What is a Foot Zone?

What is foot zoning?

Some people say that it is a really nice foot massage.

Some people believe that it is painful.

When I was in growing up we were frequently told “No pain, no gain”

Perhaps you have seen charts that divide the body into different areas also known as zones. You will see this in reflexology and in discussing the meridians.  These energy patterns run vertically or in an oval shape beginning at the head going down, underneath the feet and coming back to the beginning point a the top of the head.  Chakra charts show how our energy broadcasts from us horizontally.  This will often look like circles or hoops stacked but distanced from each other and focusing on the upper body.

It is called a foot zone because the right foot represents the right side of the body and the left foot represents the left side of the body.  Additionally, each foot is divided into four areas called zones.  Each of these zones focus on different areas of the body.  At the end of the foot zone both feet are brought together with the intention for both sides and all systems to be working together harmoniously.

In summary, I call it a whole body massage through your feet.  This is because your nerves end in your feet and your hands.  Due to everything in our bodies being connected the circulatory, lymphatic, digestive, reproductive, muscular and skeletal systems are also part of a foot zone.

By intentionally and systematically connecting with the pressure points for the nerves a signal is being sent to your brain to do a system check.  In doing this system check or reevaluation of the status of well-being the automatic operation pattern or autopilot is interrupted, an internal assessment is done, then the body either releases what is no longer needed or it goes to work repairing what is asking for attention.

I am frequently asked if a foot zone hurts.

Sometimes pain or discomfort will be felt.  This pain is your body waving a flag to get your attention. It is saying that there is something interfering with the proper operation of things in this location.

There are some people who believe that it is the foot zoinist’s job to apply as much pressure as possible and “grind out” the blockage.  I believe that it is a foot zonist’s job to facilitate your body to do the work.

The reality is that your body knows what needs to be done and how to do it.  But the problem comes in at that sometimes it has become so accustomed to working in a weakened or broken state it just turned on autopilot and operates that way. 

A foot zone helps the body turn off the autopilot and allow repairs to be made.  Then once, everything is in a better state it turns the autopilot back on and goes to work on other things.

When the body is in pain it goes into defense mode and tightens up looking for the threat and making a plan of action to eliminate the pain.  In my opinion, this defeats the purpose of a foot zone.

There are also foot zonist’s who believe it is our job to get the attention of the body so that it will go to work, doing what it does best.  This approach applies gentle pressure to help your body work out any kinks.  However, it is done with the intention for your body to feel that it is in a safe place to use resources to do the necessary repair work and keep things maintained.

All living creatures have mental, emotional, physical, spiritual energy.  It is naturally a part of the foot zone that all of these energy systems are acknowledged and reset as your system is willing to do so.

It really is in your best interest to have appointments with different foot zone therapists and see which practitioner and style work best for you.  Also realize that over time your body changes and has different needs.  Actually, if you think about it you will recognize that your body has a variety of needs all day every day.

Disclaimer:  You are encouraged to seek out the advice of competent, licensed medical professionals for any health concerns.  A foot zone therapist is not a licensed medical professional.  The course of action you take to recover and maintain your health is entirely up to you.  Your mental/emotional/physical/spiritual status are all affected by the nutrition, habits, exercise, activities, beliefs, etc. that you participate in.

May you find Joy and Happiness in this day.