For a long time I wanted to share this exercise, which was supposedly practiced by Tibetan lamas – I can't say for sure, but I found it on the Internet when I needed to restore my well-being, maintain my health, and it came in handy for me, the practice of “interlacing fingers and toes” itself is aimed at restoring the physical body. The exercise takes about a little time, which is not expensive at all, and you can do it at the most convenient time for you.
When I first started doing the exercise, I encountered difficulties. It seemed to me that my toes were glued together and did not want to separate. I felt some discomfort. Although at first glance the exercise is quite easy.
Why might it be painful or uncomfortable to do the exercise? Most people have stiff toes, tight muscles, and possibly shortened muscles. Especially people who wear tight shoes and don't stretch their feet.
Read also: If your hands and feet are constantly cold, do these simple exercises to improve blood circulation.
What is so useful about the exercise of interlacing the fingers and toes? It helps to restore mobility to the toes, stretches small muscles and joints, stimulates blood circulation and lymph flow (this is very useful for cold extremities and swelling). The foot comes to life, muscles that were not working before are activated. And we all know that there are many points and nerve endings in the feet that are connected to our internal organs – so their stimulation also has a beneficial effect on the body.
In addition, I can say that this exercise is good for relaxing your feet after wearing uncomfortable shoes, prolonged walking/standing, and wearing heels.
Read also: Do your feet and hands often get cold? 7 tips to warm them up this winter.
I used this exercise and I can't explain exactly how it works, although everything seems clear, but you really start to feel better, it's easier to feel, and in general you become somehow calmer – I confirm that the legs themselves also become easier – because we always have a lot of stress on them, so it's just right here. In any case, I liked it and I've been doing it for six months, now I plan to resume, I'll add that you can notice after the exercise – a pleasant feeling of warmth and relaxation in your feet.
How to do the exercise “Intertwining fingers and toes”:
Take your time, you should be comfortable – sit in a chair.
- your back is straight, you won't fall back if you pull your leg towards you, if necessary, put a pillow under your back
- Bend either leg (for some reason they start with the left leg everywhere, I experimented – I didn't feel any difference) and start pulling the foot towards you, grab the foot with your hands
- if you started with the left foot, then interlace the toes of the left foot with the fingers of the right hand – if you feel discomfort – move your fingers far enough so that it is not too painful or unpleasant
- Hold this position for a few minutes.
- slowly come out of the pose and do the same on the opposite side
If you do the exercise regularly, after a few weeks you will notice that it becomes easier to do and you can stay in this position for longer. Your feet will become more lively and mobile.
Read also: A yoga instructor showed how to reach your toes with your hands – it seems we've been doing it wrong our whole lives.
I can't say much about the drawbacks – I haven't found any. The only thing to remember is maximum softness in all movements. If you have any complex problems, you should talk to a specialist.
