Winter is the time when our feet are always covered up. Sweaty feet, cold feet, uncomfortable boots, shoes that don’t fit, manmade boots and materials, so, take your shoes off. Sit back and work on those two feet and make them beautiful!

Now, more than ever, is the time to take care of those tootsies! Bones form the basic structure of our feet. There are 26 bones in each foot alone. Here are some good general tips for all feet:

* Wash your feet daily. Rinse off all soap and dry thoroughly, especially between toes.
* Trim nails straight across, and not too short. Don’t cut out or dig at corners.
* Do not trim, shave, or use over-the-counter medicines to dissolve corns or calluses
* Wear clean socks or stockings, changed daily. Don’t wear any that are too short or too tight.
* Wear shoes that fit.
* Wear shoes made of leather or canvas – not synthetics.
* Switch shoes from day to day.
* Use foot powder.
* See your doctor if severe problems persist.
* Get a manicure –Set aside twenty dollars or so to get a manicure AND pedicure. It is so worth it!
* Scrub those feet –Make sure you are exfoliating the tops, sides, and bottoms of your feet at least twice a week in the shower.
* Foot refresher –After soaking feet in warm water, massage feet with a mixture of 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon crushed dried peppermint. Remove with a warm, damp washcloth.
* Hangnails –Pierce a 400 IU-vitamin E capsule and massage a drop into hangnail to soften and speed healing.
* For nails that are nourished from the inside out –Try supplementing your already healthy eating plan with MSM. This natural sulfur source from the sea speeds the growth of your hair and nails.
* Exfoliate your feet! –Use a loofah sponge to exfoliate tops, sides and bottom of your feet. Remember to scrub all of your toes too.
* After drying with a fluffy towel, apply your favorite moisturizer generously and then put on a thick (warm from the dryer) pair of socks on for a pampered feeling.
* Give your nails a break –Take off your acrylic nails and let your fingertips breathe. It will take a while for them to recover, but it is a healthier (and less expensive) way to maintain your nails.
* Bath Trim! –After showing or bathing, trim your toenails and smooth any rough edges with a file.
* Use a pumice stones on calluses and make it a habit to use a foot file on the bottom of your feet and heals at least once a week. This will keep your feet ready for any sandal at any time.
* Natural nail file –Use a popsicle stick to file your natural nails.
* To help your nail polish glide on –Dip a cotton ball in a facial astringent to remove any excess oil on your nails. Your polish will go on much smoother.
* Foot calluses –Always use a pumice stone. Do not use razors or other cutters.

Seasonal Healing is one of the best ways to remind ourselves that it is time to evaluate our health. Our moods and bodies change as the seasons change.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac – http://www.peacefulmind.com – Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit