02/02/2026
Dear Yogis:
I have been thinking about feet a lot lately! I think it's because I have been following The Walk for Peace and watching the monks' feet trudge along mile after mile. I hope they are getting reflexology along the way at their stops. It is also a good time to focus on the feet because the next ball therapy class is coming up next Saturday at 10am. The therapy balls we use are a cheap and effective substitute for professional reflexology.
There are specific points in the feet, hands and ears that are believed to correspond to specific organs and systems in the body; they are called reflex points. Think of these points as a remote-control for your internal health. Nerve endings are stimulated at these precise points to balance energy in the body. The body is thought to be divided into 10 vertical energy zones, with the hands and feet containing reflex points for all major organs and glands in the body. Press into these points with your thumb, called "thumbwalking," or use your finger, and then rotate around the point. If you feel pain or a strong sensation, you probably have some blockage in that organ or gland.
Dr. William Fitzgerald, in the early 1900's, introduced Zone Therapy and is called "The Father of Reflexology." In the 1930's, Eunice Ingham, called "The Mother of Modern Reflexology," refined Fitzgerald's work to map the feet specifically to internal organs and glands. Her Ingham Method is still used today, and the charts reflexologists use are her original work.
Evidence of reflexology goes back 4,000 years as observed in pictographs in the tomb of Ankhmahor in Ancient Egypt. In Ancient China, The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (c. 1000 BCE) has a chapter on "Examining Foot Method." In ancient India for 5000 years, an Ayurvedic tradition, called padabhyanga (foot massage), has been practiced to balance body energy.
Finally, what are the specific benefits from working these reflex points in the feet? First, this work relieves stress and anxiety; second, it may reduce the pain of headaches and migraines; third, circulation is improved because it enhances blood flow and lymphatic drainage; fourth, it may help with asthma, sinus issues, and cardiovascular or neurological issues, and last, it can aid in recovery from foot and ankle injuries, as well as promoting the general health of the feet. When pressure is applied to the points, waves of energy stimulate the release of pain-relieving chemicals or endorphins and promote nervous system balance.
Often in ball therapy sessions, clients feel a strong release up the legs after they have rolled the balls on the bottoms of their feet, and they are able to feel a deeper and more relaxed forward fold.
Eugene's Kundalini classes will begin February 14th at Equipose Studio at 10am until 11:30am. Show up if you are interested, no registration necessary. Please bring cash or check. Drop-in fee is $25; a 5-class pass is $100. You may Zoom these classes by paying online at equiposeyoga.com. Go to Zoom classes on the website and use the pay button at the bottom of the page. Please let Lee know you want to Zoom!
The next ball therapy class will meet on Feb.7th. Also, if you are interested in an introduction to Shodo Tai Chi, simple daily exercises to support health and well-being, please come at 9:00 on Sunday mornings. Kathy Campbell will be leading these sessions beginning Feb.1st. They will end in time for Yin at 10am.
Regular Class Schedule
SUNDAY:
10AM Yin Yoga
MONDAY:
10:00AM
4:30PM Vinyasa Flow Yoga
TUESDAY:
12PM Lunch Break Yoga, All Levels, 1 hr
6:00-7:30PM All Levels Flow with Wes
WEDNESDAY:
10AM Vinyasa Flow
5:30PM Yin Yoga [ZOOM + IN-STUDIO]
THURSDAY:
5:30 Yin [ZOOM only}
6-7:30pm All Levels Flow with Wes
FRIDAY:
10AM Vinyasa Flow Yoga
No need to register for classes—just come! Drop-ins are $20, and you can purchase class passes here:
https://equiposeyoga.com/classes-props