There is a Chinese proverb “Death begins in the feet,” meaning the feet are the foundations of the entire body; they are what ground us.

If the feet are in discomfort from standing all day, or we have issues with our feet, this can lead to illness or dis-ease. We need our feet to be stable and functional to ensure the rest of the body is in good health.

There are many Chinese proverbs related to the feet; another is “A wise person breathes through their feet,” as we connect with the earth, we draw its energy up through our feet. It is the Qi, the energy we receive from the earth’s ionic energy. It benefits us both physically and emotionally. We wear shoes most of the time, so our feet can feel confined, loose, and relaxed. Walking barefoot is something I do regularly when away from work; you can find me walking around barefoot, connecting with Mother Earth.

As a Dr Chinese Medicine and Doula, one of the main acupressure points to calm and return a heightened person into place is to apply firm pressure on the base of the foot. This point is used throughout labour, bringing a heightened state into that of calm.  Applying gentle pressure on the sole of a baby’s foot can bring them back from having a reddened face full of tears to a tranquilly settled baby. 

The Kidney point located on the sole, is the first point on the kidney channel. The kidney channel ends in the brain; therefore, it stimulates the mind and is known for reducing anxiety. The kidney channel pathway begins beneath the little toe, crosses the sole, and travels posterior to the ankle bone. It then moves upward on the inner leg. From here it runs up the back of the leg, threading its way to the base of the spine where it then enters the kidneys and the bladder. This channel branch moves from the kidney to the liver and diaphragm, into the lungs. It then goes to the throat and the root of the tongue. Another branch runs off this channel spreading into the lungs, connects with the heart and then disperses into the chest. 

With the main point from what is believed to be drawn from conception, the first point on the body awakens the central channel connected throughout our body. This point can be used when someone is feeling out of control, transitioning from one mood to another, or in labour when the body and baby are transitioning from the first stage of labour to the second stage of labour. Heightened awareness at this time can be confronting for both the birthing mother and her support people. 

Applying pressure to the sole can change the energy, dropping it down to a calm, centring energy. In the clinic, I use this point when working with sleep issues for those suffering from insomnia, calming the spirit. People with speech disorders or stroke, as it has a great effect on the brain. And for women suffering menopausal hot flushes, bringing the energy to the base of the body.

To locate this acupressure point on the base of the foot, it can be located between the second and third metatarsal bones or toes. It is one-third the distance between the base of the second toe and the heel, in a depression formed when the foot is plantar fixed, or with the toes scrunched up toward the sole. You can sit on a chair and cross the right leg up over the top left knee to access the sole of your foot.

Start by placing pressure on the point on the base of your foot with the tip of your thumb. There may be tenderness felt when pressed firmly with the thumb; this means you are in the right spot. Ensure you are applying pressure to the point on the sole just below the ball of your foot. The pressure should be mild to strong, yet comfortable and held for a couple of minutes.

Great before bed to drop into calm. 

Melinda Webb - Dr Chinese Medicine, Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula.