MASSAGEFEETTHAI

Stiletto heel

2006-12-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A stiletto heel (AmE: spike heel) is a long, thin heel found on some boots and shoes for women. It is named after the stiletto dagger, the phrase being first recorded in the early 1950s. Stiletto heels may vary in length from only a few centimetres up to 18 cm (7 inches), and are sometimes defined as having a diameter at the ground of less than 1 cm.

A pair of pumps with 12cm stiletto heels
Stiletto heels transmit a large amount of force in a small area, and are therefore often stengthened by a metal rod, and a metal or hard plastic tip. The great pressure transmitted through such a heel (greater than that exerted by an elephant standing on one foot[1]) can cause damage to carpets and floors. In A Series of Unfortunate Events, Esme Squalor wore ones with a real stiletto dagger in each heel.

A pair of pumps with 12cm stiletto heels
Contents[hide]
1 History
2 Image
3 See also
4 References
//

[edit] History
This article or section does not cite its references or sources.Please help improve this article by introducing appropriate citations. (help, get involved!) This article has been tagged since December 2006.
Stiletto heels were invented in Italy and became very popular in the 1950s. And popularity did not stem only from women, as men wore stiletto heels just as often. At first, the heel was looked at as another way to make someone look taller while adding a certain panache to their style. It was very common for men of social stature to wear this type of shoe with their formal outfits.
As time went on, stiletto heels became known more for their erotic nature than for their ability to create height. Stiletto heels are a common fetish item. As a fashion staple for women, their popularity has waxed and waned. After an initial wave of popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s, they faded from the scene until the early 1980s, when stiletto heels became de rigueur for American professional women to wear at the office with their wide-shouldered "power suits". The style survived through much of the 1980s but almost completely disappeared during the 1990s, when professional and college-age women took to wearing shoes with thick, blocky heels. However, the slender stiletto heel staged a major comeback after 2000, when young women adopted the style for dressing up officewear or adding a feminine touch to casualwear like jeans.

[edit] Image

This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims.Please help Wikipedia by adding references. See the talk page for details.
Stiletto heels are worn for the same reasons as any other pair of high heeled shoes. In addition to adding several inches to a person's height, the heels alter posture by forcing the leg to turn out slightly and the hips to sashay slightly. While many people feel this makes a person's legs more attractive, daily wear can cause leg, hip and back problems.
Stilettos are particularly associated with the image of the femme fatale, and are often considered to be a seductive item of clothing.

[edit] See also
High heels
Kinky boots
Locking high heels
Shoe fetishism

[edit] References
^ Jack Green (2003). Pressure Under High Heels. Retrieved on 17 July 2006.

High-heeled shoe

2006-12-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

High-heeled shoes are shoes which raise the heel of the wearer's foot significantly higher than the toes. When both the heel and the toes are raised equal amounts, as in a platform shoe, it is generally not considered to be a "high-heel." High-heels come in a wide variety of styles, and the heels are found in many different shapes, including stiletto, block, tapered, blade, and wedge.
While high heels are today mostly associated with female shoe styles, and the term high heeled shoe is generally understood to mean styles of spike-heeled footwear almost exclusively worn by women, there are numerous shoe designs worn by all genders which have elevated heels, including cowboy boots and cuban heels. A "low heel" is considered less than 1", while 1" to 2.5" heels are considered "mid heels," and anything over 2.5" is considered a "high heel" [citation needed].
Contents[hide]
1 History
2 High-heels today
3 Men and heels
4 Accessories
5 Foot and tendon problems
6 See also
7 External links
8 References
//

[edit] History
Raised heels are stated to have been a response to the problem of the rider's foot slipping forward in stirrups while riding. The "rider's heel," approximately 1-1/2" high, appeared around 1500. The leading edge was canted forward to help grip the stirrup, and the trailing edge was canted forward to prevent the elongated heel from catching on underbrush or rock while backing up, such as in on-foot combat. These features are evident today in riding boots, notably cowboy boots.
The simple riding heel gave way to a more stylized heel over its first three decades. Beginning with the French, heel heights among men crept up, often becoming higher and thinner, until they were no longer useful while riding, but were relegated to "court-only" wear. By the late 1600s men's heels were commonly between three and four inches in height.
In 1533, the diminutive wife of the Duke of Orleans, Catherine de Medici, commissioned a cobbler to fashion her a pair of heels, both for fashion, and to increase her stature. They were an adaptation of chopines (elevated wooden soles with both heel and toe raised not unlike modern platform shoes), but unlike chopines the heel was higher than the toe and the "platform" was made to bend in the middle with the foot.
High-heeled shoes quickly caught on with the fashion-conscious men and women of the French court, and spread to pockets of nobility in other countries. The term "well-heeled" became synonymous with opulent wealth. Both men and women continued wearing heels as a matter of noble fashion throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. When the French Revolution drew near, in the late 1700s, the practice of wearing heels fell into decline in France due to its associations with wealth and aristocracy.
Throughout most of the 1800s, flat shoes and sandals were usual for both sexes, but the heel resurfaced in fashion during the late 1800s, almost exclusively among women.

[edit] High-heels today
Throughout the last sixty years high-heels have fallen in and out of favor several times, most notably in the late 90s, when lower heels and even flats predominated[citation needed]. Lower heels were preferred during the late 60s and early 70s, as well, but higher heels returned in the late 80s and early 90s. The shape of the fashionable heel has also changed from block (70s) to tapered (90s), and stiletto (50s, 80s, and post-2000).
Today, high-heels are typically worn by women, with heights varying from a cuban heel of 1½" height to a stiletto heel (or spike heel) of 4" or more. Extremely high-heeled shoes, such as those higher than 5", are normally worn only for aesthetic reasons and are not considered practical. Court shoes are conservative styles and often used for work and formal occasions, while more adventurous styles are common for evening wear and dancing. High-heels have seen significant controversy in the medical field lately, with many podiatrists seeing patients whose severe foot problems have been caused almost exclusively by high-heel wear.
The Sabrina heel is the standard for court shoes and is named after the Audrey Hepburn film of the same name. The Stiletto heel is named after a style of narrow-bladed knife, and is higher with a narrower base. The Reebok Pumps are a kind of pump heels popularly worn by females mostly on the east coast. The trend was supposedly started by a fashion student in NYC, Diana "Dorkface" Lee who rocked the outrageous style, even though everyone laughed at her at first. She was so persistent that they eventually caught on.
Reasons for wearing high heels include:
they change the angle of the foot with respect to the lower leg, which accentuates the appearance of calves
they change the wearer's posture, requiring a more upright carriage and altering the walk
they make the wearer appear taller
they cause the wearer's legs to look longer
Reasons for not wearing high heels include:
they can become painful or damaging for some wearers.
they can shorten the wearer's stride
they can render the wearer unable to run

[edit] Men and heels
Although high heels originated as male footwear around 1500, since the late 1700s, men's shoes have had primarily low heels. The two exceptions are cowboy boots, which continue to sport a taller riding heel, and a brief resurgence in higher-heeled shoes for men in the 1970s[1], and in Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta's character wears a cuban heel in the opening sequence. Some men today wear high-heels and fashion designers have occasionally featured men wearing heels on the runways since the early 1990s[citation needed]. Some shoe manufacturers now market heels with significantly larger sizes to accommodate men.

[edit] Accessories
The stiletto of certain kinds of high-heels can damage some types of floors. Such damage can be prevented by heel protectors, also called covers, guards, or taps, which fit over the "stiletto" tips to keep them from direct, marring contact with delicate surfaces, such as linoleum (rotogravure) or urethane-varnished wooden floors. Heel protectors are widely used in ballroom dancing, as such dances are often held on wooden flooring.

[edit] Foot and tendon problems
This article or section does not cite its references or sources.Please help improve this article by introducing appropriate citations. (help, get involved!) This article has been tagged since November 2006.
High-heeled shoes slant the foot forward and down while bending the toes up. The more that the feet are forced into this position, the more it may cause the Achilles tendon to shorten. This may cause problems when the wearer chooses lower heels or flat-soled shoes. When the foot slants forward, a much greater weight is transferred to the ball of the foot, increasing the likelihood of damage to the underlying soft tissue which supports the foot. In many shoes, style dictates function, either compressing the toes, or forcing them together, possibly resulting in blisters, corns, hammer toes, bunions, and many other medical conditions, most of which are permanent, and will require surgery to alleviate the pain.
If it is not possible to avoid high heels altogether, some doctors suggest that the wearer wear high-heels no more often than twelve hours a day, and that they are spending at least a third of the time on their feet in contour-supportive "flat" shoes (such as exercise sandals), or well-cushioned "sneaker-type" shoes, saving high heels for special occasions.
One of the most critical problems of high-heeled-shoe design involves a properly constructed toebox. Improper construction here can cause the most damage to one's foot. Toeboxes which are too narrow force the toes to be "crammed" too close together. Ensuring that room exists for the toes to assume a normal separation so that high-heel wear remains an option rather than a debilitating practice, is an important issue in improving the wearability of women's high-heeled fashion shoes.
Wide heels do not necessarily offer more stability, and any raised heel with too much width, such as found in "blade-" or "block-heeled" shoes, induces unhealthy side-to-side torque to the ankles with every step, stressing them unnecessarily, while creating additional impact on the balls of the feet. Thus, the best design for a high-heel is one with a narrower width, where the heel is closer to the front, more solidly under the ankle, where the toe box provides room enough for the toes, and where forward movement of the foot in the shoe is kept in check by material snug across the instep, rather than by toes jamming together in the toe box.
Interestingly enough, despite the medical issues surrounding high-heel wear, a few podiatrists recommend well-constructed low to moderate heels for some patients. It appears a slight elevation of the heel improves the angle of contact between the metatarsals and the horizontal plane, thereby more closely approximating the proper angle and resulting in proper weight distribution of a normally-arched foot. This is one of the main reasons most Dansko clogs sport low to medium heels. Other foot specialists, however, argue that any heel causes unnecessary stresses on the various bones and joints of the foot.

[edit] See also
Court shoes
Cowboy boots
Foot fetishism
Foot binding
Insolia
Kinky boots
Kitten heels
Locking high heels
Louis heel
Platform shoe
Riding boots
Shoe fetishism
Sabrina heel
Stacked heel
Stiletto heel
Wedge heel

[edit] External links
History of High-heels
History of Costumes - plates 60 and 63
Nu High-heels' The History of Heels
"Chase Me, Catch Me" Analysis by Paul Niquette of the effect of high heels on stride length

Insect fetish object

2006-12-17T19:13:00.000-08:00

by G.A. PearsonDepartment of Entomology, Box 7626North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, NC 27695-7626.

