The Feet as Our Foundation

Do you have foot pain, knee pain, back pain, or pain elsewhere in the body? Foot Yoga might provide you with some relief. How we use our feet is the foundation for how we stand and move. It’s known that problems with the feet, such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis can often show up as back pain, and those with flat feet tend to have misalignment of the knees, hips and low back. A strong base of support from the feet can help to support a healthy back and overall posture.

The fascia of the feet connects to major muscles and other connective tissue that lead all the way to the tongue, known as the “Deep Front Line”. What is fascia? The fascia system forms a continuous tensional network of connective tissue throughout the entire human body and encases every muscle, organ, bone, nerve, artery and vein and helps suspend them all within the case of our skin, like a spider web.

When fascia is healthy, force is transmitted through the body with ease, fluidity, and vitality. Healthy fascia is highly elastic and resilient and provides a high level of stability during dynamic loading, which in turn provides for a high degree of injury prevention. (1)

 However, when fascia health is compromised, this will result in a loss of elasticity and resilience, and injury to the body occurs more easily. With an injury or excessive strain, it is the fascia that often adapts to stabilize the local area by shortening, thickening, and adhering to neighboring structures in the body. This will affect the whole structure of the body and often results in fatigue, misalignment, discomfort, and restriction of movement. (1) And, when we look at the “Deep Front Line”, we can start to release and hydrate the fascia from the “root” of our foundation, the feet.

(1) Ajna Yoga Center – Yoga Therapy Training Manual – Tensegrity Repair and Fascia

Yoga for Feet

A 5 – week series providing love and kindness to our feet.

In this 5-week program we join weekly, virtually or in person, for a 60-minute session focusing on range of motion, releasing tensions, strengthening, and relaxing the muscles and connective tissue of the feet, legs, and core muscles that support both stability and balance.

We review the anatomy of the feet, legs, and pelvis, and the facial connections in these areas. As well as common conditions of the feet that can lead to not only foot pain but pain in all areas of the body. Each week we explore movements and practices for the feet, ankles, legs, hips, and core to help increase stability and balance as we strengthen and connect to our stance. This series may support those recovering from injury, living with foot pain, chronic pain elsewhere, fallen arches, or other conditions of the feet.

What you will learn:

  • Anatomy of the feet and legs and how they support the rest of the body
  • Different conditions of the feet and how to support symptoms and recovery
  • Facial connection of foot to pelvis and how this can translate into other areas of the body
  • Postural awareness including resting posture in both standing and sitting, GAIT, and how this translates in the body
  • Ways to release tensions, hydrate fascia, and strengthen key muscle groups that support the feet, ankles, legs, and core for more stability, balance, and comfort in our feet

This program is offered online or in-person for locals in the Edmonton and surrounding areas, by appointment only. Whether you and a group of friends or family members are looking for a shared yoga experience to enhance wellness, or you would like to “zone” in on your own personal practice the choice is yours. This program can be offered as a group series or through private one-on-one’s.

To learn more, book a free meet and greet by clicking HERE. Or email yourdiscoveryandjourney@gmail.com with inquires

Testimonial

I cannot thank Christina enough for her classes, they are the highlight of my week and each time I cannot wait for the next. She has been a fantastic teacher; correctly demonstrating poses, helping me to create a flow in my movements and patiently helping correct my posture in the poses so I do not strain my body. I have found her classes to have a perfect mix of strength building, flexibility and relaxation. Christina has a calm demeanor and soft voice that helps to focus and guide you through the practice. And I have especially appreciated that she takes time before class to check in with your state of mind and to see if there are any areas of the body that are bothering you. She will adapt or suggest modifications to help to properly exercise these areas, which really makes the classes more personable and feel tailored to you. I highly recommend Christina’s classes to anyone looking to start or expand their yoga journey.

Anonymous

This is an accessible yoga practice where we may explore poses sitting, standing, and lying down. All practices are designed to support your uniqueness. Movements can be offered in multiple orientations and the option to practice with a chair or from a bed is always available. Choose what best supports you as you move through your practice.

Suggested props: sturdy chair, no-slip surface, yoga blocks or books, yoga strap or belt, tennis ball(s) or similar, Pilates ball or small inflated ball, yoga bolster or firm pillow(s).