Healing through Yoga—Feet for Balance!
Many teachers say that your feet are a ‘map’ for how your pelvis, hips, & lower back are feeling.
When you stand or walk, do you feel stable & without pain?
Do you lose your balance when you do not concentrate?
Can you do a simple balance on one foot?
With your feet inner hip length apart, align your baby & fourth toes to your outer hip bones. The third toes correspond to your femurs, the second toes to your inner thigh and the big toes to your inner pubis.
The femurs (the longest, largest, & strongest single bone in your body) & shinbones should be vertical and in line with each other so the knees are not bent or hyper extended.
Tree pose demonstrates the importance of your feet for balance. Using a wall or railing for support, bring your feet parallel, inner hip length apart. Standing on the 4 corners of your right foot (big toe mound, inner heel, little toe mound & outer heel), raise your left leg & place it on the fat side of your calf, hugging into your core for stability. Inhale & lift your heart as you bring your arm bones back, shoulder blades flat on your back. Make sure the top of your brain is in line with your sitting bones. Exhale & SMILE! Now do the other side.
One of my students said he practices tree pose at the sink or waiting in the grocery line. He even does it outside using his favorite tree for balance! Now you try it!