For the past two years, I've been working on a project documenting insect tatoos, scarification, and other forms of body art involving insects (Pearson 1995). In the course of this investigation, I've met some highly interesting people not usually encountered on the average State University campus. Somehow, through a strange series of events that probably don't bear any further examination, I came in contact with Jeff Vilencia, publisher of The American Journal of The Crush Freaks. Vilencia describes the crush fetish as a variant of giantessophilism:
"The feeling is that of letting go, powerless, helpless, tiny, small, and buglike. Wanting to see a female crush something with her foot, longing to be a helpless insect as you squirm around under her foot sole as she squishes your body into grease."
Insects become a fetish object for the crush freak, who wishes to be an insect ground underfoot. Witnessing or imagining the act of a woman crushing an insect is sexually arousing. The bigger the foot the better; shoe size 9 and up are preferred. (My puny size 6 feet made me feel safe enough to discuss his obsession with Vilencia.)
The AJCF has 500 subscribers, mostly in America but also a few from around the world. Inside is Vilencia's collection of letters from fellow crush fetishists, book reviews, and miscellaneous crush erotica. Two other magazines cater to crush freaks: Squish! and In Step, a foot fetish magazine.
There is a flourishing industry in underground videotapes, some of which are highly produced numbers that have been exhibited at film festivals. A casting call for one of Vilencia's "crush" films is reproduced in Figure 1. Amazingly, Vilencia seems to have been inundated by hopeful actresses willing to trample for film fame, some of whom even bought their own bugs and snails to the audition. The films themselves are enough to make an entomologist weep:
"Squish Playhouse #3: Starring Debbie The Crush Queen And Co-Starring Dozens of Crickets and Mealworms."
"Squish Playhouse #5: Featuring a Special Guest Victim -- A Tarantula Spider!!!"
The other victims in Playhouse #5 are live pinkies (baby mice). Well, were live pinkies.
Vilencia sent me a copy of his award winning video "Smush!" and I watched it with a few entomological friends. It didn't do much for us besides gross us out. That is also the reaction of the actress in the film, as she mashes earthworms to death, first in bare feet and then in black pumps, grinning maniacally. "Eewwww, I'm stepping on yewwwww..." she squeals in an artificially-engineered baby-doll voice. The disgust of the stomper heightens the excitement of the crush freak, according to Vilencia. Crush freaks watch the film and -- I have to say it -- mastur-bait. The film won an award at the Toronto Film Festival, where a few animal rights activists wanted to know "When does cruelty to earthworms become art?"
Audio tapes are also offered. One entitled "A Housewife's Guide to Squishing Bugs" has the following blurb:
"Spiders, Ants, Silverfish ,Cockroaches, Snails, Slugs, and Fat Tomato Worms are no match for this angry housewife with her sexy size 10 feet! Follow her from kitchen to garden as she steps on her victims with no mercy! You will want to be the next insect under her foot!"
A "crush mistress," Ms. J, is a professional dominatrix, making specialized videos and tapes for different clients. In an interview in the AJCF she says:
"50% of the people who write to me are into the "Crush" fetish. But of the people who have maintained an ongoing relationship with me, probably only 15%. (are actually crush freaks)"
When asked if she feels any remorse squishing the bugs, she laughs and says:
"None, none! There's no remorse 'cause they're little bugs, I mean, what is their use?" ... I mean, I can appreciate life being sacred, but bugs have no minds you know, and no feelings..."Interviewer: Is there anything you won't step on?"As far as bugs go, I do not step on the little spindly-legged spiders, cause they're my friends. But when it comes to bugs, I mean they're just icky little creatures si I can't think why they shouldn't be stepped on!"
Another woman named Kathy in Utah offers audio and videotapes to crush freaks. One called "Teacher's Pet" is described as:
"A tall stiletto-heeled teacher keeps two students after school for bringing their pet beetle to class. To teach them a lesson, she steps on the beetle and crushes it right in front of them..."
This particular tape echoes Vilencia's theory of how crush fetishism develops:
"When it comes to the crush, several things come to mind... including the Oedipus complex, because certainly we have seen our mothers kill insects and other people kill insects, and I think that the gigantess imagery that seems to be predominant in more people than one would imagine, also come from childhood. Somewhere there was a sexual connection from seeing all the women in heels and hose while very small ourselves..."
Some of the books reviewed by the AJCF are rather surprising: Kafka's Metamorphosis is to be expected, but the rest of the reviews were general interest entomology books. Bug Busters (1991) and Bugs, Slugs, and Other Things (1991) were reviewed, complete with page numbers to bug crushing references. Vilencia has also edited and republished foot-fetish excerpts of R. Von Ebbling's Psychopathia Sexualis, an 1886 treatise.
Clearly, I just don't get the whole crush predilection. However, there seems to be very few crush freaks, so I don't think the invertebrate world is in great danger. Crush fetishists represent a fascinating example of the human ability to eroticize just about any activity: in this case, one of interest to entomologists.
The next time you stomp a bug, better look around -- Jeff and his friends might be watching:
"I think its completely harmless, because it's a fantasy and we can't really experience this (being crushed underfoot). We can do it only in our minds and I think it's probably one of the more safer things. As far as people who are into crushing insects or seeing it done, I don't see anything more wrong with that than going into a supermarket and going into the Raid section, because human beings hate insects."
Acknowledgements
I thank Jeff Vilencia, editor of The American Journal of The Crush Freaks for his free sharing of materials on the crush fetish and fascinating conversations. My use of the term "crush freak" is mot meant to disparage; it is used by fetishists as a self-description.
Bibliography
Pearson, G.A. 1995. Insect tattoos on humans: a "dermagraphic" study. American Entomologist.
Fig. 1. A Casting call for Squish, a film by Jeff Vilencia.
Fig. 2. Some of the film promotional material.

Barefoot

2006-12-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Walking barefoot
Going barefoot is the practice of not wearing shoes, socks, or other foot covering.
It is more common in developing countries and among poor groups but less common, at least in public, in most industrialized countries due to greater availability of footwear and societal taboos against going barefoot.
Some people who live in areas where going barefoot in public is more or less uncommon nonetheless choose to go barefoot in public part or all of the time. Some of these people call themselves barefooters and make an effort to go barefoot as much as possible. Popular surfaces include grass, sand and warm pavement. Many enjoy the sensation of their feet in direct contact with the ground and/or may have other motivations such as perceived spiritual or health benefits. People who self-identify as "barefooters" tend to be those living in developed countries, as the term itself has been popularized primarily via the Internet.
Contents[hide]
1 Activities
1.1 Barefoot hiking
1.2 Barefoot sports
1.3 Barefoot lifestyle
2 Religious and cultural aspects
2.1 Acts of devotion
2.2 Regional traditions
2.3 Symbol of peace
2.4 Barefoot on stage
2.5 Sign of Poverty or Mourning
2.6 Symbol of Innocence
3 Myths
3.1 Driving Barefoot
3.2 No shoes, no shirt...
4 Health issues
4.1 Risks
4.2 Benefits
5 References
6 See also
7 External links
//

[edit] Activities

[edit] Barefoot hiking
Some people who enjoy the sensation of walking barefoot go barefoot on hikes in the countryside, which offers a greater variety of different surfaces to experience than typical indoor or city environments. (For example, bare soil, moss, and fallen leaves are considered particularly pleasant by some.) In the United States as well as several European countries there are barefoot hiking groups [1] which organize shoeless excursions. Several German-speaking countries have barefoot parks which are designed to be ideal for going barefoot and to encourage the activity.

[edit] Barefoot sports
Most martial arts are practiced barefoot, as well as many gymnastics and dancing disciplines. Barefoot beach volleyball and beach soccer have become the favourites of many young people.
Barefoot skiing is waterskiing without skis -- on the bare feet. This sport may also be referred to as footing, barefooting or barefoot water skiing. The participant is a footer or barefooter. Barefoot waterskiing is an international sport with world championships held every two years. More info can be found at World Barefoot Council [2].
Sports that make use of a swimming pool are usually practiced barefoot.
In sports like long-distance running, most athletes run in shoes, but Abebe Bikila set world records running marathons with and without shoes. Zola Budd trained, raced, and won the World Cross Country Championships barefoot, twice.
Some American football placekickers have also played with a bare kicking foot, citing better control over the contact between their foot and the ball as the reason. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Philadelphia Eagles had two placekickers who kicked barefoot: Tony Franklin and Paul McFadden. (The NFL rules stipulate that a kicker has to at least wear two socks. Barefoot kickers had one of the socks cut off so that they resembled tubes.) Ironically, in the 2006 college football season, there was a punter at the University of Southern Mississippi named Britt Barefoot, but he wore a kicking shoe.[1]

[edit] Barefoot lifestyle
A significant portion of the population even in developed countries enjoy going barefoot and some are resisting their society's taboo against doing this in public. In the United States social folkways that frown upon bare feet in public are more pronounced in certain parts of the country than others, where they can hardly be said to exist at all. In some industrialized nations such as those of Oceania, people of all ages and backgrounds, while a minority, are seen walking barefoot for pleasure, comfort and style as they go about their daily business in settings where people dress in blue jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sandals or other informal/casual attire. Upscale restaurants and most pubs, however, generally require shoes.
Some barefooters and social historians old enough to remember American life before the 1960s have theorized that the often inaccurate but nonetheless persistent stereotypical image of the filthy, unkempt, barefoot hippie from the later part of that decade has contributed to an overall change in society's attitude toward the practice of going barefoot in public. The widespread appearance of "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service" signs can be traced to this era, and some decidedly non-hippie individuals and even families who had gone barefoot in public on a regular basis opted to begin wearing shoes, lest they be indentified with opposition to the Vietnam War and other causes associated with the counterculture.
People who prefer walking barefoot to wearing shoes maintain their barefoot lifestyle is a matter of personal choice that harms no one, intends no disrepect and is consistent with the tradition of individual self-expression that has historically been a cornerstone of liberty in democratic nations. Many barefooters are optimistic that with increased awareness, education and visibility, social acceptance will return to pre-1960s levels and in time, the illogical anti-barefoot sentiment of the late 20th and early 21st centuries will be little more than a footnote in the history of footwear.

[edit] Religious and cultural aspects

[edit] Acts of devotion
Many religious traditions consider removing shoes as a pious gesture of respect, especially appropriate when approaching holy places.
In Exodus, Moses had to take off his shoes before approaching the burning bush.
Muslims are usually unshod for prayer (commonly on a prayer mat) or to attend services in a mosque.
Some Christian churches practice barefoot pilgrimage traditions – an example being the ascent of Croagh Patrick in Ireland.
In the Hindu religion, shoes are removed before entering temples.
Among many neopagan reconstructionists, bare feet are considered an ideal way to remain in touch with the elements.
Going barefoot is also a common form of mortification, often combined with others such as pilgrimage, either as penance or ascetism. Roman Catholic religious orders that permanently restrict the ability of members to wear footwear are known as "discalced".
"The Barefoot Path in the Western Contemplative Tradition" by Ken Rice (link below) provides a good overview of the subject.

[edit] Regional traditions
In many cultures it is considered inappropriate, even rude, to wear shoes indoors. It may be acceptable to wear shoes in public places ( e.g. museums or libraries ), but people are usually expected to go barefoot, or wear socks, inside dwellings. This is usually true for countries where inclement weather is frequent, such as Japan, China, or Canada, and serves the purpose of minimizing the amount of dirt and mud brought in from the outside.

[edit] Symbol of peace
In ancient times, shoes predominantly served as military equipment. Therefore Isaiah announced that For every boot... will be for burning, food for the fire. For to us a child has come, to us a son is given. (Isaiah 9:5-6). Jesus advised his disciples to go out for preaching the Kingdom of God without taking along shoes -- and Jesus is shown barefoot on most paintings to demonstrate his peaceful mission. One way to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi, is to walk barefoot around his monument. Even Pope John Paul II and George W. Bush paid him this honor, as shoes are banned within Gandhi's memorial site, Raj Ghat.

[edit] Barefoot on stage
In dancing, theatre, and opera performances, bare feet often express emotions, fears, vulnerability, a down-to-earth attitude, and/or familiarity. It may often alleviate a performer's sense of nervousness or anxiety in such situations, as being barefoot tends to promote physical, and by implication mental, comfort.

[edit] Sign of Poverty or Mourning

Vietnamese girl's feet. Many people in Southeast Asia are too poor to afford shoes.
This tradition dates to Roman times, when it was traditional for prosperous Roman citizens to wear elaborate clothing, including footwear, while slaves and lower-class citizens went barefoot. In Medieval times, leather shoes and boots were expensive, so poorer people often either went barefoot or wrapped their feet in cloth. In art and literature, bare feet often symbolize poverty.
Just as 'sack cloth and ashes' or even full nudity, it was also a sign of mourning in Antiquity.

[edit] Symbol of Innocence
This largely American literary tradition dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, when going barefoot was a standard part of childhood play, especially in rural areas. It features prominently in the novels of Mark Twain and the poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier. Barefoot children are also common in the paintings and sketches of Norman Rockwell and William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

[edit] Myths
There are many myths and popular misconceptions regarding regulations against bare feet.

