The Healthy Advantages of Birkenstock

   

Most people are not aware of the harmful effects of wearing shoes that are improperly fitted to their feet on their general health. Mobility issues that are seen in older people and those who are in the nursing homes are caused by long years of wearing uncomfortable footwear and feet neglect. Wearing tight fitting footwear can cause many foot problems like bunions, calluses, and ingrown toenails. It can also cause a profound effect on the overall health particularly the back.

It is therefore imperative to wear the right shoe that best fit your feet. Birkenstock shoes are a great way to maintain good foot health and at the same time prevent development of foot conditions down the road. Birkenstocks are known for their comfort and their foot beds which are unsurpassed by no other. As Birkenstock shoes allow the feet to rest in a proper and natural alignment, they give full comfort for the feet as well as the body.

birkenstock arizona brown leatherYour feet will sit in perfect natural alignment when wearing these shoes as Birkenstock has gone over 200 years perfecting their shoe foot beds.

The longer you wear Birkenstock shoes the more comfortable they become. This is due to the fact that each of their foot bed is designed to perfectly mold to the shape of your foot and in the process of wearing it, you will make the foot bed your own. It will be like your footprint. In fact, if you let someone else tries to wear your shoes they will not be as comfortable as you would feel.

The foot beds are made of leather and cork mix together that will allow a person to walk with full comfort and support. The materials used of the foot bed are also designed to create a perfect environment against fungus and sweat.

The rest of the shoe are made of soft leather, nubuck, suede, and select man-made materials. They are easy on the feet and will not cause any painful chafing or rubbing. Additionally, Birkenstock soles are designed to absorb impact and so they reduce the stress on your feet, ankles, legs, as well as spine. Clearly, your foot health is something to be taken seriously and Birkenstocks for health shoes are the best footwear.

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Taking a Look at Birkenstocks

   

There is little doubt when one makes the decision to purchase Birkenstock clogs which are famous all over the world that their feet will be appreciative of the gesture. This totally family operated and owned German company has a vast amount of successful experience in the manufacture of shoes and clogs. The hidden secrets of their ongoing success has been passed from one generation to the next for over 230 years now.

The wonderful Birkenstock tradition was begun all the way back in 1774 when the very first shoe was crafted by Johann Birkenstock. 

Birkenstock Florida BlueYears later, one of the grandsons, Konrad Birkenstock, took that original shoe and did some modifications on it. He then designed the very first contoured inner sole shoe for which the company is now famous for around the entire world. What this feature does so well is to allow the unique shoe to mold closely and well with the foot. This being accomplished provides the premier level of comfort that can be possible, as well as exceptional support at all times.

 

It is strange to think of sometimes how these items are used by people around the world. In many areas they are used by people as their choice of work shoes, while at home in Germany, many choose to wear them as slippers. The Birkenstocks have long been touted as a popular choice by those who work on their feet for extended periods of time such as chefs, nurses and doctors. These folks attest to the fact that aching and tired legs truly get the relief they are seeking when wearing them. In recent years especially, the endorsement of highly known people such as Heide Klum has brought the tradition of Birkenstock to the circle of high fashion where it has been totally accepted. Ms. Klum is now actually working with Birkenstock as a designer of footwear. 

There has been one guiding philosophy for the making of shoes that the Birkenstock family has always and continues to adhere to at all times. That philosophy is to always use the resources provided by nature for the promotion and the preservation of the foot’s natural role. Besides staying with a naturalist philosophy, the Birkenstock family is totally committed to the protection of the environment. This company which was among the first to implement the use of adhesion techniques which are water soluble and solvent-free, also proudly notes that over 95% of adhesives that are implemented in the production process are eco-friendly.

The company has also made the decision to invest a great deal of their resources and time into making efforts to have their machinery consume less power and produce less heat as they continue their maximum efforts to go “green”. They have also instituted a special repair service for the shoes of their customers. This decision was made in an all out effort on their part to reduce the waste that is produced every year by society.

 

The company is always looking to offer the latest trendy fashions, but not at the expense ever of maintaining the comfort ability level. One particular favorite of the men is the Birkenstock clog known as the Boston available in either suede or leather uppers.

Due to customer demand, some clogs manufactured with plastic uppers are available. Both the Garden clog and the Chef clog are easy to maintain and clean, and are both water and oil resistant.

Birkenstock is anxious always for any input their customers offer, but they have always made the commitment never to compromise on the integrity and the quality of their footwear under any circumstances.

