Embracing My Inner Wolf (And My Feet with Niki)

I’ll be honest. If you’d asked me last month whether I fancied a foot massage, I’d have said “absolutely not.” In fact, I did say exactly that to Niki’s mum when doing her garden (Camping-Jedi also works as Paul @The Tidy Garden)

A foot massage sounded like exactly the sort of thing I’d hate, and would never do. Which, naturally, is why I found myself today bathing in the sunshine of her therapy chair, barefoot, vulnerable, trying not to overthink and 100% at the mercy of Niki McGlynn (The reflexologist…)

Sometimes you’ve just got to embrace the inner wolf and do the very thing you’re certain you won’t like – you know, just to check you’re right…

Spoiler: I was wrong.

This is Niki – but those are not my feet!

Timing is Everything

Now, the timing may have helped. Today was the day after the Weymouth Ironman 70.3, which is to say my body was in no mood for punishment.

I wasn’t after adventure today, I was after relaxation, and my feet, bless them, have carried me more than their fair share of miles what with the recent months training and gardening.

After a short questionnaire what followed at Nikis chill centre was thirty minutes (maybe longer—I drifted) of bliss.

The warm sunlight filtering through the window, the wind in the trees outside could be heard and a soundtrack of soft music kissed my ears – it was most chill, pleasant, relaxing definitely and not ticklish or embarrassing.

So the surprising realisation was that yes, you can in fact fall asleep while someone kneads your toes.

Science Says…

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Paul, that’s all very nice, but what’s the point?” Well, science has a word for this sort of thing: reflexology. While opinions vary, studies have suggested that massaging and stimulating points on the feet can help lower stress, improve circulation, and even reduce pain perception, apparently very good for ladies and balancing hormones and musculoskeletal problems… – anyway, it’s certainly relaxing.

I learnt it engages the parasympathetic nervous system—the bit of your body responsible for rest and recovery – Translation: it tells your brain to stop clenching its jaw and start unclenching its soul.

Add to that the simple fact that someone is looking after you for a change, and you’ve got yourself a therapy that’s as much about mind as body.

The Balm Factor

Oh, and did I mention Niki uses a super nice foot balm? I’m not normally one to get excited about lotions and potions, (this is a lie, E45 is my goto for everything, and every part of the body at least twice a day!) but this stuff deserves a medal. Cooling, soothing, and smelling better than anything my running shoes have ever encountered, it’s the unsung hero of the whole experience – I’ve no idea what it’s made of!

The Verdict

So here I am, publicly admitting I was wrong. A foot massage is not “the sort of thing I’d hate.” It was great. So great, in fact, that I’ve already booked more sessions, scheduled for after my Chester Marathon, Ultra and pre-Xmas XC.

Like a reward for myself, some forced abd pre-booked chill time and long overdue self-care.

I’ve decided recently to invest in myself a bit more, and this was a good idea.

If you’re tempted (and even if you’re not), I’d say give Niki a call.

Sometimes it’s the things we’re most certain we’ll dislike that turn out to be exactly what we need.

P.S. She’s super local in Barkham Finchampstead.

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