[edit] Driving Barefoot
Many people like to drive barefoot, and argue that it is safer than wearing certain types of loose-fitting footwear, such as flip-flops. However, critics suggest that it may be dangerous in some situations. For instance, if a sudden stop is necessary and there is anything such as gravel or glass embedded in the brake pedal, the leg's reflexes may cause the foot to withdraw from the pedal, resulting in an increased stopping time.
Regulations concerning driving barefoot vary from one jurisdiction to another:
In the United States, widespread belief in the existence of laws against driving barefoot has been debunked as an urban legend. Members of the Society for Barefoot Living wrote letters to the highway patrols of all 50 states and were told by officials in each state that driving barefoot was not illegal.
In Germany, traffic laws do not forbid driving barefoot. For thorough study see this page on German traffic laws (in German language).
In Belgium, the driving code does not explicitly ban barefoot driving, but article 8.3 requires drivers to be "constantly able to perform any maneuver". According to the federal police, this implicitly bans barefoot driving. (However, barefoot drivers dispute that lack of shoes impairs their ability to perform maneuvers. It is not known whether this dispute has been tried in Belgian courts).
In Hong Kong, laws require drivers to be driving with appropriate footwear. Driving barefoot, or with sandals, is not allowed.
In New Zealand, traffic laws do not forbid driving barefoot. At least one member of the public has emailed Land Transport NZ, who confirmed that no existing legislation requires drivers to wear footwear.

[edit] No shoes, no shirt...
In the United States, it is also frequently believed that OSHA regulations prevent people from going to stores, restaurants, and the like without shoes (or a shirt). In fact, the law (such as it is) refers specifically to employees and is designed to protect employers from lawsuits. There are no state health codes that ban customers from going barefoot in establishments, as is demonstrated by a project undertaken by The Society for Barefoot Living. Individual businesses, however, are free to refuse to serve customers without the footwear they deem appropriate. Individual cities and towns may also require certain footwear in public places.

[edit] Health issues

[edit] Risks
There may be regional risks like poisonous plants or animals, or parasites that can enter the body through the skin or cuts on bare feet. For instance, the intestinal parasite known as hookworm may infect humans who walk on soil containing hookworm larvae (typically in areas where people have direct contact with soil that contains human feces)

[edit] Benefits
A primary factor for going barefoot is that humans evolved without wearing shoes and that wearing shoes is the abnormality. Some believe that society's habitual wearing of shoes actually leads to a weakening of the feet as a result of the support they provide. It is also believed that shoes impede the natural biomechanics of the foot therefore leading to many health problems seen today involving the feet, knees, and back.
Some physicians who espouse natural healing traditions recommend going barefoot as a measure against flat feet, varicose veins, and dorsal pain. They believe that the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Currently this issue has not undergone any peer-reviewed study, the standard for a practice to be accepted by the medical establishment.
A study by Dr. Najia Shakoor and Dr. Joel A. Block, from Rush Medical College, Chicago, was published in the September 2006 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism. The study found that adults with osteoarthritis can benefit immensely from walking barefoot. Findings "suggest that modern shoes may exacerbate the abnormal biomechanics of lower extremity OA," and that "modern shoes, and perhaps our daily walking practices, may need to be reevaluated with regard to their effects on the prevalence and progression of OA."
In the Far East, some areas have officially established reflexology paths; the idea being that those who walk on them in bare feet, stimulating the foot reflexology points, will get the same benefits as a reflexology massage.
There is some evidence that going barefoot inhibits the development of fungal infections like athlete's foot. Such infections proliferate in warm, moist places like the inside of a shoe.
Some evidence for the health benefits of going barefoot has been collected on the page Parents for Barefoot Children, although again this is not a peer-reviewed, scientific study. People who promote a barefoot lifestyle, such as Richard Frazine and members of The Society for Barefoot Living maintain that habitually going barefoot makes the feet tougher and far less susceptible (though not immune) to commonly feared hazards; this is echoed by former NJ health commissioner Len Fishman.

[edit] References
French language: B.F., Tongs au volant : gare ! in La Dernière Heure, August 6, 2003
The Barefoot Hiker by Richard Frazine. ISBN 0-89815-525-8
^ ESPN telecast, So. Miss. at Memphis, Nov. 5, 2006. Comment by color commentator Trevor Matich.

[edit] See also
Barefoot and pregnant
Barefoot Deep Tissue (massage technique)
Social aspects of clothing

[edit] External links
Natural and Healthy Barefoot Activities
Society for Barefoot Living
RunningBarefoot.org
Barefoot running Wiki
Parents for Barefoot Children
Italian Club dei Nati Scalzi
Italian Health Chiropodist Community
European Barefooting Resource Center
The Barefoot Path in the Western Contemplative Tradition
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barefoot"

Crush fetish

2006-12-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

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A crush fetish is a paraphilia which primarily consists of the desire to see others crush inanimate objects or small creatures.
Typically, those crushing will use their buttocks or feet making this fetish popular amongst many foot fetishists, as crushing by feet is usually the main focus. The foot (barefoot or in shoes) is thus often idolised by someone with a crush fetish.
Contents[hide]
1 Crush erotica
2 See also
3 References
4 External links
//

[edit] Crush erotica
Made up of audio tapes, films, magazines, photographs, and stories (both fiction and non-fiction), crush erotica or pornography is usually purchased for the stimulation of sexual pleasure by those with the fetish. A crush film usually consists of footage of inanimate objects, such as food or toys, or small creatures, such as insects and mammals (especially rodents), being crushed.[1][2]. Jeff Vilencia is a crush film director known for Smush!.[3]
The legality of crush erotica and the actual practice of crushing varies by region. There are currently no known laws forbidding the crushing of objects and insects, however the production or trade of crush erotica involving live vertebrates is condemned by animal rights activists and is illegal in many countries including the United States and Great Britain.[4]
Although the existence of online stores containing content of animal death and torture by crushing are extremely rare, instances of underground free and for-profit trade do exist and can be difficult to control. In early March 2006 a wave of outrage was generated among the global internet community and some crush fetishists condemning a series of crush films produced in Hangzhou, China.[5] The graphic footage depicted a Chinese woman killing, among many victims, kittens, puppies and rabbits by crushing them while wearing high heels.[6]
As witnessed on online message boards and chat rooms in the crush community, crush fetishists usually take a firm stance for or against what they define as hard crush (crush erotica containing the death and torture of animals).[7] Either due to legal or self-imposed moral boundaries, most crush fetishists decry hard crush videos and many message boards outlaw the discussion or exchange of media containing such content.

[edit] See also
Sexual fetish
Foot fetishism
Macrophilia
Shoe fetishism
Trampling

[edit] References
↑ A Better Mousetrap, A. S. Hamrah (accessed 2006-05-04)
↑ Insect Fetish Objects, G.A. Pearson, 1997 (accessed 2006-05-04)
↑ IMDB (accessed 2006-05-04)
↑ Hearing Before a United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on H.R. 1887 (accessed 2006-05-04)
↑ Kitten killer of Hangzhou (accessed 2006-05-04)
↑ Who is the glamorous kitten killer of Hangzhou, China Daily (accessed 2006-05-04)
↑ Seems crush has a bad name AGAIN!!! (Message Post) (Login Required) (accessed 2006-05-04)

Trampling fetishism

2006-12-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trampling fetishism, which consists of paraphiliac fantasies or practices of being trampled underfoot by another person or persons, usually of the opposite sex, is common enough to support a sub-genre of trampling pornography.
Because trampling can be used to produce pain, the trampling fetish for some adherents is closely linked to sadomasochistic fetishism.
Some trampling fetishists often imagine themselves as being tiny under another's feet, or being normal size, but being trampled by a giant or giantess. This is known as "giant/giantess fetishism".
The trampling fetish is not to be confused with crushing fetishism, which involves the crushing of objects other than people beneath the feet. While they both sexual expression linked to pressing with the feet, they are not the same fetish.

[edit] See also
macrophilia
foot fetishism
shoe fetishism
crushing fetishism
flickr.com for photos

This sex-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trampling_fetishism"

Shoe fetishism

2006-12-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shoe fetishism, also known as retifism (after Nicolas-Edme Rétif), involves being fixated on shoes or other footwear to the extent it may interfere with sexual expression. Although shoes carry sexual connotations in mainstream culture (for example, women's shoes are commonly sold as being "sexy") this is not generally considered to be shoe fetishism, although it may qualify as a form of partialism.
Contents[hide]
1 Imagery
2 Variations
3 Shoe fetishism in the media
4 See also
5 External links
//

[edit] Imagery
Shoe fetishists often fixate on extreme shoes which are designed as fetishwear, although fixation on typical high-street shoes, or other types of shoes, is also common. High-heeled shoes are often triggers for foot fetishists. High-heeled shoes or boots help to elongate the calf, protruding the buttocks and creating a longer-legged appearance which is generally considered to be more sexually attractive. They also reveal the sole of the shoe, which becomes an eroticised "second skin" taking on the erotic role of the sole of the foot. Shoe fetishists often fixate on stiletto heeled shoes and boots, where the stiletto heel is eroticised in itself. Other specialist fetish footwear includes ballet boots and pony boots.
This can be seen in a super-stimulus form within the adult entertainment industry, and particularly pornography, where women wear very high heeled shoes. It is not uncommon for actresses in modern pornographic movies to wear stiletto-heeled platform shoes with a platform of 3-4 inches and a heel height of 6-9 inches. Similar sized heels are often worn by exotic dancers and strippers. These exaggerated heels are not practical and are worn for the sexual gratification of the viewer.
The most common image of a dominatrix is of a woman in thigh-length high-heeled leather boots or riding boots. Thigh-length high-heeled leather boots are generally only worn as fetish wear; though they have experienced some popularity amongst fashionable young women for clubbing over the past two years, particularly in the UK and were also briefly popular there in the late 1960's.

[edit] Variations
There are also entire sexual subcultures revolving around other types of shoe fetishism—sandals, sand suede Clarks Wallabees (for the delicious, supple suede), combat/work boots, kinky boots, skate shoes and sneakers are particularly common fetish-objects. The sneaker fetish is most common among gay men. The boot fetish can be seen among all genders and orientations. Some shoe fetishists fixate on the smell of shoes, either the smell of leather or rubber or the smell of worn shoes, which combine these smells with foot odor. Where the foot odor is very strong, this can be regarded as a form of mysophilia.
One theory of shoe fetishism, as well as of foot fetishism, is that an infant's experience of their mother in many cultures may involve crawling around their feet. If sexual behavioral imprinting occurs during this time, it may lead to the feet or shoes becoming the primary object of arousal.
A particular interest of many shoe fetishists is shoe dangling, the act where a woman slips her heel from her shoe and lets the shoe dangle from her toes. Often she will swing her foot so that the shoe also swings. Gay men into this fetish also enjoy when other gay men dangle or loosely wear their sneakers and/or skate shoes. Many male foot fetishists find the sight of this to be erotic and sexually arousing, and this activity is mentioned on many pornographic websites both homosexual and heterosexual.
Many male shoe fetishists experience great sexual satisfaction from masturbating while holding the shoes of a woman or a man. The act of secretly opening a woman's or man's closet and (unknown to him/her) taking down her shoes from their resting place and then masturbating with them can be extremely arousing to some men. Added excitement comes from the risk of being discovered.
Since the term shoe fetishism can be used to denote a fetishist interest in any kind of footwear of both sexes, some authorities suggest that a fetishist interest in high heels alone (which accounts for perhaps the largest sub-division of shoe fetishists) should be more correctly termed Altocalciphilia.

[edit] Shoe fetishism in the media
The British TV series The Avengers often featured fetishistic clothing, and Patrick Macnee and Honor Blackman released a single, "Kinky Boots".