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How Birkenstocks Alleviate Pain

   

Nearly everyone has had some sort of leg pain in their lifetime. It may have been in the foot or the knee, or maybe even in the back. Pain in any of these places, though, can sometimes be traced back to the same mitigating factor: shoes. That’s right, shoes. The shoes you wear have an enormous affect on your body’s posture, muscle distribution, and general foot health. Unlike most shoes, Birkenstocks can help treat the problems once they’ve occurred, but can help prevent them, as well.

 

When shoes cause knee pain and foot pain, overcompensation can then easily lead to back pain. How does this happen, though? Birkenstock Arizona SandalTake for example a pair of shoes with flat soles or without arch support. Over a period of time, the lack of arch support can cause the ligament in the foot to stretch. The stretching of this ligament is called plantar fasciitis. This can cause any number of symptoms including heel pain, sharp shooting pains in the arch and foot, and can lead to other issues such as heel spurs. The same can be said for high heeled shoes, as well. High heels cause weight to be distributed differently, so certain leg muscles feel more pressure, while other muscles are tighter. This, again, causes knee pain, which in turn causes back pain. However you try to offset the pain, the back tries harder to keep balanced and usually ends up worse.

 

Birkenstock has footwear to counteract the problems created by other shoes. These shoes are designed to work with and strengthen the foot for comfort and healthy feet. To start with, Birkenstocks are shaped like a real foot. There are no pointed toes or high heels. There is enough room for the toes to fit comfortably and have room to move, plus a “toe bar” for natural gripping. The heel cup sits in a neutral position, which distributes weight evenly, unlike heels that force extra weight on the ball of the foot. The foot-bed is contoured to match a foot, with proper arch support, as well.

 

These properties, combined with a cork foot-bed allow flexibility that matches how a foot actually moves. The shoes mimic a bare foot, thereby encouraging natural movement. This promotes strengthening and circulation throughout the whole leg and foot. The contoured cork also conforms to your individual foot the more you wear the shoes. TBirkenstock Boston cloghey absorb the shock of each footfall and protect and support the muscles with each step.
Best known for their sandals, Birkenstocks also come in a variety of clogs, boots, and shoes for all occasions. Birkenstock can even custom build shoes for people with specific medical conditions, focusing on what those individual feet need the most.

 

 

Pain can strike anyone at any time, especially if you’re on your feet all day, and especially if you wear shoes that push you off balance. The wrong shoe can be completely detrimental, while the right one can save your whole body from pain. With their comfort design, Birkenstocks promote healthy feet and posture and reduce the strain of foot pain to help in healing.

 

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The Health Benefits of the Kenkoh Massage Sandal

   

The stresses of modern day living and lifestyles can wear one down. Fortunately, there are proven ways to relax and reinvigorate the body including soaking in a hot tub or getting a massage. Additionally, you can get all the benefits of a conventional massage at home simply by wearing massage sandals. These sandals work by stimulating blood flow in the soles of your feet. This provides relief to tired and aching feet.

Massage Sandals Research

Kenkoh Massage SandalResearchers at the Kyoto University carried out a study in 2006 to determine the health benefits of Kenkoh massage sandals. In addition, researchers involved in this study wanted to find out if the Kenkoh health sandal could ease foot fatigue. The researchers divided the 84 participants into two groups — control and study. The control group wore ordinary sandals that did not have any massage nodules. On the other hand, the study group wore Kenkoh sandals with massage nodules.

 

Study participants wore the sandals for about four hours from 2 pm to 6 pm. Furthermore, both the control and study groups carried out their work while on their feet. After the four hours, researchers evaluated the study participants’ listlessness, tiredness of feet, overall tiredness, body temperature, blood pressure, and psychological tiredness.

Kenkoh Health Benefits

To start with, results of this study showed that participants who wore Kenkoh massage sandals felt less tired. Secondly, participants in the control group exhibited less swelling of the lower limbs. Thirdly, participants who wore Kenkoh Sandals said they were in a better mood of feeling warm. Fourthly, control group participants had significantly lower pulse rates.

 

You too can reap the same health benefits by wearing Kenkoh massage sandals after work, while going to the grocery store, while at the beach, after working out at the gym, and even at work. The beauty of wearing these sandals is they stimulate nerve pressure points on the soles of your feet. Most Kenkoh sandals contain at least 1,000 elastomer and natural rubber nodules that also absorb shock as you walk.

