The Reflexology Paths of Japan are unique among reflexology paths of the world. More information The paths commonly found throughout Asia consist of a sidewalk-like walking surface of embedded stone surface extending for the full length of the walk. More Information Elements from nature such as bark, logs, stones, moss, mud and more are found on the barfusspads (bare foot paths) of Germany. More Information Such paths target all reflex areas of the foot with occasional specific pressure applied to a reflex area as the foot meets a well placed object.
The Reflexology Paths of Japan are designed to work each and every specific reflex area of the foot with carefully designed and crafted walking surfaces. The paths are found all over‹in urban areas and park settings: city parks, nature parks, fitness facilities, natural hot springs businesses, business parks, even a car park garage and the roof of a sewerage treatment plant. In some instances the Paths are included in theme parks with hot springs and / or facilities for traditional bathing.
Another feature unique to many Japanese paths is the "stepping in place" feature. Here the path walker pauses and steps in place on an embedded rock designed to work a specific, hard-to-reach reflex area. Typically, the base of the toes‹the eye / ear reflex area or the arch ‹ are targeted.
Most of Reflexology Paths of Japan are variations on the country's first reflexology path at a Shiseido cosmetics factory designed by and built under the direction of Mr. Abe Shunichi around 1990. Mr. Shunichi was given the task of helping his company's health by considering construction of a health facility. ("Our factory manager's policy is that 'good products cannot be produced by staff with health problems.'") A walking path and gym with equipment were both considered but then Mr. Shunichi drew on his personal experience with reflexology and decided to build a path to walk on and receive the benefits of reflexology.
The true genius of Mr. Shunicihi's work was to design individual segments in the sidewalk-like structure. Each individual segment would include rocks specific to working each of reflexology's reflex areas. Various materials were tested and a decision resulted that nine patterns "suitably press the Rwo-Shr points." The original Shiseido reflexology path is a seventy-five meter walk around an irregular rectangle, surrounded by green grass, trees and a picnic table. The walking time is 15 minutes. And, yes, research at Shiseido showed his efforts accomplished an improved productivity and a gradual decrease in health care costs. Mr. Shunichi was inspired by the work of Father Josef Eugster of Taiwan whose reflexology work has inspired use of the reflexology idea throughout Asia.
The Reflexology Paths of Japan are funded both by business and government. Such efforts draw on a rich history of reflexology, expectations for health improvement with its use, and a tradition of self reliance in working toward health oneself or within the family. Such a part of life are the paths that Web sites include maps with locations and tourism Web sites list opinions on the various reflexology paths. Also judged are the foot baths or hot springs frequently located with paths. Pretty scenery is appreciated as noted by one reflexology path walker who enjoyed: the "sound of the waves and smell of pineŠAnd better blood flow in the legs as pleasantly, to promenade along the shoreline intact. Comforted by just looking out in the sea breeze while the ocean. Unfortunately in today's overcast, but could not see, who want to horizon, blue sky and waves are received in return, always majestic Fuji can be seen from here." Of another path it is noted: "Layout is monotonous, gentle stimulation. The sense of satisfaction is not enough."
In the classic Shiseido design (see below), nine segments of underfoot materials targeting specific parts of the foot and associated with specific reflex areas are placed in side-walk like sections, some of which are repeated over the course of the path. The path begins with three types of gravel embedded in mortar each in a separate segment. This section is designed to work all reflex areas except those in the arch. In another segment, rounded log halves apply pressure to the reflex areas of the arch, echoing the Japanese tradition of takefumi, stepping on halved bamboo. A bridge is included both for beauty and echoing the bridges placed in the traditional Japanese garden to provide stimulation to reflex areas of the toes when walking up and to reflex areas of the arch. Further segments include small gravel, large flat stones with sharp edges.