[edit] See also
Sexual fetishism
List of famous shoe designers
Foot fetishism
Trampling fetishism

[edit] External links
SquishySquishy.co.nz Male Foot & Sneaker Fetish Community.
JakesSneaks.net
guys_in_loose_sneaks

How to Treat Foot Cramps in Adults

2006-12-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Foot cramps indicate stress, fatigue or structural problems with the foot. An occasional cramp is not cause for concern, but chronic cramping should be investigated by a doctor.
Instructions
STEP 1: Take the cramped foot in your hands. Slowly but firmly move it in the opposite direction of the cramped position.
STEP 2: Keep in this position until the cramp disappears.
STEP 3: Spread some baby oil generously over the area, and gently massage it for 5 to 10 minutes.
STEP 4: Take a pain reliever immediately, and if desired, repeat the dose after 4 hours. Aspirin and ibuprofen are recommended.
STEP 5: Elevate your foot on a pillow, to the level of your waist.
STEP 6: Apply an ice pack if the cramp is due to overuse, like from a sports injury. Place the ice pack around the cramp, not directly on it.
STEP 7: Use moist heat on the cramping muscle three times a day if cramping is chronic and persists longer than 24 hours. A warm foot soak may be beneficial.
STEP 8: Consider wrapping the foot with an elasticized cloth band or sports wrap. Be careful when wrapping under the arch - too much pressure against it can cause pain.
STEP 9: Rest and stay off your foot. Give the muscle, tendon or nerve mass time to heal.
Tips & Warnings
If you're still suffering from cramps after one to two weeks, contact a podiatrist.
If your foot is hot or swollen, or if you have a fever, consult a physician immediately.
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

How to Treat Swollen Feet

2006-12-15T19:17:00.001-08:00

Swollen feet are a symptom of an underlying problem, be it a sports injury, pregnancy, heart disease, fluid retention, kidney problems or another condition. If your feet swell chronically, see your doctor.
Instructions
STEP 1: Sit down and stay off your feet.
STEP 2: Remove shoes and socks.
STEP 3: Elevate your feet and legs. Place a pillow under your heels, and prop your feet on a chair or high stool.
STEP 4: Soak your feet in cool water.
STEP 5: Reduce your salt intake. Salt causes you to retain water.
STEP 6: Take diuretics if prescribed by your doctor. Diuretics increase urination by pulling excess fluid out of your cellular tissues.
STEP 7: See a cardiologist if your swollen feet are due to heart problems. When a heart is damaged, it has trouble pumping blood effectively and efficiently, causing bodily fluids to pool in the feet. Heart-muscle-strengthening drugs can help reduce swelling in the feet.
STEP 8: Practice good health habits. Proper nutrition and daily exercise improve the health of your cardiovascular system and your circulation, helping to reduce the tendency of your feet to swell.
Tips & Warnings
A certain amount of swelling in your feet is natural in warm weather if you stand on your feet all day, if you take oral contraceptives, if you habitually cross your legs or if you are in late pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Be careful not to wrap or bind swollen feet in tight socks or bandages. The compression will cause the swelling to move up your leg, putting you at risk for additional vascular problems.
Swollen feet can be a sign of serious heart, kidney and liver disorders as well as minor vascular disorders. See your doctor if swollen feet persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment

Foot fetishism in popular culture

2006-12-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

The prevelance of references to Foot Fetishes in recent popular culture may be showing that this is becoming a more open topic of discussion, and is slowly losing some of its "taboo" feel.
Britney Spears revealed that her fantasy and biggest turn-on is "for a guy to kiss my feet".[1] She also has a tattoo on the big toe of her right foot. [2]
Pulp Fiction director Quentin Tarantino is widely believed to have a foot fetish. Female feet feature prominently in many of his films, and he is reported to have offered Uma Thurman a foot massage when meeting with her to discuss Pulp Fiction.[3] He acknowledged his fetish on The Tyra Banks Show [4] when she aired a special segment for him called America's Next Top Foot Model, where he judged women's feet.
In the television cartoon Family Guy the character Glen Quagmire is said to be a foot fetishist (among other things), and in one episode Peter Griffin gets him a foot from the Statue of Liberty. In another episode he is bowling with Chris and smells a woman's shoe. And later when Chris says to him that he doesn't like feet as much as he does, to which Quagmire replies that everybody likes feet. Also in another episode Quagmire sees Lois clipping her toenails and says "I then wanted to get in to some of that".
In an episode of the series King of the Hill, character Peggy Hill, who has unusually large feet, gets tricked into posing her feet for a foot fetish website.
In the animated television series (and graphic novel) Æon Flux, the title character models for a foot fetish magazine. She also has her feet licked by a monster in the afterlife in the pilot episode.
In the film version of Big Trouble, Stanley Tucci's character tries to seduce his maid by praising and licking her feet.
The Vietnamese-French director Tran Hung Anh has used foot fetishism nicely. In Xichlo [aka Cyclo] (1995), set in Saigon, the gangster pimp character, known in the movie as the poet, recruits the cyclo's elder sister into prostitution. But he wants to preserve her virginity for his own love interest. So he hires her out to fetishists who will not violate her. One client has her don stockings, then carefully cuts them off with scissors. While she sits in a chair he works at her feet. He then proceeds to carefully and adoringly wash her feet in a bowl of water he has fetched for the purpose.
In the movie Road Trip (2000), Beth Wagner (played by Amy Smart) has her foot licked, and is asked if she wants a foot rub by a man (a foot fetishist) on the same bus as her. She says no and attempts to embarrass the man. The man was actually the movie's director Todd Phillips, a real life foot fetishist.
In Sex and the City, Charlotte is given free pairs of shoes by a shoe salesman who has a foot and shoe fetish in order to watch her try them on.
In a scene in the movie Reefer Madness (2005), during the wild piano playing scene a couple can be seen in the background engaging in acts of foot fetishism. The man removes both the girl's socks and proceeds to suck her toes.
Professional Wrestler Gene Snitsky at one time had a gimmick which involved him having a foot fetish.
In the movie Mr. Deeds (2002), Longfellow Deeds' butler, Emilio, openly states that he likes feet and enjoys changing people's socks. Emilio also follows up that he isn't exactly sure why he has such an attraction.
In Friends in the The One With Phoebe's Uterus, when Monica explains to Chandler the seven erogenous zones of the female body, Rachel yells out “OH, TOES! … Yeah, for some people”, after misunderstanding what Monica was saying. Chandler then goes on to glance at Rachel’s feet and give a bewildered look at Rachel after which she looks embarrassed.
In the Sid Vicious (The Sex Pistols former bassist) movie biography, Sid and Nancy(1986), Chloe Webb in the role of Nancy Spungen, Sid's girlfriend actually asks Sid (Gary Oldman) to lick her toes, so he proceeds to rip her stocking and do so.

Proposed explanations for foot fetishism

2006-12-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

[edit] Proposed explanations for foot fetishism
See also Modern Theories of Fetishism Neurologist Vilayanur S. Ramachandran proposed that foot fetishism is caused by the feet and the genitals occupying adjacent areas of the somatosensory cortex, possibly entailing some neural crosstalk between the two.[6]
Researchers have hypothesized that foot fetishism increases during epidemics of sexually transmitted diseases. In one study, the frequency of foot-fetish depictions in the mass-circulation pornographic literature was measured over a 30-yr. interval. An exponential increase was noted during the period of the current AIDS epidemic. [7] Increased interest in feet as sexual objects has also been observed during the syphilis epidemics of the 16th and 19th centuries in Europe.[8]

Prevalence of foot fetishism

2006-12-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

Fetishist behavior is unlikely to be reported; its prevalence is unknown.[2] However, it is one of the most common fetishes in males.[3]
An informal study was conducted in 2001 to determine the prevalence of certain fetishes. More than 72,000 Adult-oriented Yahoo! Clubs (now Yahoo! Groups) were identified, of which 741 were found to be foot-related. By assuming that the people who used Yahoo! Clubs represented a balanced cross-section of the world's sexual preferences, it was estimated that 1.14% of people had foot fetishes.[4]
The practice of toe sucking (an aspect of podophilia) gain global attention when in 1992, surreptitiously taken photographs of John Bryan, an American financial manager, sucking on the toes of a topless Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York (then separated but still married to Prince Andrew, Duke of York) were published in the English tabloid newspaper The Daily Mirror. The Duchess was exposed to widespread public ridicule and contributed to her further estrangement from the British Royal Family and later divorce from the Duke of York.[5]

Scope of foot fetishism

2006-12-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

In clinical terms, a fetish is a stimulus that is a requirement for sexual arousal to occur (also called an "exclusive paraphilia"). Therefore, a person who can derive sexual arousal from the human foot along with other more conventional stimuli (i.e. kissing, petting, etc) would not necessarily meet the clinical definition of having a fetish. This article focuses on arousal by feet in general (i.e., the popular use definition of fetish), and not on the clinical definition of foot fetishism.
For a foot fetishist, points of attraction include the shape and size of the foot and toes, the texture of the skin, cleanliness (or lack thereof), state of dress (i.e., barefoot or clad in socks or nylons) and odor. Foot lovers may enjoy sniffing, touching, kissing, licking, and/or lovemaking with the objects of their affections.[1]
Like other paraphilias, foot fetishism encompasses a wide range of predilections; one foot fetishist may be aroused by scenarios that another fetishist finds unerotic or even repulsive. Websites exist that cater to a number of specialized scenarios, including: feet resting on car dashboards, feet pushing down on gas or brake pedals (pedal pumping, with numerous variations), feet crushing objects like balloons or toy cars, women walking barefoot on uncomfortable surfaces such as hot pavement, sharp gravel, rocks, snow, etc., feet being pushed into mud or food, feet dipped in honey, feet that smell after having been encased in particular shoes, socks, and/or hosiery, foot torture (i.e. having the soles of their feet tortured or punished by whippings, hot wax, or burnt with cigarettes), and feet being bound and tickled.
Aretifism, a sexual attraction to people who are without footwear, is a synonym to podophilia, although the connotation is slightly different (attraction to the unclad foot vs. attraction to the foot itself).

10 Tips for Happy Feet!

2006-12-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

10 Tips for Happy Feet! By Marie Breward
1. Rest your legs for a few minutes every day – try having them raised higher than your head for a period in the day – why not swing around in bed and rest your feet up the wall or bed head while you read your mail or watch TV while laying on the floor with your feet up on the sofa – either way, a few minutes will help drain excess lymph fluid from the ankles and legs and once you return to an upright position a fresh circulation will take place,
2. Give yourself a foot bath once a week – use a bowl and to some warm water add two drops of lavender and tea tree essential oils and a spoonful of bath salts. Relax in this until the water starts to cool.
3. For hard skin try using vitamin E oil. Apply the oil at night and cover feet in socks for the night, the next morning the hard skin will be softer and easier to pumice.
4. Keep your toenails clean and short.
5. Treat warts and veruccae to avoid spread of infection. A blend of tea tree and lemon essential oils applied with an ear bud and then covered can help although Colloidal Silver* a natural antibacterial solution seems to have the best effect in combating this or any other foot infections.
6. Wear comfortable shoes don’t squeeze your feet into unnatural shapes or you could encourage bunions and toe crowding.
7. Visit a chiropodist or podiatrist with any foot problems especially if you are diabetic or prone to aches and pains in the feet.
8. Why not treat yourself once a month to a pedicure or foot massage – a wonderful way to relax.
9. For even more benefit to your whole body – try Reflexology a specific massage of the reflexes on your feet which helps stimulate the body through the nervous and circulatory system.
10. Happy feet usually mean a happy body! Why not have a family foot massage day and treat each other!!

