TIME OUT:Washing feet is an effective way to de-stress
WASHING FEET as a therapeutic activity is greatly overlooked. This is unfortunate because foot washing is a simple remedial intervention requiring no more than a basin of hot water and some emollients to soothe the feet.
Washing feet is an extraordinarily effective way to de-stress, not least because it is simple, can be undertaken swiftly, or can provide hours of self-indulgence that ensure a return to emotional equilibrium at times of distress.
The restorative nature of foot washing lies in the combination of activities involved. First, there is the decision to foot wash. This acknowledges that relaxation is needed and that a ritual as ancient as time itself is to be undertaken. Secondly, getting the temperature of the water right is imperative. There is nothing as uncomfortable as putting one’s foot into water that is either too hot or too cold. Thirdly, the moment when sore feet are submerged in warm water is a moment of physical ecstasy and psychological release, and it provides a time to consciously imagine releasing all the worries of the day out through the feet.
While washing feet can take place anywhere in the house, veteran foot washers understand the consideration this demands. For some, a dedicated space with all the accoutrements ready for ablution guarantees that they attend to their feet every single day. Others like to take a prominent position in front of the television and enjoy the triple pleasure of solitude, foot washing and entertainment, because it is the fastest way to clear a room of occupants. Corns, calluses and bunions are not a pretty sight.
Some people make a ritual of foot washing, with low lights, scented candles, fluffy towels and rich, thick moisturising creams to complete the rite. Others are pragmatic, washing their feet after running, dancing or sport activities or perfunctorily at the end of each day.
For others still, daily dousing is part of their health regime, central to good physical and mental wellbeing. The treatment of diabetes stresses that feet be kept healthy and that any cuts, abrasions or ulcers are treated immediately. Foot massage is recommended for stress. Lavender foot soaks assist sleep, and anyone who remembers the hot water bottle will recall the regressive reassurance of it on icy feet in a cold bed.
When you wash your feet, you wash your life. You become aware of the expenditure of your physical and emotional energy. You are conscious if you have been “on your feet” all day, the toll that can take on your wellbeing and the importance of “putting your feet up” and of taking time out every day.
Feet are metaphorical and emotional barometers. To “get cold feet” is to lose confidence, to “put one’s foot in it” is to make a mistake, to “have two left feet” is to feel awkward, while “putting the best foot forward” is a statement of courage and intent.
Feet are diagnostic. Before weather forecasts existed, feet were sometimes used to tell if rain was on the way. When our great-grandmothers sat and soaked their feet, pared their corns and predicted rain based on how itchy and inflamed those corns were, they never imagined that they were doing something as highfaluting as chiropody or as elite as psychosomatic care.
But before there was podiatry, people knew that if you didn’t take care of your feet, you’d have pains in your back. Before there were foot spas there were basins of soapy water. Before reflexology, people implicitly understood that if their feet were “killing them”, their general health needed attention.
Foot washing is more than washing the feet. It is an art ancient and new across eastern and western cultures. Washing of the feet of another has signified hospitality, reverence, communion and community since time began.
mmurray@irishtimes.com
Clinical psychologist Marie Murray is director of psychology in UCD Student Counselling Services. Her weekly radio slot Mindtimeis on Drivetimewith Mary Wilson on Wednesdays on RTÉ Radio One