June 18, 2006
by Marilyn Freedman
recently bought a pair of Nike “Free” athletic shoes for cross-training for both my son and myself.
The premise behind the shoe is simple: it is designed to mimic going barefoot. Rather than supporting every movement of the foot, the shoe allows the foot to move more naturally, encouraging the muscles to work, adapt, and become stronger.
When my son tried them on, he said, “These shoes are like wearing homeopathy on your feet!”
I laughed, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized he had a point.
Letting the Body Do the Work
One of the things that attracted me to homeopathy many years ago was the idea that healing comes from within. A homeopathic remedy does not do the healing for you. Instead, it stimulates the body’s own healing response.
In many ways, these shoes are based on a similar philosophy.
Rather than correcting every weakness, supporting every movement, or compensating for every imbalance, they encourage the body to become stronger by doing more of the work itself.
When I first put them on, they felt strange. Muscles that had been sleeping suddenly woke up. My feet, ankles, calves, and even my legs were constantly making tiny adjustments. The shoes challenged my body to adapt.
That is often how positive change begins—not by forcing the body, but by giving it just enough stimulation to encourage a healthier response.
The Principle of Minimum Dose
Another homeopathic principle is that of the minimum dose.
Homeopathic remedies work best when the stimulus is gentle and appropriate. Too much can overwhelm the system; too little may not have an effect.
The same idea applies here. These shoes are not meant to be worn all day on day one. The recommendation is to wear them for short periods and gradually increase the time as your muscles become stronger.
Small stimulus. Big response.
That sounds very familiar to a homeopath.
My Own Foot Journey
About fourteen years ago, I narrowly escaped foot surgery because of crippling pain that was not being relieved by the expensive custom orthotics I was wearing.
Every few months, the podiatrist would adjust them or make a new pair. They would help for a while, but eventually the pain always returned.
Then I discovered Birkenstocks.
I slipped on a pair one summer and practically lived in them. Within a week, I was pain-free.
Since then, I have worn Birkenstock sandals, shoes, and orthotics and have recommended them to many people struggling with foot pain. They were exactly what my feet needed at that point in my life.
Years later, I find myself wearing orthopedic shoes and shoes with memory foam. As we age, our needs change, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
I have also noticed that more and more of the surfaces we stand and walk on every day are hard—concrete floors in shopping centres, retail stores, office buildings, and commercial spaces. Concrete is not forgiving. Hour after hour, year after year, it takes a toll on the body. The impact is not limited to the feet. It travels through the ankles, knees, hips, and spine, affecting the entire skeletal system.
There is a saying, “the hip bone is connected to the thigh bone,” and while it may come from a childhood song, there is a lot of truth in it. Everything in the body is connected. When the feet are out of balance, the effects can be felt throughout the body.
Listening to What Your Body Is Telling You
One of the lessons I have learned through both homeopathy and life is that the body is always communicating with us.
Pain, discomfort, stiffness, and fatigue are often signals that something needs our attention.
If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, take the time to investigate what your body is trying to tell you. Make adjustments when necessary. Whether that means different shoes, orthotics, exercises, homeopathic treatment, or simply becoming more aware of how you move through the world, do what you need to do to support your health.
After all, your feet carry you through life. They deserve a little care and attention.
Finding the Right Balance
Natural health is not about rejecting support when it is needed. Sometimes we need support. Sometimes we need rest. Sometimes we need intervention.
But whenever possible, the goal should be to help the body regain its own strength and resilience.
That is one of the reasons I love homeopathy. It respects the body’s innate ability to heal.
As for the Nike Free shoes, now that my feet are healthy and pain-free, I think I can tolerate a little exercise torture in the name of building stronger feet.
Ask me again in a few weeks if I still feel that way.