 

These nodules apply pressure on various parts of the soles of your feet when you are standing, walking, or sitting down. It is more or less the same as the ancient Chinese method (acupressure) of applying pressure on a certain body part to make one feel better.The nodules are of different sizes to ensure that they fill the contour of your feet properly. You can think of wearing these sandals as having foot massage while you work or relax at home. Take note that Kenkoh sandals come in a wide range of colors and sizes for both men and women.

If you have never worn massage sandals, you should try them mainly because they offer myriad health and wellness benefits. They work by stimulating the reflexology zones on the soles of your feet leading to increased blood flow. Research carried out at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine shows that massage sandals provide health benefits such as preventing swelling of the lower limbs, lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as reducing tiredness.

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The Risks of Wearing Ill-Fitting Shoes and Some Alternatives

   

Foot problems, and resulting foot pain, is a common occurrence. Approximately 75% of Americans suffer with chronic foot pain. The discomfort could be rooted in problems that have become actual medical conditions, like bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, or hammer toes. Many of these conditions can be brought on through the wearing of poorly fitting shoes. There are alternative footwear choices available that prevent foot pain and misery. Birkenstock, Finn Comfort, and Dansko shoes are designed with an understanding of the anatomy of the foot, the specific areas that need support, stability, and freedom, and the risks of ignoring these needs.

 

bunionsThe foot has 26 bones with 33 joints and well over 120 muscles, nerves, and ligaments, including eight major muscles. It is a relatively small appendage that is responsible for carrying the entire body around all day. It is no wonder that so many develop problems with their feet.

 

A bunion is an abnormality in which the big toe points towards the other toes, usually accompanied by pain and swelling. Ill fitting footwear can cause bunions. Solutions include pads, medicine for the pain, and orthotics (specialized shoe inserts), and proper footwear. Treatment for more extreme cases involves surgery to realign the bones. Excess bone may be removed and sometimes changes are made in the surrounding tissue. Recovery can take up to three months, but it may take as many as six months before the patient can return to wearing regular shoes.

 

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful condition that can also be rooted in ill fitting shoes. The plantar fascia is a stretch of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. One of its functions is to absorb the shock to the foot when walking. If an individual wears shoes with very thin soles, this tissue has to deal the impact.
Women are more prone to this condition because of their predilection for high heels. High heels can actually shorten the Achilles tendon, which in turn, can put additional stress and tension on the plantar fascia. Treatments for this condition include a boot or splint to wear while sleeping to stretch the tissue, physical therapy, or orthotics. Only under dire circumstances will surgery to detach the plantar fascia be performed.

 

Birkenstock GizehHammer toes are often seen in individuals who wear very high heels or shoes with pointed toes that crowd the feet. Shoes like that cause an unnatural flexing of the toes that can become permanent as the tendons contract and make the toe curl unnaturally, so they are bent and look something like a hammer. This usually occurs in the toes right next to the big toe and can cause difficulties. Movement of the stiff toe(s) can cause pain and the raised joint(s) can rub against the inside of shoes. Recommended remedies involve finding shoes with plenty of room for the toes, and doing exercises that strengthen the toe muscles. Only in severe cases is surgery to relieve the tendon and remove jutting bone an option.

 

Metatarsalgia can be brought about by hammer toes, bunions, or by wearing very high heeled shoes. It is a painful inflammation of a nerve between the foot bones. It can be treated by icing, orthotics, or with a pressure bandage. Only in extreme circumstances is surgery to realign the bones considered.

 

With the dictates of fashion and the increased shopping options brought about by the internet, it is no wonder that people are not making the most prudent choices for their footwear. There are, however, choices available that can relieve foot discomfort, but even more importantly, prevent foot problems from developing.

 

Birkenstocks are known for creating the first contoured insole for custom shoes in the late 1800s. Finn-Comfort-AlexandriaIn the 1960s these inserts actually became Birkenstock sandals. That they have remained popular since then is no surprise. They are constructed of top quality materials, with cork and latex footbeds that distribute the weight. They provide arch support, stability for the heel with a deep cup, and a toe bar in the front of the sole to stimulate circulation. These orthopedically correct shoes also have ample space for toes to prevent crowding. 

 

Finn Comfort shoes have been providing handmade shoes that provide support, as well as comfort, since 1945. They are a custom fitted shoe, and only a well-trained salesperson can ensure a good fit by carefully measuring the feet. Based on current medical research, the shoes are designed to eDansko Darbymulate a natural rolling walk. With a natural cork footbed, many feel that the Finn Comfort walking shoe is without peer.

