There are plenty of reasons why going barefoot is good for you, and you can enjoy some of those perks indoors with an acupressure mat. Let’s talk about how to make a river rock mat and why it’s worth trying.
Walking barefoot on rocks might not sound appealing, but it has a purpose. Our feet have over 200,000 nerve endings that send information to our brain, helping us adjust our muscles, gait, and posture. This process is called proprioception. When we keep our feet confined in tight shoes, we miss out on crucial sensory feedback, affecting both the brain and body. Walking on different surfaces, like rocks, boosts proprioception by directly providing feedback from the ground.
Putting pressure on the foot’s nerve endings is known as reflexology, which is supported by various scientific studies. It involves applying pressure on specific foot spots and can alleviate issues like restless leg syndrome and high blood pressure. I’ve previously mentioned the benefits of activating the vagus nerve, and foot reflexology is an easy method to achieve this.
The advantages of foot reflexology go beyond what you might expect. A 2014 report highlighted its significant impact on pain, with 68% of respondents saying it worked as well as or better than regular physiotherapy. Moreover, 95% of patients felt more relaxed and 86% experienced less pain, including chronic pain.
Research also supports reflexology’s role in pain management. A 2019 study focused on lymphoma patients found that those in the reflexology group had less fatigue, pain, and slept better. Children with chronic or ongoing pain saw notable improvements after reflexology sessions, particularly with headaches and musculoskeletal issues. Another study in 2019 highlighted its effectiveness in reducing anxiety in first-time pregnant women.
Reflexology is also beneficial for PMS symptoms. A 1993 study in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology noted significant PMS symptom improvement after two months of weekly sessions. Additionally, a 2018 study observed that mothers of premature babies who received reflexology foot massages produced more breast milk than those who did not.
While not everyone has access to a natural riverbed, a river rock mat can bring some of the benefits of being outdoors right into your home. Although it can’t replace outdoor experiences, it serves as a great way to enjoy nature’s perks indoors.
When creating the mat, choose smooth, relatively flat rocks. Avoid rocks that are too lumpy or small, as they can be uncomfortable and difficult to keep in place. I found medium-sized rocks a few inches in diameter at a local craft store. Larger, flat rocks work well too, but these were the easiest for me to find.
You can purchase river rocks in craft sections of stores or in bulk from gardening or landscaping departments. I chose craft rocks because those in the gardening section were too round. You can also find polished or matte river rocks online.
For this project, you’ll need about ten pounds of rock. Do you use acupressure? Are you interested in trying to make this mat?
