Finding your feet

Have you ever considered your feet as being the window to your soul? Reiki Master Ann Gadd explains why you should

Many of us find our feet unacceptable, either because of their shape or their smell! But how many of us realise everything that occurs on our feet - from warts to bunions - often reflects our innermost feelings?

Former advertising executive Ann Gadd now studies feet, as well as being a successful Reiki Master, counsellor, artist and writer. In her fascinating new book, Finding Your Feet: How the Sole reflects the Soul, she explains why so much emphasis is put on our feet.

'Simply because we always carry our feet with us; they are very visible and consequently easy to examine and have aspects that are very apparent,' she says. 'When I look at someone's feet, I often feel as if I am talking to an old person who is full of stories that are just waiting to be told.

'Often, after the story has been heard and the emotions that accompany their telling are released, the feature that attracted my attention clears or alters.'

According to Ann, the appearance of a cut or callus on the foot is relevant to a person's emotional make-up, and yet more insight can be gained with regards to the location of where such symptoms occur.

The foot is divided into seven 'chakras', each relating to the seven main chakras or energy centres, found on the body. These form the total energetic make-up of an individual and problems in these various areas relate to many of the phrases we use in our everyday life.

For instance, the first chakra relates to the heel and the small toe area of the foot, and represents fear and anger (feeling physically afraid or threatened). Its key words are fight or flight.

As it relates to our connection to mother earth and consequently feeling rooted or connected, Ann describes how someone with a large heel could consequently be well grounded while someone with a small or very narrow heel may be more etheric, airy or impractical.

Ann says, 'Do you feel well-heeled or down at heel? Does life make you want to take to your heels or stand rooted to the spot in fright? Do you find it hard to cool your heels? Do you quickly get impatient with situations or people?'