 

Dansko shoes began when a husband and wife traveled to Europe and discovered some amazing barn shoes. They began bringing them back to the United States to share and sell, and realized they had something worthwhile to offer.

 

Now a popular shoe, Dansko offers plenty of support for the arch and the rest of the foot, as well as padding to absorb every day wear and tear. Features vary with style, but the popular clog features a bottom that rocks when walking to encourage natural movement.

A person who is experiencing foot problems deals with misery every day. Furthermore, painful foot conditions can cause an unnatural walk that can lead to other issues, like knee, hip, or even back problems. Finding a shoe to keep feet healthy through everyday activities is essential.

 Birkenstock, Foot Health, Footwear, Health , , , , , , , ,

The Benefits of Foot Reflexology

   
After a long day of running errands and going about the city in your high heels you just want to go home, kick off your killer shoes and relax. You rub the soles of your feet and realize that simply rubbing and massaging your tired feet on your own is just not enough. Your next best option would be to get a foot reflexology massage. Foot reflexology has been around for many decades now and is used in many different countries, not only because it relaxes a person’s tired feet, but also because of the many health benefits that a person could get from it.

How can reflexology improve your overall well being?

Reflexology is an application wherein a therapist applies pressure on different parts of your foot. The stimulation of these different pressure points on the foot corresponds to specific areas and organs in the body to produce a therapeutic effect. Reflexology ChartAlthough reflexology has not been used to cure any health ailments, experts agree that when it is used to compliment other medical treatments, it can improve the patient’s positive response to the treatment. It has been used in many patients suffering from serious psychological and physiological conditions such as anxiety, diabetes, migraines, sinusitis, kidney malfunction and cardiovascular issues.

 

The practice of reflexology has been growing even in the technology driven Western world. More and more people are starting to believe in its many therapeutic benefits and there are now more people in the health care industry who are getting the education and training that they need to become reflexologists. For instance, in the early 1990′s there was an increase in the employment of reflexologists in different companies and municipalities in Denmark. Studies show that since then, there has been a decrease in absences due to sickness in many companies. In addition to that, employees started to report an improvement in their overall health and attitude towards their jobs.

 

According to many of them, reflexology has helped them deal with stress better and ultimately, led them to perform better in their jobs. Many believers and practitioners of reflexology maintain that pressure received on the feet actually send signals that promote balance in the nervous system and release chemicals such as endorphins that lead to the reduction of stress and pain. While a good number of physicians believe that there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove the healing powers of reflexology, there are also those who believe that it is a good way to complement any medical treatment that they are going through, even if it is only for the purpose of reducing pain and discomfort.

Which particular pressure points in the foot correspond to different organs in the body?

Anybody who is training to become a reflexologist needs to become familiar with the reflexology map or the different zones first before anything else. This map represents the different points in the foot and which one of them will have a therapeutic effect on which particular organ of the body when stimulated. The most basic information that any aspiring reflexologist should know is that the left foot corresponds to organs found on the left side of the body, while the right foot corresponds to organs found on the right side of the body.

 

1.) Arch of the foot — When your therapist stimulates this part of your foot it directly corresponds to your bladder therefore helping improve your bladder function.

2.) Tip of the toes — When pressure is applied on the tip of the toes, they will have therapeutic benefits on your head, brain as well as your sinuses.

3.) Mid-foot — This corresponds to your stomach, pancreas, small and large intestines, gall bladder, liver, adrenal glands, diaphragm and solar plexus.

4.) Big Toe — This is one of the most important points of pressure because it stimulates some critical organs of the body such as the hypothalamus, pineal glands and pituitary glands.

5.) Ball of the feet — There are many different pressure points found in this particular portion of the sole of your feet. Some of them include the lymph nodes, shoulders, breasts for the females, and the thymus.

6.) Heel — Stimulating this part of your foot benefits the following areas: hip, appendix, cervix for the females, knee, lower back, tailbone, sciatic nerves, bladder and rectum.

 

Many reflexologists start a session by asking the patient first if he is experiencing pain on a particular part of the body. This way he will be able to focus on those parts that need to be worked on the most. For those clients who just want relaxation, reflexologists may choose to conduct general or integrated sessions.

Who can benefit the most from reflexology?

Just about any adult who feels tired and stressed out from their daily routines can go for reflexology just to help them relax. There are however, certain categories of individuals who stand to benefit the most from reflexology and this include the following:

1.) Senior citizens — If you are living with your parents you know that they are almost always in a state of pain or discomfort stemming from their back, joints and muscles. Hiring a reflexologist for them at least two times a month will be beneficial for easing their aches and pains.

