Finding your feet

Most people are familiar with the concept of reflexology - how the state of your feet reflects your overall health. But, according to Ann Gadd, our corns and bunions can also reflect our innermost feelings.

Former advertising executive Ann Gadd studies feet for a living, as well as being a successful Reiki Master, counsellor, artist and writer.

In her fascinating new book, she explains why anyone would choose to study feet.

“Because we always have our feet with us; they are very visible and dead easy to examine! When I look at someone’s feet, I often feel as if I am talking to an old person who is full of stories that are just waiting to be told.”

According to Ann, the actual blemish - such as a cut or callous on the foot, is relevant to someone’s emotions, but she can gain an even greater insight by looking into where on the foot the problem symptoms show up.

The foot is divided into seven chakras – each relating to the seven main chakras or energy centres, found on the whole body. Problems in these areas relate to everyday life.

For example - the first chakra relates to the heel and the small toe area of the foot, and represents fear and anger (feeling physically afraid or threatened). Thekey words for this chakra are ‘fight or flight.’ As the area also relates to our connection to mother earth- and feeling rooted or connected - Ann explains how someone with a large heel is often well grounded - while someone with a small or very narrow heel may seem more of an air head!

She says, ”Do you feel well-heeled or down at heel? Does life make you want to take to your heels - or are you rooted to the spot? Do you find it hard to cool your heels? Do you quickly get impatient with situations or people?’’ It’s all in your heel…

Foot-watching can be a way of understanding yourself - or someone else (so long as they don’t mind getting their socks off) and can be particularly useful with children, too.

“By becoming aware of our soles as more than just the bottom of our feet, we become aware of our souls and so have a tool to plumb the depths of our own being, to reach a greater degree of self-understanding, on the road to becoming more conscious.’’

Feet facts

Take a good long look at your feet - do any of these affect you?

Athlete’s Foot

Key issues – sadness and hurt at needing or wanting the approval and recognition of others for our efforts, thoughts or ideas and not receiving the recognition we crave.

(It is also important to look at where the fungus most commonly appears)
Emotional healing: In order to heal Athlete’s Foot, we have to let go of the need for acceptance and approval from others. As long as we continue to seek recognition and emotional reward from others, we put ourselves in a position of constantly being manipulated or drained by them. We have to work at giving approval to ourselves and acknowledge our own accomplishments without the need for recognition by others.

Corns and Calluses:

Key issues – hardening of self to protect vulnerability. Shutting off. Not wanting to see, hear, speak, feel.

Emotional healing: Where have you have become stuck? Why are you afraid to move ahead? What is holding you back from doing what you want to do? Does your family still govern your life? Is it not time to start living your life the way you want to? What can you do to bring about the desired change?

High Arches:

Key issues – perfectionism.

Emotional healing: The message is: let go. Ease up. Stop setting unrealistic goals that leave you feeling down when you don’t achieve them. Realise people will love you for who you are rather than how perfect you or your surroundings appear.