As you embark on your virtual tour of the reflexology paths of Japan, notice common elements:
A design plan very similar to the original reflexology path at Shiseido is pictured here. A construction company was also launched to build reflexology paths. Pictured is an indoor reflexology path suitable for a small room in the house and priced at 4,000,000 Yen including installation.
Pictured here are other Shiseido reflexology path products for sale including an larger indoor path (250,000 Yen) and a cobblestone mat (2,500 Yen).
It doesn't get better than this urban reflexology path in the shadow of the Hatagaya Building in the Shibuya-ku section of Tokyo. The path is integrated into a beautifully landscaped setting with all the underfoot elements that make a total Japanese reflexology path experience: various rock surfaces, a bridge feature, stand-in-place stepping elements, and‹to cap it all off‹a water walkway for children resembling a gently flowing, rock carpeted mountain stream (although as an adult I'd certainly want to try it.).
This link will get you to an interesting parking garage feature. Take a look then scroll to the bottom of the page and press the "Following "Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku"" button for the Hatagaya Building Path.
A lovely natural setting makes for an outstanding reflexology path located in a pine forest on the coast. This path was the most frequently mentioned and pictured during an Internet survey. One individual notes the smell of the pine forest and (being) "Comforted by just looking out in the sea breeze while the ocean." In addition, "always majestic (Mount) Fuji can be seen from here." Detailed photos are posted. A famous planetarium and heated pool are also located at the Discovery Park.
"Footbath gardens" are a part of a historically themed hot springs. "At the Oedo Onsen Monogatari near Tokyo, the Edo Period is recreated." Visitors don "yukata (casual cotton kimono-in different colours, different designs and in different sizes) & matching sash." The visitor can "walk on the foot reflexology path or bath your feet while seated around a square footbath. "Cost: "2,827 Yen for Adults, 1,575 Yen for Children. Extra for massage, foot reflexology, sand sauna." Here is an enjoyable accounting of a visit to the hot springs theme park complete with photos.
A city sports facility includes baseball field, tennis courts, a gymnasium and reflexology path. The surroundings for a walk on the path are pretty spartan. Close-up photos of individual segments of the reflexology path help envision the Japanese design. (These segments look the same as those pictured at the Discovery Park at Yaidu making one wonder it there is a manufacturer for these segments or at least a blueprint.). Included are single stones embedded in foot outlines to work very specific parts of the foot. Note also the use of the word "fingers" intended to mean "toes" on a segment of the path consisting of straight lines of stones where one is meant to stand and step in place, exerting pressure at the base of the toes.
A YouTube video of a child walking on a reflexology path shows both segments of a path and a child's reaction. (It is fortunate that a hand rail is conveniently located to help the child lessen the impact of some the challenge of underfoot stones.)
Reflexology Path between school buildings shows close-up photos of path segments paired with diagram of showing placement of the particular segment.
A spa hotel in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture offers a two-floor bathing / health experience. On one floor one receives admission to: a medicated bath (with bath of the week), cypress bath, outdoor bath, large tub with jacuzzi (price: 600 yen for adults / 300 yen for children). The second floor includes: reflexology (health) promenade, eight different jacuzzis, hot bed, sauna, mist sauna, infrared warming rooms, bath walking (price: 700 yen for adults / 400 yen for children). Admission to both floors is 1,200 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.
Visitors can walk the reflexology path ("Boardwalk pressing points in the soles of the feet"), drink water from the hot spring ("Hot springs or spring water drinking can have health benefits") or sit and soak feet in a footbath.
Multiple paths are listed at this web site. Click here
Reflexology path pictured at a park in the country. See above
Includes a critique of this city park feature‹"Layout is monotonous, gentle stimulation. The sense of satisfaction is not enough." See above.
Situated in the corner of a park is a water treatment plant in Shizuoka City with a roof top lawn, flower garden and reflexology path.
A park across from the hospital includes a unique reflexology path: "gentle touch foot walkway" with elements made of wood. Designed after three years of input from hospital workers and locals. (GeoCities origin).
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