Article written by Marie Breward

10 Steps to Healthy Living

2006-12-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

1. Start a journal
Starting a journal is a wonderful way to involve your creative side, to explore your ideas and to put to work your new aims and see the progress. Make this journal positive so that you can read it and uplift yourself. Observe how you express yourself. Writing is a way of looking at yourself through an outside view - what have you noticed about yourself as you read past journal entries? Let your mind be free to open up to new levels as you write. Writing can be a very freeing experience.
2. Give yourself time for reflection each day
Do you give yourself time to listen to your thoughts? Each day, take at least 15 minutes to be in a quiet space. Feel your thoughts, close your eyes and see any images that come into your mind. Enjoy this time to reflect upon the day, create new ideas, observe or to simply relax. It is vital that you give yourself space and time to nurture YOU.
3. Healthy eating
It may sound difficult, but with a few adjustments, you can be on your way to eating better.
For a week, record all of your food and drink intake, along with the time it was consumed. This will represent a typical weekly diet in your lifestyle. When the week is over, look through your diet sheet and pick up any patterns or habits that you may have.
A few changes can be done if you feel that you want to improve your diet. Here are some tips:
A good breakfast is essential -especially when most of us haven't much time for a good lunch.
Snacking is a habit that many of us have. Replace unhealthy snacks with either fruit or wholegrain foods. It can be equally delicious and better on our health.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day - you can add some fruit juices to it if you prefer varied taste.
Replace white bread/pasta/rice with wholegrain or brown bread/pasta/rice. It is much more filling and gives you more energy and nutrients.
If you want something sweet, fruits are very good and taste great.
Include a vitamin supplement into your day.
Add more green vegetables to every meal.
Not much time for lunch? Try soup and bread, salads, wholegrain cereals, filling sandwich -for a quick and nutrient rich meal.
Replace white sugar with brown sugar or honey.
Replace salt with either lemon juice, herbs or spices when cooking.
Cut down on caffeine drinks -and try pure juices instead.
Our diet has a big effect on how we feel and our energy levels. Eating more healthy can improve our mood and give us that much needed strength to face our hectic daily lifestyles.
4. Visualisation
Visualisation is a mental technique used by many for strength and preparation. It is the technique that allows us to create a detailed vision or feeling in our mind and is a very effective method for tapping and reprogramming the subconscious mind.
Your subconscious mind thinks, understands and communicates in images, rather than logical, language based thoughts. This is one of the reasons why visualisations are such a successful way of receiving messages from (and passing messages to) the subconscious.
If there is a situation that makes you feel anxious, nervous, unconfident or stressful, use this technique to visualise the moment and reprogram the feelings to promote success and positive emotions. This could be used for anything from an interview to an exam situation.
It can also be used to visualise what you are aiming at. Enjoy what success feels like and sense the emotions, the ideal situation, adding details to make it real in your mind. This increases motivation and passion for what you want to achieve.
The technique is very simple:
Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed.
Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
Breathe deeply and relax. Feel your lungs expand and contract as air moves through your body.
Picture the chosen image or situation in your mind -draw the mental image, make it as real as you like, add the details, picture the people, the environment and he emotions. Feel the experience and the success.
Enjoy this exercise and take as long as you need to 'see' this success. Do it frequently. Your mind will develop its new patterns to this new image you have formed, so pick it carefully.
5. Positive affirmations
This is another method of creating a positive image in your mind. Pick a statement that you would like to use to improve yourself.
Example:For a person who is always anxious, they would pick: "I am calm."
Always start the affirmation with "I am..." so you confirm this statement to yourself.Make this a positive statement that you are comfortable with and that will improve an aspect that you might not be happy with.
Repeat this statement to yourself everyday when you wake, when you go to sleep and during the day. This will bring you positive words in your mind. You will soon feel that statement.
6. Positive environment
Surround yourself with the things you love, the people who genuinely care about you and the things that inspire you the most. Get rid of all the negative 'clutter' in your life. This will create more space for the new things that you enjoy and the good things you deserve.
7. Correct breathing
What's Wrong With The Way We Breathe? Our breathing is too shallow and too quick. We are not taking in sufficient oxygen and we are not eliminating sufficient carbon dioxide. As a result, our bodies are oxygen starved, and a toxic build-up occurs.
We need to breathe more slowly and deeply. Quick shallow breathing results in oxygen starvation which leads to reduced vitality, premature ageing, poor immune system and a myriad of other factors. Deep breathing also relaxes the body and mind.
Next time you are working, take five minutes to breathe deeply and relax before continuing.
8. Gratitude
Write a list of all the things in your life that you are grateful for. We often take the smallest things for granted. By feeling true gratitude for what we have, you will further realise your worth and your potential. Enjoy what you have and show people how much you care for them.
9. Show others what you are
Every time you meet people or start to network, don't be afraid to sell yourself positively. Let others know what you do and your good points. It may feel awkward at first, but you will soon see that it is an effective way of opening new doors --whether it is to your career or your personal life. How else will people know, unless you tell them?
10. Smile!
This is the most simple way of relaxing. Smile, and know that you don't need an excuse to be happy!
Article written by Linda K. Romeralindakleida@hotmail.com http://www.relaxation-therapy.8k.com

5 Tips to Help Massage Therapy Practices Increasing Clients’

2006-12-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

5 Tips to Help Massage Therapy Practices Increasing Clients’

The following tips are for sure very basic techniques. However, when used, they dramatically increase your client retention and attract a brand news clientele. 1.Be visible and be known as the best. Greater exposure instantly gives you greater credibility. 2.Provide hands out to your clients on a regular basis. A top notch quality newsletter shows your professionalism. Some websites specialize in creating high quality affordable newsletters that you can quickly and easily personalize.3.Keep your workplace impeccable at all times. Don’t forget that people will evaluate your service on tangible things.4.Show people that massage services are an investment, not a useless expense. You can get magazines that specializes in massage therapy related topics. They are affordable and demonstrate the value of this kind of alternative medicine. 5.Motivate people take action and be responsible for their own healthThis is only a little sample of tips to get you started. I could bet that you already knew most of these techniques. But remember that it won’t help you to read this unless you decide turn your knowledge into action. That is what sets leaders apart!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Annick Lemieux is LMT at the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She owned her private practice and worked internationally for Luxury Spas Onboard Cruises Ships. She also the author of the complimentary MaSsagE-ZinE, a publication dedicated to educate and help other professional Massage Therapists willing to build and keep their thriving practice.For more health tips and information, visit her website www.massagesolution.com
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Choose the Right Sandals and Your Feet Will Thank You

2006-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Summer's almost here and the warm weather gives us permission to take off the heavy socks and let our feet breathe in sandals for every occasion. The varieties are nearly endless. For all of you working women, look for support and ample straps to give you a comfortable platform when walking the hallways and offices in your business lives. Stay away from high heels and particularly thin heals as your backs and legs tire quickly with the uneven stress those styles can create with all-day wear. Save the very high style strappy sandals for parties and dates as the limited time standing will help your feet survive the ordeal. Platforms are big this season. They will typically attract the younger set but can be a fun change from the more conservative styles you might have only thought you could wear. Be careful if you have weak ankles. These high risers are great for the stout and strong but not for those of us who trip a lot over sidewalk cracks and toys left around the house. Huaraches are another good choice and the heavier Doc Martens are great for long walks and shopping marathons. Inexpensive styles are good to give you lots of choices to wear with different outfits. Or, of course if your budget allows, invest in several styles that fit your various needs from casual beach sandals to those that will serve you best at dressy occasions. Above all, choose a style that is comfortable. You'll get more use from a sandal that feels good than from one that you can barely wear without a supply of Band-Aids for blisters. If you are one of those women who wear one favorite pair of shoes all season long, spend a bit more to buy a sandal you really love in a color you will be able to use with most of your summer wardrobe. If on the other hand you love to match your sandals to your outfits, choose several colors to compliment those shorts, tanks and sundresses and you'll be set with cool, stylin’ feet
About the Author
Maureen Renard teaches English and rides her horse for fun when she’s not writing. Maureen is an occasional contributor to http://www.wholelottashopping.com of other shopping guides and articles.
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Five Secrets to "Thinking on Your Feet"

2006-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Learn how to think on your feet and give clear, concise answers under pressure.
Many times we are put into situations where we are asked a question and need to give an answer on the spot, or "think on your feet." It could be a sales or customer service situation, your manager asking you for a progress report, a request for your ideas on a new community project, or a job interview.
During these times we can feel the pressure. Our heart begins to race, we start to sweat, we feel our knees knocking, or we want to hide under a rock. This is because sometimes the answer we give could mean that big sale, the customer being satisfied, a promotion or raise, or that dream job.
The following are five secrets to help you master your "thinking on your feet" skills:
ListenMany times when we are in a high pressure situation where we are so nervous we really don't hear the actual question. Been there, done that. To make sure we understand the question and give the right answer do the following:
Breathe slower (Benefit: Relaxes body and mind).
Look directly at the questioner. (Benefit: Increases comprehension.)
Ask questions (Benefit: increases clarity and shows you are listening).
Pause to OrganizeIt is okay to pause. Pause to gather your thoughts. When you pause you look and sound poised and in control. Remember, there is power in silence.
Repeat the QuestionThis has several benefits:
Buys you time to think.
Communicates a complete piece of information.
Allows you to take control of the question by rephrasing the question to a more positive light if needed.
Enables everyone, if in a public setting, to hear the question.
Focus on One Main Point and Support ItThe number one reason why we sometimes freeze up when asked to think on our feet is because we have so many ideas running around in our minds. We don't know which idea to mention.Here's the solution: Go with the first idea that comes to mind and say it. By sticking with that one point you can focus on two or three supporting points. You sound more direct and confident when giving your answer.
Summarize and Stop (SAS)End your answer with some SAS (Summarize and Stop). Give your answer, summarize, and stop. Don't apologize and don't ramble on beyond the finish. Try this trick: repeat the essence of the question. For example, you may be asked, "Why did you stop the project?" In your summary you might say, "And that's why we decided to start another project." Then stop.Give your answer, let them know the end is near by saying:"In summary...""In conclusion..."Then simply stop. Remember SAS.
Apply these techniques so that you can become a master at "thinking on your feet" and give great answers. You can practice these skills by joining Toastmasters. In their meetings they have an exercise called "table topics," in which you can practice this skill in a supportive environment
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ed Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and success coach in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress management, customer service, and team building. You can e-mail him at mailto:esykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call him at (757) 427-7032. Goto his web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for the newsletter, OnPoint, and receive either free ebook, "Empowerment and Stress Secrets for the Busy Professional," or "Secrets of Outstanding Customer Service."
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Get Your Feet Wet This Way

2006-12-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

So you want to be a speaker! You want to present Keynotes and seminars. You want the travel and adventure. You want to stay and to speak in the nicest hotels. You want to meet lots of new people, interesting people. Speak for public seminar companies! Are you willing to work hard for modest money? Would you like a speaking/ seminar business education available no other way? This is the best way I know to become a national or international speaker faster. I did it for five years in the early 1980s. Speak for public seminar companies! This work is difficult, challenging, exciting, fun-and exhausting. When you do 8 to 10 full-day seminars in a 2-week period, each in a different city, taking as many as 3 flights in an evening between cities, you attain a deeper understanding of exhausting. If you want to learn the speaking/seminar business and be paid to do it, this is the place. Who might hire you? The best way to find out is to have your friends save all the seminar brochures they receive-and give them to you. What will they pay you? From a low of $200-$250 a day to $1000 or more a day if you are good at hustling product from the back of the room. What qualifications do you need? First, be already good at handling and teaching audiences of from 25 to 300. And have the proof in hand. A 2 hour uninterrupted video of you live is a fine start. I mean you addressing and holding the interest of a real, bona-fide audience. It helps a lot if you're already an expert at platform mechanics. It's great if you're an expert at a topic. And if you can speak with minimum notes for a 6 hour day. Public Seminar companies tend to have already developed topic titles and seminar manuals, ready-to-go. Yes, as a rule you present their seminars, not yours. In time, after you prove your skills, you might be able to present your own stuff if they want it. They may pay you a low 4-figure fee for the program you write. Then, they want to own that program. And they may want other presenters to facilitate it if it proves to be popular. Capping that, expect them to want to own the copyright to the Program Manual you wrote. Welcome to the real world. They may pay you an extra $100 per program when you present your own material. And maybe something extra when others present your program. They want high-energy seminar leaders with style and wit. People who learn fast and who can delight all kinds of audiences all over North America and, often, overseas, too. You're expected to show up without fail no matter what the weather or which flights are canceled. Many of us have driven a rental car all night between cities through the worst storms. Then, on no sleep, showered and presented. Fun, huh? As for expenses, they generally (not always) send you your air tickets and pay your hotel sleeping room bills direct. (Room and tax only) Incidentals are on your bill. Expect a per diem of around $40-$50 to cover all your meals and incidentals including transportation to and from the airport. The travel, the experience, the pure adventure of being a seminar speaker, yield a matchless high. The joy of mastering each day's challenges brings out the best in you. The high caliber friendships you form with men and women of quality and accomplishment are priceless.
About the Author
Burt Dubin, a 20 year veteran of the business of speaking, coaches and mentors speakers and wanna-be's world-wide. For samples of his wisdom, simply go to his web-site, . Down-load some of the 20 FREE articles and 26 FREE newsletters. 1 Speaking Success Road, Kingman, Arizona 86402-6543, USA. Phone 1-800-321-1225. Fax 928-753-7554. E-mail Burt at: ยฉ Copyright Burt Dubin
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Reflexlogy Therapy

2006-12-11T23:58:00.000-08:00

Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is also a science founded on the basis that areas of the feet, hands and ears are comprised of zones and reflex areas that correspond to all glands, organs, and bodily systems. Reflexology therapy is a technique whereby pressure is applied to these areas resulting in stress reduction by using thumb, finger and hand methods. Using reflexology therapy promotes physiological improvements in the body. Reflexology therapy restores natural balance and revitalization. Not intended to cure diseases, reflexology therapy is valuable in locating high stress or tension areas in the body. Therefore, reflexology therapy can be utilized in encouraging natural healing.Since 75% of all health problems are linked to stress, reflexology therapy could prove invaluable in this day and age. Find more information on reflexology therapy, reflexology practitioners and reflexology schools specializing in reflexology therapy in Holistic Junction directories. Copyright - All Rights Reserved: Reflexology Therapyby C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot in conjunction with Holistic JunctionAbout the Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for Holistic Practitioners; Reflexology Therapy, Reflexology Schools, Massage Therapy Schools and Naturopathic Schools; Alternative Healthcare; Insightful Literature and so much more!
About the Author
About the Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for Holistic Practitioners; & Reflexology Therapy
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Risk-Taking--Get Your Feet Wet!

