Does anyone know if there is a symbolic meaning behind tight feet? Janu sirsasana C is quite difficult for me and I don’t know of any modifications for that pose. Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks
I’m sorry. We are not all Ashtanga practitioners and I believe your reference to “c” is from the primary series, no?
Is it relevant to your inquiry about “tight” feet (though I do not know what a tight foot is). Are you having flexion/extension issues in your ankle?
Is the fascia on the sole of your foot painful?
And why do you ask about “symbolic”?
The symbolism of feet is foundational in nature. It is connection with earth and the conduit from which we draw up earth enery into the legs, pelvis, heart center.
The representation is how we feel about our “standing” in the world.
A more anotomical answer would follow a more anatomical inquiry.
Hello,
In my experience, tight feet are unable to receive support from the earth. This tight holding blocks the feminine, magnetic, “earth” energy (which provides a sense of grounding) from flowing up and enlivening your legs and core. Your lower body is associated with the root chakra located at the base of your spine. Energy in this centre relates to physical survival and represents your connection with the earth and the magnetic essence.
A (physiotherapist) friend of mine wrote an article about the importance of building a strong and supple foundation in your lower body. In it she describes how to soften “hard” feet. Here’s the link.
Modification for Janu C (care of David Swenson): With grounding leg extended in front, “sit up straight and rotate the (bent knee) foot in a preparatory phase without placing it on the floor. If this is too extreme then repeat Janu Sirsasana A or B”. I have placed an image for you to look at here.
Hope this helps you get foot loose.
Sonja