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What is a Cobblestone Footpath? The FOOT CHI™ COBBLESTONE FOOTPATH is a lightweight and portable tool used to apply acupressure from the bodies own weight, to the reflex points of the foot. FOOT CHI™ is designed to emulate ancient stone reflexology pathways found throughout Asia. |
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The Origin and History of Reflexology:
The use of Reflexology dates back to over 5,000 years. Substantial information suggests that its origins lie in China, India and Egypt. Today throughout China, many parks and cities incorporate Reflexology footpaths as part of their recreational facilities. Cobblestone walking has been used in conjunction with TaiChi, Yoga, QiGong, and KungFu, as a tool to strengthen and heal the body from within. More recently, the effects of reflexology and cobblestone walking have shown to be beneficial as a complementary tool, which helps to enhance or supplement other healing practices.
What is Foot Reflexology?
Foot Reflexology is a non-invasive natural healing art which is gaining widespread popularity. Foot Reflexology is an applied pressure therapy that involves stimulating reflex points on the foot. The foot acts as a map of the entire body, where the reflex points correspond to the vital organs, muscles and glands. Over time, gravity causes a substance called uric acid to settle in reflex points of the foot. Uric acid, when concentrated, may produce a cord, or granule like bubble that may be painful upon stimulation. In many Asian medical systems, this is known as a ‘stagnation’ of ‘energy’ or ‘chi’. Without the proper flow of energy, all body/mind systems are affected leading to an ill state of health. By stimulating the reflex points and nerve endings of the foot, the uric acid can be broken up, and the stagnant energy freed. This process helps to increase blood circulation and metabolism, thereby reducing the stress and workload upon the heart. It has also been known to help regulate hormone imbalances via nerve/brain pathways, thus creating a sense of calm, energy, clarity and vitality.
Instructions for Use:
- Find a peaceful space.
- Place the mat on the floor. (Use alone or in combination with multiple FOOT CHI™ paths to create new and exciting exercise programs. Please see diagram for ideas.)
- First time use should be limited to 5-10 minutes, then gradually work your way up to 10-40 minutes, up to 3 times per week.
- Be sure to drink plenty of water or warm tea after use in order to help flush out any remaining toxins from the body.
- If lighter stimulation is required, try wearing socks during use.
Precautions:
- Consult your health care provider prior to use if you suffer from any medical conditions.
- If you experience pain upon walking, this is a sign you may have more uric acid blockages. This pain should decrease slowly over time through FOOT CHI™ stimulation as the uric acid/crystalline deposits break up. If pain or discomfort ensues, discontinue use and consult with your health care provider.
- Do not wear shoes, as this could damage your FOOT CHI™ mat.
Where to Use:
- In the home, office, clinic, spa, park, gym, Dojo, Ashram, hotel, airport…and much more!
Benefits of Foot Reflexology:
- Offers a deep sense of relaxation.
- Can Improve Circulation.
- Naturally helps cleanse the body of toxins and impurities.
- Is thought to help regulate hormone imbalances.
- Is reported to control the perception of pain by stimulating the release of endoprhins.
- Has been known to help with insomnia, sinusitis, allergies, fatigue, stress, anxiety, digestion, and much more!
Research: In a recent study conducted by the Oregon Research Institute (ORI), Cobblestone Footpath exercise has been shown to improve physical function and reduce blood pressure to a greater extent than conventional walking in older adults.
Bastyr University in Washington has built a new Cobblestone Footpath studded with jutting and smooth river stones, to look at the benefits of Cobblestone exercise.
Studies report that stress related symptoms and illness contribute to nearly 60-70% of the visits to primary care physicians. Reflexology can be beneficial in stress reduction as well as pain management, by accelerating the bodies own natural healing ability.
Replacing Stones: Each FOOT CHI™ Comes with extra stones should any of the pieces come off while use. Simply position the back of shaped locking piece through the mat and clip together the stone.
**The above statements have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are therefore not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. Consult your health care practitioner before using. If you experience pain or discomfort, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider. Not suitable for use by young children, pregnant women, or those who have undergone recent surgical procedures.
Examples on How to Use FOOT CHI™ (click each example to view larger)
Foot Reflexology Chart