2006-12-11T23:56:00.000-08:00

Risk-Taking--Get Your Feet Wet!
We often use the phrase, “Get Your Feet Wet” when we are just beginning to learn how to do something or are about to pioneer a new initiative. When we participate in a project for the first time, there is usually a hesitancy to step out into the unknown.There's no better way to learn than by doing. This requires that we move away from our comfort zones and step out into the unknown, which usually exceeds our reach and makes us stretch to get it.Stepping Out Into the UnknownThe unknown elicits strong emotional responses, the chief of which is fear. We’re afraid to take chances or that we will make mistakes. While mistakes are embarrassing, they can be used to jumpstart and enhance our learning. Other reactions to the unknown include:

Hesitancy. Being cautious and tentative; playing it safe.
Discouragement. Disappointment and worry; backing up and settling for less than our best.
Pessimism. Focusing on the problems and challenges instead of the solutions and opportunities.
While the above list is not all inclusive, it is helpful in understanding our emotional response to the unfamiliar…strange…mysterious…uncharted territory. To step out into the unknown requires courage, commitment and conviction.How to Get Your Feet Wet at Work

Courage. Prepare for your next challenge or opportunity by doing your homework. Learn as much as you can and apply that learning when working in indeterminate assignments or dealing with vague requests. Take a leap of faith into the unknown and just do it. Don’t wait until everything is perfect and you are entirely ready—physically, emotionally, and financially. You’ll never be absolutely and totally ready or ultimately prepared. Most times, you just have to begin, so build up your courage and take the plunge!
Commitment. Once you’ve decided to do it, dedicate yourself to accomplishing the task. It’s a good idea to get your feet wet by completing smaller action steps related to the task in order to “test the waters” without expending all your effort and energy at once. In any event, start small and see what works. Make course corrections as necessary, and remain focused and committed to completing the task, overcoming the main challenge, or taking full advantage of the opportunity.
Conviction. Cultivate a passion and fervor for the task. Don’t doubt or waver in your belief and confidence that you can succeed. Sure, you will make mistakes and encounter problems along the way, but you must be persuaded and have complete assurance that you can jump over these hurdles to achieve the goal.
Every day, you embark on a journey into the unknown and experience what seems like a lifetime lived in 24 hours. Don't be afraid to get your feet wet. Your first efforts may not be perfect, but you've got to start somewhere. Use the wisdom you gain from your experiences to strengthen your character and competence, and to prepare for future journeys.
About the Author
Althea DeBrule, entrepreneur & seasoned human resources executive, has helped people achieve their career goals for more than 30 years. She is recognized for her bottom line and practical application of career transition & development strategies in a way that compels action. To discover how Althea can help you take your career to a new level, visit http://www.extreme-career-makeover.com/
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How to Do a Hard Core Advanced Therapeutic Massage

2006-12-11T23:53:00.000-08:00

How to Do a Hard Core Advanced Therapeutic Massage
An advanced technique to help ease body pains and promote relaxation.
Steps
These therapies will not diagnose or cure; they will help you promote good circulation, helping to make your muscles become more pliable and hydrated. Range of movement can be increased and you should feel less pain in your muscles.
Start with face-up chest, their arm down to side. Prop their arm up on your knee or pillow to loosen the pectoral, anterior deltoid area to work through it more easily. You can start at the center of their chest by the clavicle and work towards you to clear the area thumb-width by thumb-width like combing through their muscle bit-by-bit. Then change their arm position to above their head and prop it up again; this changes the fibers of each muscle area, go through the area again for a more detailed, deeper affect. Place arm down to the side and go through again.
Next: arms, biceps worked both from and to the heart several times over. Forearm flexors and extensors and then the hands, working with steady pressure in the palm, and gentle twist/pull for each finger.
Next: thighs. Top of legs, to and from the heart, you can face your body to their face and turn toward their feet when you change direction to make it easier for you. Working knee to hip then hip to knee, then knee to hip slowly clearing the muscles deeper as they let you go through, like a wave in water, letting the muscle relax and move as you go through with your thumbs. If you work the inner or outer thighs, proceed with care, as they tend to be quite sensitive.
Optional: Abdomen and Hips. If you work this area, you must be patient and gentle, as it tends to be sensitive. Start at the bottom of the ribs on the left and right abdominal muscles and work your way down to a couple inches above the front of the pubic bone, then work back up. Then slowly go back down and up a bit further out; repeat until you get to the obliques. Also work gently inside the iliac crest, and you can work quite a bit on the outside edge of the hip between the iliac area and the joint at the head of the femur. At this point, have them turn over.
Once they've flipped over to face down, start again with their legs straight, knee to hip, and then hip to knee and back to hip. Calves the same way, including the muscles lateral to the shinbones in front, then feet; they are easier since the bottom of their feet can be propped up on a firm pillow. Use a couple run-throughs of increasing pressure in the arch and ball of the foot, then the toes as done to the fingers; You can have them turn their knee out and bend their leg out so that their illio-tibial band is up to work on; this also changes their hip to work on again around their trocanter (leg bone). End with their legs straight of course.
Hips again now, if no underwear, uncover just one hip and work on separate to and from heart slowly clearing deeper each time.
Now move to the back, warm with lotion or oil feeling for tight areas to concentrate on and them have them scoot down and turn to a side. You can start with their shoulder or hip, it doesn’t matter, all will be worked on. When a person is turned on their side, the muscles change their structure, some loosening, some tightening, work on the loose muscles deeper and slowly, concentrating and clearing those areas. Have them place their arm down to side to get at infraspinatus and rear deltoid easier; this also loosens trapezius as well. Carefully work and loosen the side of their neck on top, then have them turn their head so that their nose is down toward table and work the underside of their neck, by turning their head it puts a slight twist in the neck and shoulder muscles to catch and go through slowly and more thorough. Have them turn their head back to a comfortable place to go again through the shoulder, then lats, then rib cage and quadrattus lumborum, by working this area from the side you can slowly sink through and clear to spine.
You can work through hip again from this angle too, then to have them turn over to repeat on other side.
When done with that side, have them face down again to work through their entire back again and finish with the shoulders and neck,to help maintain a relaxed state.
You can have them flip over one more time to face upwards, and finish with the muscles of the jaw, face and head. Here, start at the temples and work your way out, then through the ocular region, down onto the cheeks and jaw, and where the jaw meets the neck below the ears. Then work outward from the center of the forehead, and slowly running your fingertips longitudinally around the skull from front to back.
It may take a while to get used to doing this massage technique.

Tips
Remember this technique cannot cure illnesses but may help you deal with them.
Remember music, preferrably something that is mellow.
Always back your hands up. This means always have one hand support the other, it is like a one-handed massage at times but only when you are working deeply and then for medium to light work you can use both hands separate.
Massage oils and lotions work great. Warming them will also help relax the muscles. Do not warm oils to the point that they will burn or scald. (Follow instructions presented on the bottle.)
Since the touch given in massage can be an intimate experience, be sure to pay attention to the receiver's boundaries. If in doubt, ask "Is this okay?"
Every person has different thresholds for pleasure/pain. Encourage the receiver to give feedback on what's good or if anything hurts, and then listen.

Warnings
This can be very habit forming.
Be aware of any signs of contraindications. These are warning signs and should not be massaged. (see external link for list of contraindications)
When using oils or lotions, follow any directions and advice given on the bottle. Do not use oils on areas with a large amount of body hair - this can cause irritation at the base of the hairs.
This How-To is not a substitute for actual massage training, and should not be used as treatment for injuries. A trained masseuse/masseur should be sought.

How to Care for Your Feet and Toe Nails Successfully

2006-12-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Your feet are constantly visible during the hotter months, so here is a step-by-step guide to get them looking fabulous.

Steps
Soak your feet in warm water. This will soften the hard skin. For a real treat, add some "sea salts" for extra care. Be sure to dry well especially between the toes.
Scrape off the hard skin with a loofah or pumice stone.
Moisturize your feet with a specially-designed foot lotion. Use a Vitamin E oil or other gentle oil on the nail and an "orange stick" to gently push back cuticles.
Prior to painting, remove the oil with a non acetone polish remover. Trim the nails to desired length, cutting straight across, not into the corners. Not too long so as to possibly damage the nail by banging, or too short so as to cause fungus damage.
Paint your toenails the desired color. Always use base coat first to protect your nails, and increase the length of wear. Finish with a clear top coat, for a professional look!
Moisturize your feet daily, especially in the summer. Best to use a cream specifically for feet, as the skin needs of the foot are different that the rest of your body.
Enjoy your beautiful and healthy feet and nails!

Tips
When painting your toenails, it is a good idea to follow the "three stroke method." This consists of one stroke in the middle and a stroke on either side.
It is also a good idea to have some cotton swabs handy, in case you get nail polish on your skin.

How to Treat a Foot Blister

2006-12-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Blisters on the feet can be not only painful but debilitating, so follow these steps for treatment.
Steps

Clean around the area of the blister with warm water and a little tea tree oil.
As a general rule of thumb, if the blister is not too painful do not do anything. If it is painful and filled with liquid, you can do something about it.
If the blister is causing discomfort, sterilize a needle with alcohol and/or boiling water, and carefully insert at the edge of the blister and allow it to drain.
Do not remove the loose skin that covers a blister, as this opens it to infection.
Cover the blistered area with a plaster if it is open. If not, allow your foot as much air as possible.
Avoid tight shoes which rub and chafe.

Tips
To avoid blisters altogether use "Friar's balsam" and foot tape over the area where rubbing occurs. Be sure not to allow the tape to fold - it is better to stretch than to fold it - but if you do allow it to fold, then cut the tape down so that it is the same thickness all over.

Warnings
If a blister has excessive amounts of fluid draining from it, starts to smell, or becomes red, see a doctor immediately.
Do not use a match to sterilize the instrument that you will use to pierce the blister --fire will oxidize any coatings on the metal and leave black, sooty particulate that can cause an infection.

How to Make Hand and Foot Cream

2006-12-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Dry hands and feet will become smooth and soft overnight if you use this banana hand and foot cream!

Ingredients
1 banana
4 tbsp. of honey
3 tbsp. of lemon juice
2 tbsp. of natural margarine
Steps
Mix the ingredients together until they form a cream. It's much easier if you use a blender, but a fork and a bowl will do.
Rub the mixture on your hands and wear gloves (even socks on your hands if you don't have gloves) to bed.
Rub the mixture on your feet and wear heavy socks to bed.
Remove your gloves and socks in the morning.
Wash your hands and feet.

Tips
You can adjust the ingredients to make it a "paste" rather than it being gooey!

Warnings
Don't use this mixture if you are allergic to honey, bananas, lemons, or margarine!

How to Keep Feet Clean

2006-12-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

How can you keep your feet fresh and lovely? Cut down on odor and other unpleasantries by following these steps.

Steps
1.Be clean. Bathe your feet every day. Just letting the shower water splash on them isn't good enough. Lather them thoroughly with soap and scrub them with a loofah.

2.Be sure to dry your feet completely when you're done. Don't forget to dry between the toes. Leftover moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes odor.

3.Wear the right socks. Cotton, some wools, and special knits made for athletes will absorb sweat and allow your feet to breathe. Put on a fresh pair if they get damp.

4.Make sure your shoes aren't too tight. If they are, your feet might sweat more than normal.

5.Switch shoes. Wearing the same shoes every day can make them smellier. Let them dry out for a couple of days before wearing them again.

