I've just been asked about what can be done to prevent/slow down development of a bunion. I emailed an answer but then thought I might expand that response and share as a blog in case you, or someone you know, might benefit.
I'm a fan of Louise Hay, a well-known author and proponent of the mind-body connection, she highlights that physical ailments often have underlying emotional and mental causes. In her book "You Can Heal Your Life," she discusses the metaphysical causes of various conditions and offers affirmations to address them.
For bunions, Louise suggests that they are associated with:
Representing minor details of life: Bunions may symbolise being overly focused on minor, unimportant details, leading to a sense of frustration or irritation.
Lack of joy in meeting the experiences of life: Bunions may also indicate a reluctance to move forward joyfully in life; feeling stuck or resistant to change.
To address the underlying emotional and mental causes of bunions, she recommends the following affirmation:
"I joyously run forward to greet life's wonderful experiences."
This affirmation is designed to help shift your mindset towards embracing life's experiences with joy and openness, thereby potentially alleviating the emotional and mental factors contributing to the physical manifestation of bunions.
Incorporating this affirmation into a daily practice, such as meditation or while performing foot a foot massage (see below), may help foster a more positive attitude and promote healing on a deeper level.
Bunions are associated with Spleen meridian which passes over the joint and also Kidney that governs bones.
I would suggest tracing, with an open palm both these meridians 3 times x 2 or 3 times a day - slowly and with focus, repeating a statement such as:
My joint is growing strong and straight, all is well.
Whenever you can, trace Figure 8's over the joint, with the same positive self-talk.
The gentle stretching involved in flexing and pointing the feet and toes can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Toe exercises like picking up marbles with your toes or using toe separators can be beneficial.
Inserts or orthotic devices prescribed by a podiatrist can help redistribute pressure away from the bunion and provide better support for your foot.
Obviously, make sure your footwear isn't aggravating the joint.
Consider this …. every 1lb extra of 'overweight' = 4lbs on joints like knees, ankles and feet. I know I notice a difference if I go over a certain bodyweight.
GETTING HANDS ON
Create energetic ‘space’ around the joint by massaging/stroking away from the joint in every direction, either on the skin, or, if that is too painful, in the biofield above it. End by ‘pulling off the big toe joint.
A good foot and lower leg massage is going to increase blood, lymph and energy circulation, dispersing energetic congestions which contributes to pain and inflammation. Include the sole of each foot to ensure the flow of energy ‘out’ of the foot and into the earth, is open …. which can help, you will be covering some key acupressure points, including …..
LIVER 3
Location: On the top of the foot, in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones.
Function: Known for relieving pain and promoting blood circulation, beneficial for foot pain including bunions. This is one of the 4 ‘gates’ that opens up the energy in the body, in this case the lower body.
STOMACH 36
Location: On the outer side of the leg, about four thumb widths below the knee cap, one thumb width to the side of the shinbone.
Function: Boosts overall energy, reduces pain, and strengthens the muscles and tendons, which can help alleviate foot pain. This is a great ‘go to’ point for almost anything in the body!
KIDNEY 3
Location: On the inner side of the ankle, in the depression between the medial malleolus (ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon.
Function: Strengthens the kidneys, which in Chinese medicine are believed to influence bone health, and alleviates foot pain.
SPLEEN 4
Location: On the inner side of the foot, about one finger width behind the base of the first metatarsal bone.
Function: Helps in relieving pain, swelling, and inflammation in the foot.
BLADDER 60
Location: Behind the ankle joint, in the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and Achilles tendon.
Function: Known for reducing pain and swelling, helps with heel and foot pain.
BLADDER 62
Location: On the outer side of the foot, directly below the outer ankle bone.
Function: Relieves pain in the feet and legs, beneficial for various foot disorders.
SPLEEN 6
Location: On the inner side of the leg, about three thumb widths above the ankle, just behind the shinbone.
Function: Harmonizes the spleen, liver, and kidney channels, and is useful for reducing pain and inflammation in the lower extremities.
Add some essential oils for even more impact mix a few drops of your favourite essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil and massage gently into the skin. …
Lavender Oil:
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and soothing.
Peppermint Oil:
Properties: Cooling, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory.
Eucalyptus Oil:
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and decongestant.
A favourite mix of mine is Black Pepper and Marjoram - it's a particularly good mix for tight muscles. When your gait changes because of the pain of a bunion, it can impact the 'organisation' of the leg muscles, which in turn can cause pain, so this mix is more for the calf muscles and even the quads and hamstrings.
As with anything that you may add to self-care ..... energy test to ensure it suits you.
Can't energy test? See my free booklet that you receive when you sign up for my website newsletter (www.madisonking.com) - Don't 'want' to energy test? then use common sense and do a patch test with any oil you wish to use.
If you work with crystals, you might consider …
Amethyst:
Properties: Healing, soothing, and pain relief.
Usage: Place an amethyst crystal on or near the bunion while resting or sleeping. Its calming energy can help reduce pain and promote healing. You can also wear amethyst jewellery to keep its energy close.
Black Tourmaline:
Properties: Protective, grounding, and pain-relieving.
Usage: Place a black tourmaline stone near the affected foot or hold it in your hand while focusing on relieving the pain. This stone can help absorb negative energy and reduce discomfort. Great for grounding and releasing energy into the earth.
Malachite: This is a personal favourite of mine and I have found, Figure 8’ing over the area can help reduce the inflammation and pain. I’ve used it on joints and also on a tooth abscess.
AN ADDED EXTRA!
Combine a few drops of essential oils (like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus) with warm water in a foot bath. Add a few crystals (like amethyst or clear quartz) to the water. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
I also add EPSOM SALTS in mine - composed of magnesium sulphate, can be beneficial in alleviating the pain associated with bunions.
Soaking can reduce inflammation and swelling, even soothing the nerves in that area, provide temporary relief from pain.
Warm water combined with Epsom salts can improve blood circulation, helping to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, promoting healing + can also help flush out toxins and reduce fluid retention around the bunion.
Epsom salts can help soften the skin around the bunion, making it easier to manage and reducing the likelihood of further irritation.
Simply fill a basin or foot bath with warm water and dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salts. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the bunion is fully submerged. Do this 2-3 times a week or as needed for pain relief.
OR
Mix a small amount of Epsom salts with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste directly to the bunion and cover with a clean cloth. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. This method can be used when soaking is not convenient.
OR
Dissolve Epsom salts in warm water, soak a clean cloth in the solution, and apply the cloth as a compress to the bunion for 15-20 minutes. This can be a quick and easy way to get relief without needing a full foot soak.
Precautions
Skin Sensitivity: Ensure that the water is not too hot, as this can cause burns or further irritation.
Allergic Reactions: If you notice any redness, itching, or irritation after using Epsom salts, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes or other conditions affecting foot sensitivity should consult a doctor before using Epsom salt soaks to avoid potential complications
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