VOLUME 26, NUMBER 7, July, 2005
July 14: It starred on the Tonight Show. July 18: It starred on CNN Headline News. "It" is the just released cobblestone walking study by Oregon Research Institute (ORI). The study found that cobblestone walking lowers blood pressure by five points. Print media responded as well. Newspapers all over the country reported the story. Cobblestone walking was presented as health enhancement. Some even reported possible cobblestone walking areas in their city.
"A recently completed study by scientists at the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) in Eugene confirmed earlier findings from a pilot study that walking on a cobblestone mat surface resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure and improvements in balance and physical performance among adults 60 and "Cobble-stone like walking paths are common... Compared with conventional walking, the experience of walking on the river rock-like surface of these manufactured cobblestone mats improved participants balance, measures of mobility, as well as reduced their blood pressure. "Cobblestone-like walking paths are common in China. The activity is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and relates to some of the principles of reflexology, in that the uneven surface of the cobblestones stimulate and regulate 'acupoints' located on the soles of the feet." ("Cobblestone walking good for seniors, lowers blood pressure among other things," www.medicalnewstoday.com, 30 Jun 2005, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=26848)
Of interest to long time observers of reflexology are the results and numbers. The health of senior citizens was enhanced with a thirty minute walk three times a week for four months on a simulated cobblestone path. Food for thought is, thus, provided in the never-ending quest for an answer to a question frequently asked of the reflexologist: How much time is required to see results from reflexology work?
Results of the study parallel those found during an ORI Pilot Study. (Fuzhong Li, Peter Harmer, Nicole L. Wilson, K. John Fisher, "Healthy Benefits of Cobblestone-Mat Walking: Preliminary Findings," Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 11(4), October 2003, p. 1)
In the media:Tonight Show Have you heard about seniors walking on cobblestone for their health? This study says you can lower your blood pressure and other things. Sounds more like going back to 1895. (Paraphrase of Jay Leno monologue, Tonight Show, July 14, 2005)
CNN Headline News "The cobblestone walking study by ORI was the topic of a report by Medical Correspondent Chrissy Fegh. I know. It sounds so far-fetched. You're probably saying, How does Chrissy come up with these things, but this was very interesting. It came about when researchers from the Oregon Research Institute went to China for a conference and they were walking through a park one day and saw a lot of people on cobblestone paths. They were walking. They were standing. They were even dancing on these paths. These paths are very popular over there so they asked these people, Why are you on these cobblestone paths? It can't be that comfortable and they said, Because it's good for our health. ä "We do know there are certain areas on the feet that are matched in certain organs of the body. It's much like the principles of reflexology or foot massage with gravity. We all know how relaxing foot massage can be. It certainly must drive our blood pressure down." (Monday, July 18, 2005: CNN Headline News anchor Kathleen Kennedy (KK) talks to medical correspondent Chrissy Fegh (CF))
Malaysia Pictures show the work of the Rotary Club of Pantai Valley Club whose members built a 30 feet (L- shaped) reflexology footpath complete with supporting railing for Joy Haven, a Salvation Army Home for the Elderly. (http://www.rotarypantaivalley.org.my/article.cfm?id=83)
Malaysia Plans to up-grade a playground in Kepong Baru include construction of a reflexology path.
Macau A reflexology path in Macau is pictured by a tourist: "A strange-looking path in Colina de Mong H·, Macau. Half the path had raised-edge stones." (http://bigwhiteguy.com/photos/photo.php?imageID=80)
Korea: A "beautiful botanical garden near Itaewon" is described: "There's a nice botanical garden just about 15 to 20 min walk from Itaewon. Outdoor Botanical Garden in Namsan mountain, just next to Hyatt hotel. It's very nice, quiet and there are many benches that you can sit and talk with your friends. Small park. There's water fountain and foot reflexology path." (http://enjoyitaewon.nayes.net/bbs/zboard.php?id=where_to_go&no=11)
Germany Engineering company Jauslin + Steble celebrated its 50th anniversary by designing and constructing a "barefoot park" in Birsfelden. The park was then donated to the city. "In the age of the asphalted roads, free areas and hard floor mats concreted our feet a recovery are ever more rarely gegoennt (Eds. Note: lost in translation). Barefoot paths as consequence of our shoe-basic, civilized generation become increasing the leisure attraction.ä "The visitors of the barefoot park experience the adventure over different materials to go to balance and in any regard skill show over timber beams.ä "Barefoot paths are however not only unterhaltsame (Eds Note: English meaning of German words lost in translation) leisure activities, but an outstanding training for bodies and spirit. They train the concentration, strengthen the movement apparatus and support the processing of outside impressions. Not least progressive movement is extended to foot again by the dimension of feeling, which became insignificant in the shoes." (Go to web site)
Germany The construction and opening of a barefoot park in Lienen is pictured. (Go to web site)
Germany On-line family manual. Good tips for engaging children in the building and use of barefoot paths. (Go to web site)
Germany Charming personal story of a trip to a "barefoot park." (Go to web site)
Australia "Foot massages can now be as simple as going for a walk along what is believed to be Australia's first reflexology track... "The 50m-long path is in a bush setting at the back of the Stretton Community Park in Brisbane's south and is encrusted with thousands of hand-placed textured and decorative stones chosen for their size and shape... "The path is the work of Brisbane City Council officer Ian Gilbert, who in his spare time is a qualified massage therapist and reflexology student.
"He normally works for council's Local Asset Services, carrying out maintenance and capital works projects... "Its design is considered no mean feat... "The stones range from smooth river pebbles to large stepping stones and a walk along it in bare feet is designed to stimulate the reflexes of the feet and enhance the body's healing powers.
"Mr Gilbert said he has created an opt-out path for more sensitive feet... "'If the path is too intense to walk along the first time people try it, I've created a chicken-out track to step on to, and complete the walk,' he said.
"It seems this most creative park project is already a great success..."The Reflexology Association of Australia has endorsed the path and the Stretton Tai Chi Group has vowed to use it every day in their routine... "Reflexology is based on the Chinese principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears that respond to all organs, glands and parts of the body..."Lord Mayor Campbell Newman yesterday invited Brisbane residents "to kick off their shoes" and try the walk. 'I love to see the creative and imaginative activities Brisbane City Council staff are involved in, especially when they work to make our city culturally diverse, active and healthy,' Cr Newman said.
("Foot path has sole kind of feeling," Chris Griffith, The Courier Mail, Brisbane) (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,15697076,00.html)