6.Kill those germs. Consider using a disinfectant spray to kill bacteria in your shoes. Wash your feet with antibacterial soap. Setting shoes out in the sun also may help.

7.Wash shoes or insoles. Some insoles or shoes, especially sneakers, may be washable. Be sure to dry them completely before wearing them.

8.Avoid shoes made of plastic. Plastic and some human-made materials don't let your feet breathe.

9.Go barefoot. Let your feet air out by letting them spend some time in the open air, especially at night.

10.Keep your toenails trimmed and clean. Use a nail brush if you have to. Toenails are hiding places for bacteria.

Tips
Bacteria are to blame. In the right conditions, bacteria will feast on your feet. These bacteria eat dead skin cells and oils from your skin. Their colonies will grow and start getting rid of waste in the form of organic acids. It's those organic acids that smell bad. And for 10% to 15% of people, the smell is really bad. Why? Because their feet are extra sweaty and become home to bacteria called Micrococcus sedentarius (say: my-kroh-kah-kus seh-den-tair-ee-us). These bacteria produce more than just stinky organic acids - they also produce stuff called volatile sulfur compounds. Sulfur compounds usually are powerful and awful smelling. If you've ever smelled a rotten egg (Hydrogen sulfide), you know what volatile sulfur compounds smell like.

For most people, foot odor can be controlled. The worst part about having stinky feet is that it's embarrassing. If you're worried about this, just keep your shoes on when you're in social situations, like when you're at school or riding in a car. At home, keep your feet clean and go barefoot so they get some air. If your feet are clean and dry, those bacteria will have to find their lunch somewhere else!

Chinese Foot Reflexology and Detoxification

2006-12-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

Do you know why the rich and famous spend thousands of dollars on 3-days detox spa and detoxification holidays? Find out how the Chinese and Japanese achieve a similar detox health effect for a lot less dollars!What is foot reflexology?Reflexology is an ancient natural therapy which utilizes energy zones on the hands and feet to provide relief for a variety of illnesses as well as to energize the body system. It has been in practised in China for thousands of years and till today, remains a popular and common therapy in China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand and is also increasingly popular in other parts of the world including Europe and USA.Foot reflexologyThe Chinese believe every meridian point in our foot reflex to a part of our body systemHow does foot detoxification works?It is widely known that the waste products(toxins) accumulated from the food we eat and the polluted air we breathe in contribute to many health problems to our body. When the waste products in our body reaches an excessive level, they can cause fatigue, restlessness or other health problems.There are various methods to clear the build up of these waste products(toxins) in our body; including fasting, dieting, sweat out in a sauna, regular physical exercise or even colon-cleansing. Some of these methods are costly, some are difficult to maintain and some are plain dangerous!Detoxification patches are totally safe and easy to use.These tree extract plaster helps to cleanse your body's waste products in an easy, trouble-free and painless way. Just wrap one sheet of plaster on the sole of your foot before going to bed, and allow it to work while you are asleep. The colour of the sheet will change according to the condition of your health. Those with health problems will notice the sheets are initially darker the following morning. With regular use, the sheets will progressively get lighter and lighter, indicating a steady improvement in your health. The patch can also be applied to specific problems on localised parts of the body, such as the wrist, knee, shoulder, ankle, and groin.Apply a detox patch to each foot before sleeping every nightThe product works on the principle that tree trunks, which are composed of numerous tiny tubes, are able to draw water and nutrients through the roots and up to all other parts of the tree. Expanding on Reflexology Concept, that different parts of the foot are connected to every other parts of our body, the flexi-patch are applied on the sole to help dispel wastes products from the body, very much alike the way the tree trunk operates.Why does foot reflexology and detoxification work so well togetherTraditionally, the Chinese and Japanese have known about the detoxification effect of certain tree extracts and the meridian pressure points of relexology and accupressure. Combined with other herbs and when applied to the sole of the foot, it has been found to vastly improve circulation and promote detoxification of the human body leading to general better health and well-being. This combination of toxin cleansing and reflexology has made this formula a favourite among Asians, young and old, healthy and weak.Today, this beneficial formula is packed in plaster pack using modern, hygiene packing methods and sold worldwide.World's easiest - and safest - detoxification method!Detoxification is not a new health concept. In fact, it has been around for a long, long time. Popular detoxification methods in modern time include the suana, dieting, colon cleansing, detoxification pills and solutions etc.However, non of these detoxification methods are as easy, quick, cost effective, safe and effective as detoxification foot patches. In fact, some of these methods are even downright dangerous and had even accounted for a death or two.Your health needs Tree Extract Detoxification Patches!This is the ideal treatment for the elderly, the stressed executive, the sportsman or just for yourself. It's easy to use; just apply it to the sole and sleep through the night. That's it; no drinking, no mixing, no blending, no burning, no complicated methods. What's more, you can see result the next morning immediately. It will leave you with no doubt that detoxification was working through the night!As this is an external use product, it will not interfere or affect any medication or treatment you may be undergoing. No doctor or medical advice is needed prior to use.
About the Author
Ken Cheong worked, lived and travelled in China for the last 7 years. He shares articles like this in his websites: http://www.quick-pain-relief.com and http://www.chinese-culture.net. Feel free to distribute this article as long as the websites are mentioned.
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Caring for Hand and Foot Eczema

2006-12-03T23:30:00.000-08:00

There are many kinds of eczema, and too few people who can tell you how to cure them. Scientists are trying get a better handle on the causes of such eczema as hand and foot eczema, but they may still have years to go before they find a tested and sound way to prevent the condition. In the meantime, your best bet is to follow the latest advice that health experts offer on the problem. To get relief from hand and foot eczema and other forms of the condition, it is important to make key lifestyle modifications. These may not necessarily be an eczema cure, but they can help to prevent flare-ups. First, see your dermatologist regularly for treatment. Second, use the medication that he or she prescribes. They may not be quite as reassuring as an eczema cure, but these steps, can be the difference between keeping the condition at bay, or letting it ruin your life.What You Can Do First To Help YourselfStart your assault on your hand and foot eczema by avoiding the many things around your home that can irritate the condition. Things that can irritate your skin include household cleansers, detergents, aftershave lotions, soap, gasoline, turpentine, and other solvents. Try to steer clear of these things that make your hand and foot eczema flare up.Of course, it’s also essential to wash your hands only when absolutely needed. Soaps and wetness can cause skin irritation. Dry your hands completely, as well, after you wash them.The Importance of Wearing GlovesOther ways to experience a temporary eczema cure involve all the methods under the sun to protect your hands. These include wearing gloves to protect the skin. Put on vinyl or plastic gloves for work it it requires you leaving your hands in water for long periods of time. Wear gloves and shoes, too, when you think your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate your skin and bring on hand and foot eczema. Another potential temporary eczema cure are cotton gloves underneath plastic gloves, as well as cotton socks in plastic or leather shoes. The cotton can soak up sweat from your hands and feet. If even this cotton is getting drenched, then take frequent breaks from your activities or work. Remove your gloves and shoes to prevent a buildup of sweat inside them. Don’t forget your gloves when you go outside during the winter either. Cold air and low humidity are enemies of your skin and can easily bring on hand and foot eczema by drying out your skin. Other Eczema Triggers You Should Think AboutBesides cold and dry air, stress and other psychological factors can also be an eczema trigger. Learning how to manage your emotions can be an eczema cure all to itself. You may not be able to get at the root cause of eczema by cutting back on the stress in your life. But controlling your emotions and avoiding stressful situations can be a potent way to reduce the frequency and the intensity of your eczema attacks. Your behavior, then, can be a powerful eczema cure until doctors come up with the ultimate one. About the author:Mike Long is a successful web publisher and health afficionado providing valuable tips, advice, and info about the cause of eczema, eczema symptoms, and eczema cream. His many articles provide the reader with well researched products, money saving tips, and valuable topical insight.
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An Often Overlooked Strategy for Getting Your Foot in the Do

2006-12-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

Author: Kathleen GageEmail: Kathleen@turningpointpresents.com Word Count: 760Copyright ฉ 2004 by Kathleen GageWeb address: www.kathleengage.com Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your website or in your print publication provided you include the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required. An Often Overlooked Strategy for Getting Your Foot in the DoorBy Kathleen GageMost companies are constantly seeking efficient and cost effective marketing and promotions strategies. It’s likely they are also seeking strategies to increase sales through obtaining key information. Regardless of the industry, almost everyone has heard or read arguments saying sales and marketing are separate, while at other times hearing and reading they are interconnected. The fact is that you have to market your product or business in order to find prospects to sell to. On the other hand, your level of professionalism as a salesperson will directly impact your marketing message. Simply put, everything you do is a part of your marketing. Without effective marketing many people won’t know what you are selling. The two go hand in hand.In the process of selling you must be able to address the question most prospects will ask: “What can you do for me?” This question can be answered by the content of your marketing material as well as your responses while meeting with a client. While you can tell your prospects and customers how absolutely wonderful you are and all you can do for them, an even more effective strategy is for someone else to “blow your horn.” A customer who is willing to answer that question for your prospect oftentimes adds to your effectiveness and credibility in the sales process. One of the best ways to do this is with written customer testimonials. Testimonials can be very effective in positioning your product or service and may give that extra little push when a potential client is trying to decide on whether or not they will be doing business with you. The easiest way to get a testimonial is to do a great job. The second easiest way is to ask for it. When a customer or client tells you how happy they are with what you have done ask them if they would be willing to put that in a letter. It is a good idea to have a cross section of testimonials you can use in your sales and marketing process. This way, regardless of your clients’ situation, you have a testimonial that will address their needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Asking for a testimonial is not arrogant or egotistical. When you go above and beyond, most people are willing to let others know how much they appreciate you or your product.A short time ago my most recent book was released. Myself and my co-authors have enjoyed increased daily sales with 101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door. Although many people are telling us how fun, creative and useful the book is, I knew if we could get testimonials from readers we would be able to use them in our marketing and promotions efforts. I sent an email out to a few dozen folks who had purchased the book asking for written feedback. Within minutes I began receiving testimonials. Here two of the dozens I received:“I was pleasantly surprised reading 101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door. I was so impressed that I am requiring my sales staff to read it and we are getting together to discuss how we can implement some of these ideas into our marketing campaigns. Great job!” Michele Michalewicz, CTP, President, Western Leisure, Inc.“101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door was full of great ideas to separate sales people from the ordinary. This is a must have book for those that want to be remembered and stand apart from the ordinary sales person or marketing company. This book has been referred back to often and will be a permanent addition to our business library. Thank you for putting these ideas into a book.”Craig Watkins, Owner, Premium Exteriors and Coatings of Utahwww.WhyKeepPainting.com What Craig and Michele have said is a greater testament to a potential buyer than me telling them how great the book is. And notice what it is doing for them… their testimony is added visibility for their company. A win/win situation. Although testimonials are great to use, keep in mind that they do not replace the simple act of asking potential clients for the business. Testimonials are simply another key aspect of an effective success strategy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR If you are in any form of sales and are tired of cold calling visit www.101waystogetyourfootinthedoor.com to receive fr*ee tips on getting your foot in the door and staying ahead of the competition. Author Kathleen Gage is a business advisor, keynote speaker and trainer who helps others increase revenues and decrease costs by gaining dominance and visibility within their market.
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An acne herbal hand and footbath

