We stretch many parts of our body but often forget how our feet need to be worked and stretched as well. They support us daily taking many steps throughout the day, carrying us where we need to go. Women often wear heels that can do much damage and cause pain. Feet end up aching with little reprieve. You can always get a pedicure, but those can be costly and time-consuming. Yoga is a great way to help relieve those achy feet when you are too busy to make an appointment or can’t convince anyone to give you a foot massage. Several poses can help with this.

The downward facing dog is actually an excellent pose for stretching your feet. Start in Mountain Pose and move into the forward Fold. Step your feet back towards the back of your mat. Stretch your feet by pressing your heels towards the ground but still keep your hips pushed upwards.

1. Runners stretch is also a great stretch for your feet. To perform the pose:

• Move into a low lunge with your right foot forward. 
• Keep your back toes tucked under, drop your left knee to the mat, and shift the hips back towards the heel. 
• Keep your torso over your right leg and flex your right foot. 
• Repeat on the other side. 
• The back toes will get a good stretch, and the front foot will be flexed and stretched.

2. Give yourself a foot massage in Bound angle pose. To perform:

• Sit on your mat and bend your knees out to the side, pressing the soles of your feet together. 
• Your feet should be one to two feet in front of you. 
• Grab your ankles, inhale, and hinge your torso forward as far as is comfortable. 
• Drop your head and keep your shoulders relaxed. 
• Place your hands on your feet with your thumbs in the arches of your feet. 
• Exhale, rub your feet, and, continue to breathe deeply.

3. Reclined hero’s pose will give your feet a full stretch. 

• Start in a kneeling position. 
• Separate your feet so that your rear is between your heels. 
• Keep your knees close together but not touching. 
• Crawl your hands back until your forearms are on the ground. 
• Walk your elbows back until you are lying on the mat. 
• Keep your tail bone tucked and reach our arms over your head and grab your elbows. 
• Breathe deeply and hold for as long as comfortable.

Every part of our bodies needs work, even the more forgotten parts like our hands and feet. Doing the poses like these will take only a few minutes out of your day. If your feet are revitalized and adequately taken care of, your day will be much better. Yoga offers a variety of benefits, and there are plenty of resources out there to practice yoga in your own home. There are even videos specifically for your feet. Give these poses a try and see how they help relieve your tired and achy feet.