.
Foot Baths are an Ancient Chinese practice of soaking your feet in hot water and herbs before bed each night. It is believed to have many health benefits, that of which change with the seasons. In Spring, foot baths tone the Yang (energy), and prevent the depletion of Qi (life force).
Why do Japanese soak their feet? The Benefits of an Ashi-yu
Dip your chilly toes into the hot onsen water and it’s said to even help with circulation, heating your whole body without sapping your energy, or even making you dizzy! Japanese people like to say that keeping your feet warm but your head cool is good for your health
Using the principles of the Onsen and using a foot soak to increase your overall body temperature, which can help relieve muscle and mental tension, alleviate stress and increase white blood cell activity.
THE BAIN DE PIED
The combination of salt, water, and soaking sanitizes feet because bacteria can’t thrive in salty environments, so these footbaths can help inhibit the growth of nasty microorganisms. Any solution that contains salt will help reduce joint inflammation. When used with hot water, it will help relieve any joint pain you have. Although I tend to only use hot water if specifically requested, during these hot weeks of summer I have been using lukewarm water but during the colder months the temperature is obviously warmer!
Massage of the toes, ankles, and soles with healing essential oils can restore the skin, alleviate tension, and even signal the body that it is time to relax at the end of the day. The skin on the feet is thicker, less sensitive, and possesses pores that are larger than those on the rest of the body.
To make your experience comforting and benificial to you, I use a variety of herbs, citrus peels and a “secret ingredient or two” that leave the feet feeling soft and supple! Also the scent of the added Essential Oil can add so many soothing benefits to the quiet the busy mind.
THE SEASALT SCRUB
I also have a lovely salt scrub which is made from essential oils and softening base oils. Whether you choose this added option, is entirely up to you, it is part of the Bain de Pied experience which starts of your Tsuboki Foot Massage. The Massage and finishing of the Tsuboki massage is on the Massage Table. Unless you have just booked in for a bain de pied with another massage (IHM for example) or along with a Bain de Main. If you choose you can have a variation of the Tsuboki Foot massage in the seated position.
THE TENUGUI
To complete the Bain de Pied I gently dry the feet with a Japanese towel – tenugui (手拭い), literally “hand-wiper” which are traditional Japanese cotton towels that have been a staple of the Japanese home since the 9th century.
One study found that a 20-minute soak had a positive effect on sleep latency and total sleep duration; in other words, budgeting a foot bath into your nightly routine can send you to dreamland faster and help you stay there longer. It’s really a win/win isn’t it?
THE NEXT STEP
If you have decided to try out the Bain de Pied, you will have a foot scrub, a rinse, and then your feet will be dried followed with a gentle massage using a cream or oil (your choice) with hands and the Ridoki. If you have decided the Bain de Pied will precede your Tsuboki Foot massage you will then have a step up onto the massage table for your TREATment…
Happy Feet are Healthy Feet
Feet have thousands of nerve endings, which really explains why foot rubs feel so good. Our feet are complex anatomical structures that include 42 muscles, 26 bones, 33 joints, 250,000 sweat glands, 50 ligaments and tendons, and 15,000 nerve endings. So by looking after our feet first we are looking out for the rest of our body.
When a client leaves The TR there’s a definite spring in their step which means literally If you walk with or have a spring in your step, you walk energetically in a way that shows you are feeling happy and confident: Energetic and lively, happy and confident!
So as Summer slows it’s pace, and the Autumn season starts to make appearence over the next month, why not come along and treat yourself, your feet will soon have to succumb to socks and shoes, so why not treat them regularly, after don’t they deserve such TLC?
The Bain de Pied is now also offered with any other massage including the Combination Massages.
I hope to see your Feet being TREATed soon…
**Anyone can benefit from using a foot bath. However, it’s important to remember to consult your doctor first if you are pregnant, elderly, or have a bleeding disorder.
Do take note that foot baths may not be suitable for some diabetic patients. Choosing the right herbs for your specific needs is paramount, otherwise, your foot wounds or condition may worsen.**