2006-12-03T23:09:00.000-08:00

a book I read by William L. Fischer called Hidden Secrets of Super Perfect Health at Any Age, Book II, 1986, I learn how to do herbal footbaths.In chapter 10, The F-M Circulizer System, Fischer discusses the use of an herbal footbath. After reading this chapter, I realized how herbs in a footbath could improve your skin and help you eliminate acne.This book was written in 1986 and Fischer claims herbal footbaths have been in use overseas since 1946!Now, you can do either a footbath or a hand bath. Once you prepare a container with hot water you can put your feet or hands into it and get the same results.If you already have foot spa, thank your mother, sister, or whoever bought it because you’re in for a treat. If you don’t, with $20 or $30 you can get one just like I did.When you use a heated footbath, veins in your feet start to expand. Over a period of 15-20 minute, the warm water affects your entire vascular (blood) system and you get improved blood circulation.By adding an herbal infusion into the hot water in the footbath, minerals and other phytochemicals from the herbs enter the soles of your feet and into your blood stream.This means that you can introduce herbal phytochemicals into your blood stream using the footbath. During your footbath, these herbal chemicals quickly circulated throughout your body and get to work neutralizing acid, killing bacteria, and improving your skin circulation.Here is an herbal combination you can use. This herbal combination was taken and modified slightly from a book written by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., called The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, 1986. Mowrey says,“This (herbal) blend attacks external skin disorders from within, purifying the blood, carrying away waste, reinforcing the blood’s ability to ward off infectious agents.” The herbal combination to use is,* Dandelion root – purifies blood and improves liver function* Yellow dock root – purifies blood, helps liver, is anti-bacterial* Saraparilla root – has antibiotic action, promotes waste elimination through urine and sweating* Echinacea – increases immunity and promotes skin healing* Licorice – protects the liver so that it can detoxify the blood better* Kelp – provide minerals and vitamins and binds heavy metal that are bad for health* Chaparral – is anti-microbial making effective against acne.* Fresh Garlic – cut up a few cubes of garlic and place them into the hot water. Garlic is has antibacterial properties.Buy one ounce of each herb and mix them.Here’s how to do the herbal footbath,* Place 2-3 tablespoons of herbal mix into 1 ฝ cups of water* Boil the water with herbs – use only a glass, porcelain, or stainless steel container* After water starts to boil, pull the container off the stove* Let tea sit for 15-30 minutes. The longer the tea sits the stronger the tea and its effects* Prepare your foot spa with water* Strain the tea to remove leaves and roots* Poor tea and cut garlic into the foot spa* Place your feet or hands in the hot water for 15 – 30 minutes.I have been using a foot spa for many different conditions for my family and myself. I really like using the footbath. It is a convenient way to by pass your digestive system and get more nutrients into your bodyRudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com.” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
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"Custom Made Foot Orthotics"

2006-12-03T23:08:00.000-08:00

“Custom Made Foot Orthotics”By: Steven Montes, BME I am the owner of Montes Orthopedic in Tucson, Arizona. I have been making custom made foot orthotics for over twenty years. I learned this science from a man who was German. He taught me how to make 8 different types of foot orthotics. But more importantly he taught me how to adjust the appliances for the many different conditions of the feet.I have learned these trade secrets, that would have lost, this intense type of education is what has made me a leader and a scientist in this field of Bio-Mechanics. It is important to note that the German people were the first to developed the Bio-mechanical science that we see around the world today for many foot disorders. For hundreds of years the German people had been using this technology for almost every foot disorder known to man. During World War II, when the United States and allied forces took over Germany. The United States together with other countries seized all the developed technological treasures that Germany had developed over hundreds of years. Among the many treasures taken were the design of the jet engine, Atom Bomb, and many other technologies that we still claim as our own. Among these treasures was the science of Bio-mechanics and the use of foot products to eliminate almost every foot disorder of the feet. It had been well established for hundreds of years that a properly made foot appliance, is an alternative to most foot surgeries. However the decline in success of a foot appliance working to alleviate discomfort from the feet is greatly compromised due to our dependancy of sub-quality shoes being imported from third world countries. This single factor has been attributed to the large increase in foot problems seen today around the world, where sub-quality footwear is available in abundance in every large department store around the world. Where we as a people, have traded quality for quantity, we have overlooked the fact that now we as a people will un-doughtily will have to pay more in health care costs due to the increase of foot surgeries being preformed because of the decrease of a functional foot appliance in a sub-quality shoe. Currently everyone in the world makes custom made foot orthotics the same way, from a casting of the feet. From this casting adjustments are made into the positive of the cast so the adjustments will appear on the finished product made of plastic, rohadur, polypropylene, leather reinforced with fiberglass and neoprene rubber, stainless steel, thermal made materials like pealight & cork, felt and latex. I have even made foot orthotics out of thin laminated pieces of different type woods. All of which require a great deal of knowledge and equipment to manufacture. Everyone still holds to the three different positions in casting the feet. The first being the Zero weight bearing position, where the feet are hanging over a chair or stool. The second being a Semi-weight bearing where the feet are placed into wet plaster or soft foam while the person is sitting. The last position is done while the person is standing with their full weight into wet plaster or soft foam. After these molds are made, plaster is poured into the negatives to create a positive. After several days of hardening the negative is broken away from the positive. After several more days of the positive hardening. It ready to be treated or worked to include the necessary adjustments for the patients condition so that these adjustments will form into the plastic at the proper position of the problem.
Like everyone else around the world I made hard and semi-hard foot orthotics the same way. What my research in this area had concluded after being in my own business for several years, is that from prolonged use of the hard orthotics, I began to document the side affects from the use of hard orthotics and injury to people from being in these products for many years at a time. What I had discovered is that prolonged use of these products caused in some cases was a neuropathy and atrophying to the tendons and ligaments in the feet. I had also discovered that the natural fatty tissue pad in the feet had diminished form the use of hard orthotics over several years of use.From this data of research I was able to develop the Insta-Mold Foot Orthotic System using different densities of orthopedic rubber shipped to the United States from Germany. I have been able to success and total eliminates the need for a casting of the feet. I have developed a custom made foot orthotic that forms to the feet while the feet are in motion. As the patient uses the product, they will develop a walking pattern onto the orthotic which is more accurate than a casting of the feet. What makes this rubber so special is that the Germans have engineered the orthopedic rubber to activate at about 3 degrees below the body temperature and each layer has a different density. My under standing is that the rubber that they produced has a thermal activity that occurs and can change the density of the rubber to produce a material that works well with the body temperature. In other word as you wear this product the material will begin to active at about 3 degrees below the body temperature, which translates to the longer you are on your feet the more comfortable and softer the material becomes.What causes this process to accrue is that the oil being used comes in different viscosities for example there is 10w to 40w oil, that we use in our cars or 10w to 30w oil. To explain about different viscosities oil and there affects on rubber, if you can recall as a child playing on the playground at school, on a cold day the ball you were playing with was hard, and on a hot day the ball would be soft. Well this is the affects of different viscosities of oil and how they play an important part in the use of rubber as a orthopedic material. Also because of the flexibly of the orthotic I have been able to develop adjustments program that correct the way a person walks, and in some cases I have been able to throw the patient into over correction when warranted, by adding small adjustments to the rubber product over a period of time I am able to apply these adjustments much like a dentist that tightens teeth on braces. This process allows the patient to get used to each adjustment gradually over period of time, rather that the traditional products that tend to be over corrective or under correct making the appliance unbearable to use when first received. In addition I have created and added the service part of this business back to this industry. Where as to day if you have ever had a need for foot orthotics you will know that when you have picked up a pair of appliances most places give you the orthotic and thank you for your business whether you are satisfied or not.It is true that most orthotics being made today fail due to the inability to achieve or establish forefoot control to the feet. Since all custom foot orthotics are only able to offer rear-foot control.There has been no research done to offer fore-foot control back to the feet, except with the advancement in design in regards to the big athletic shoe companies and their foot ware. They are the only ones so far that have shown promise in the area of forefoot control . Having realized that if I was going to be successful in creating advanced product that I would have to also achieve forefoot control. So early in the development of my products I established true forefoot control by placing a specially designed wedge material on the outside lateral aspects of the shoe, and because this wedged material is very successful in that it allows me to add more adjustments to the medial area of the orthotic while positioning the knees into a neutral position which in turn will re-balancing the shoes.Since it is a medical fact that 90% of the population in the world has one leg shorter than the other, I use a heel lift to add to the success of my work. To me having one leg shorter than the other is responsible for a majority of the hip and knee transplants that occur in the US and are singularly responsible for most lower and upper back problems in the world. With the multiple adjustments for correction I have been able to advise dentists on how important it is to use a custom made foot orthotic in relation to patients with TMJ problems. I have developed the product so that patients with TMJ can get a more effective response to the treatment being used with the mouth appliance. How this works is that every time I add an adjustment to the foot appliance, I have to calculate the amount of control that I have posted to the foot product. Example: if I post the patients feet products 2 or 3 degrees, using valgus or varus control I have to inform their doctor of these changes so the physician can re-adjust their mouth appliance to the periodical adjustments as I make them to their foot appliances. This process offers a higher success rate to the patient with TMJ problems. Also I have noticed that this area of control can speed up the healing process, using the mouth appliance and foot appliance together. An overview of my business is that with the crude equipment that I have invented, I can manufacture up to 60 pairs of my pre-made foot orthotic that are self molding, by myself in one day. One size will fit all shoes and it only takes me 15-20 minuets to fit a person with a pair of my foot orthotics, adjustments take me 5-10 minuets to apply to the product or shoes. So with the step by step adjustments that I add periodically to the orthotics I can fine tune the product to the needs of the patient based on their comfort. In regards to children with Pres-Planis or flat feet, I have the ability to through their feet into over correction with the multiple adjustments I add periodically. After several years of use at this stage of correction, I have found that permeant development of the longitudinal arch occurs. Also with the specially designed wedge that is placed on the outside lateral aspects of the shoes I have been able to established forefoot control. Finally with the heel lift that I provide for the discrepancy in leg length, I can provide a truly successful service that makes the Insta-Mold Foot Orthotic System truly an advancement in the science of Bio-Mechanics.This product makes all hard foot orthotics obsolete and non-effective, except for one medical condition which is to the case of fractures in bones or joints to the feet, and you don’t want the flexibility of the shoe to hamper the healing process. The patient should only be in the most ridged type of orthotic available, which is the rohadur plastic foot orthotic, and for only 2 years at the most. The time that it takes for most bone fractures to heal in the foot.
A paintable version of this article can be found at www.article-emporium.com/health-9167.htm I can be reached for comment by Phone - 520-749-1105 or by e-mail: Smontes@scientist.com
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Anatomy of the Foot

2006-12-02T01:23:00.000-08:00

Feet are one the most utilised parts of the human body. Our feet are constantly under stress as we go about our normal lives. Our feet work for us the whole day, whether we stand, play, run, or walk, and in the process they become the most affected part of our anatomy.
Many things affect the condition of our feet: activity level, occupation, other health conditions, and perhaps most importantly, our shoes.

The foot is an incredibly complex mechanism which serves as a shock absorber, and propulsion engine.

The foot and ankle contain:

26 individual bones

33 joints

Ligaments (tissues that connect bones to other bones)

More than 100 muscles

Tendons

Blood vessels

Nerves

Skin & tissue

All these foot components combine to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility.

Foot Care Focus - Irish Dancing

2006-12-02T01:19:00.000-08:00

Do your feet ache and burn after training sessions and performances? Do your dance shoes rub or irritate you, affecting the standard and duration of your routine? Does the state of your feet effect these routines? If you have answered ‘Yes’ to any of the questions above, you are only a click away from the answer to your problems at foothealthcare.com.

It is important for dancers to look after themselves in terms of their health and appearance. However, prime assets that are often overlooked are the feet.

It is vital for dancers to keep their feet in premium condition so they can perform to the best of their ability. Dancers’ feet experience much wear and tear in comparison to the average person, due to long hours spent exercising, training and performing.

The constant pounding of your feet on the hard floor places immense stress not only on your feet, but also your legs and spine, as the feet absorb the full impact of the dance move.

Common dancer foot ailments

Common foot problems amongst dancers include: Metatarsalgia, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Achilles Tendonitis, Calluses and Blisters.

One ailment that we hear about a lot at foothealthcare.com is forefoot pain. This is due to the amount of moves that involve loading the forefoot e.g. landing on the forefoot after a jump. This in most cases can be alleviated or avoided with Elastic Metatarsal Bandages or a simple Poron Insole. This type of device will unload the pressure at the forefoot.

Friction Blisters are another big problem for dancers and in severe cases (especially with young dancers) can totally sideline the dancer. These are caused by your skin rubbing against something - usually a poor fitting shoe. Most friction blisters are filled with clear fluid. It is best to leave most small blisters alone. They should be kept clean and covered with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

To minimize blisters, firstly ensure sure that your shoes fit correctly. This does not always prevent blisters, especially after a long dance session, but it is the most common reason for blisters. If the blisters persist try wearing two pairs of socks to ease friction against foot or use an an anti-blister foot cream before putting your socks on. This will make the skin more supple and able to resist friction.

from www.foothealthcare.com