Northwest Primetime, October 2007 by Janet Park

Barefoot in the Park

If you are an adventurous soul, always looking for a new experience, consider going for a walk on a reflexology path.  Not only will you be taking steps to improve your health, but you’ll learn about an ancient healing art.

Reflexology is based on the Asian belief that reflex points exist in the feet, hands, and ears, which correspond to vital organs, muscles, nerves, and glands in the body.  The theory is that by walking uneven stones you’ll stimulate the acupressure points in your feet, thus improving circulation, balance and overall health.

Reflexology paths are common in Asia where people use them daily, but they are rare in the United States.  It is good news that three cobblestone paths have now been installed in King County.  You can try them out at Marymoor Park in Redmond, White Center Park (south of Seattle), and Bastyr University in Kenmore.  They were designed by Elizabeth Marazita, a licensed Reflexologist and Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, who is also considered a national expert on the therapeutic benefits of these walking paths.   Each path has hand rails for balance, benches for resting between walking sessions, and helpful information.

My yoga classmates and I chose the reflexology path at Marymoor for our first walk.  We played it smart by taking our yoga instructor, Gayatri, with us.  In addition to teaching yoga at the University District Senior Center, she happens to be a Reflexologist.

Our first stop at Marymoor was at the kiosk to read helpful tips for walking the path.  Gayatri showed us the reflex points on a large foot chart, pointing out to which part of the body they correspond.  We also learned that for best effect, we should walk barefoot or be sock-clad.

The 20x20-foot octagon-shaped path, with its twin at White Center, is designed in patters of white and shades of brown and black stones in various sizes specifically placed in sections.  We are advised to take just a few steps at first since our feet may be sensitive, and to begin at the inner pathway made of the smallest stones, and work our way to the larger ones in the outer rim.

I quickly discover how tender my bare feet were, so after a rest.  “Walk slowly within your own capacity,” advised Gayatri.  “A gentle walk loosens congestion in your body and works with the glandular system.”

She demonstrated several techniques, such as how to wrap our toes around the stones and to press the pad of the big toe on the rocks.   “When a place on your foot hurts, that tells that a certain area in your body needs attention,” she said.  After given the reflexology path a try, we were advised to drink water to wash away all the toxins that had been released by the pressure applied to our feet.

Although our time at Marymoor passed quickly, it was long enough to whet my appetite for more, so next I went to Bastyr University to try its “Path of Health,” which is open to the public.  My friend, Virginia, accompanied me.  We found the enchanting walkway next to Bastyr’s herb garden.  At either end were benches, and at its entrance was a five-element star representing fire, earth, metal, water and wood, signifying man’s relationship with nature and the seasons.

Wearing soft-soled shoes, we first walked the curving pathway of river stones, stopping frequently to admire the colorful array of flowers and plants along each side.  Sixty-four feet in length and three-feet wide, it was built by a group of volunteers.

Next, I removed my shoes and took a few steps on the grey stones of various sizes, set in patters.  Ouch.  Once again, my tender feet protested.  I rested while reading the handout which I had picked up at the entrance.  It explained that “the stones had been placed to stimulate reflex zones on the soles of the feet which may initially create discomfort, pain, and soreness…Only walk as much of the path as you can without causing undo discomfort.”  I stood for a while pressing my feet onto the sharp stones and then walked a short distance before turning back.

The handout also said that, over time, your feet will become accustomed so you can walk longer portions of the path.  That’s encouraging.  Even more encouraging was learning about a recent study conducted by the Oregon Research Institute which confirmed that seniors who walked on a cobblestone mat surface over a certain period of time reduced their blood pressure and stress, improved their balance, and overall physical performance.

Sounds good to me, so I’ll be walking barefoot in the park again.  For more information about reflexology paths, go to www.pathsofhealth.com.

How to get there:  Marymoor Park:  A King County Park, is located at 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway, just off of Highway 520, near Redmond.  Once in the park, turn left at the first stop sign.  The reflexology path is near the Subway food stand.  Parking is $1 per car.

White Center Park:  Also a King County Park, it is located at 1321 S. W. 102nd Street, Seattle.  Call 206-296-4542 or 206-205-5275 for directions.

Bastyr University: Its address is 14500 Juanita Drive NE.  From Kenmore, take Juanita Drive, turn right at the Bastyr University sign, follow the road to the
left of the Y, and go to the left into Bastyr University.  Drive straight back towards a field on a hill.  The reflexology path is next to the herb garden.  

Top of Page