2.) Athletes — People who engage in rigorous sports expose their bodies to trauma and wear and tear compared to regular persons. Having regular total body massages and conditioning combined with reflexology will help improve blood circulation in their muscles in order to maintain optimum functioning in their bodies.

 

3.) Patients undergoing cancer treatments – Medical practitioners who believe in the benefits of reflexology often recommend this to their patients. Even if it just to help ease the pain and discomfort that they feel from undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, reflexology can already be greatly beneficial.

 

So after an extremely tiring day, going for reflexology is a great way to unwind and relax. In addition to peace and relaxation, your organs and the rest of your body will also experience many benefits for your overall health to improve your mental, emotional and physical functioning.

 

It would be perfect we all  had our own live-in reflexologist, but shy of winning the lottery, or hooking up with a truly extraordinary mate, we are on our own…but maybe not entirely. Kenkoh, a Japanese company has teamed up with Happy Feet Plus in the US to bring us a sandal which combines the principles of traditional foot reflexology with the modern science of footwear manufacturing. People report that by merely slipping them on and wearing them twenty minutes a  day, they feel invigorated and foot happy. These sandals have been tested at the Kyoto  Institute and…well see the sandals and the finding for yourself here.

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Reap Multiple Benefits Through Foot Massage

   

The benefits of foot massage go way further than just a relaxing treat. It has long been known and accepted that the feet contain lots of different pressure points and nerves that can be manipulated to provide relaxation, pain relief, and more. Having a foot massage performed by a trained reflexologist, pedicure technician, massage therapist, podiatrist, other therapy professional or even your partner can help relieve your pain and leave you reinvigorated. If you need some ammunition to get your partner on board, read on about the health benefits of foot massage and if you promise to return the favor, you can receive the benefits of foot massage on a regular basis.

Relaxation and Rest

With over seven thousand nerve endings in the feet, they are a treasure trove of pressure points waiting to be unlocked to provide tension release and relief. Using a reflexology pressure point chart, locate the point for the solar plexus on the booth feet. Applying pressure to the solar plexus pressure points in your feet will immediately release stored stress and allow your body to decompress, relax and unwind.

Remofoot massageval of Toxins and Improved Circulation

Foot massage can help reduce high stress rates that can often restrict blood flow and compromise circulation. Destressing through foot massage helps the body release stress hormones that inhibit circulation and can help improve blood flow and decrease toxins that accumulate in your body.

Nail And Toe Care

Foot massages are a great way to avoid painful foot, toe and nail problems. Using a moisturizing massage cream can prevent dry, cracked, painful heels that can lead to fissures and infections. Massaging cream into your toenails and cuticles will keep them hydrated and can help avoid the onset of thick, yellow or calloused skin and nail problems.

 

Diabetics and People With Foot Ulcers Benefit From Massage
People with compromised circulation can derive great benefits from foot massage. In studies, people with diabetic foot ulcers saw a significantly decreased healing time when their foot ulcers were treated with massage. It is theorized the benefits derived from increased circulation through massage are behind the results and doctor recommend massage therapy in tandem with standard medical and surgical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Cancer Patients

Cancer patients also report multiple benefits from receiving foot massages. After receiving foot massages, cancer patients report feeling less nausea, pain, fatigue, vomiting, and decreased anxiety. Massage may help cancer patients on multiple levels, both physically and mentally by providing pain relief and tension relief. Incorporating massage therapy into a cancer treatment plan can be a successful way to manage the ravages of cancer.

 

Ancient people revered the feet as the house of pressure points and knew that manipulation of those points can effect the way people feel and function. Tap into this ancient wisdom and use the power of acupressure points to alter your mood, pain state, disposition and to increase circulation and flush out toxins. Try a foot massage once a day for a week and see if you do not feel differently. Once you see and feel the difference, you will be a devotee of foot massage and its benefits.

 

Happy Feet Plus offers a way to give yourself a foot massage every day without effort, by simply putting on a pair of sandals.

Kenkoh massage sandals are a Japanese sandal designed using the ancient principals of reflexology. Hundreds of nodules gently massage your feet as you walk. Wearing them may initially take a bit of getting used to, but thousands of people sear by them and give them credit for a variety of health benefits. You can find out all about them at http://www.happyfeet.com/kenkoh

 Foot Health, Foot Massage ,