Perfectly Polished

Let's face it feet are pretty ugly, but winter is a great time to get them back into shape.  Sadly my days of wearing flip flops living in sunny SoCal are long gone and I have to trade them for socks, boots, rainboots, winterboots, etc on cold days in Washington, D.C.  If you are an athlete then you probably beat up your feet pretty badly between sock changes, calluses, and sweat. 

I see toes and hands all of the time as a yoga teacher and I'll tell you I really do not care if you are polished, chipped, or there is something lurking between the toes. I'm usually too busy assisting and adjusting to notice your latest manicure or pedicure; yet it's one of the first things people will tell me, "Oh please don't look at my feet I just haven't had time to get them done." Guess what? This only makes me look straight at your feet!!  Clients love to point out their flaws for some reason when really we weren't look there in the first place, so remember if you are on the yoga mat you are there for yoga and no one (other than YOU) really cares about your latest manicure or pedicure.

What I WILL SHARE today are tips for self-care for your nails using one of my favorite essential oils in the Premium Starter Kit ---- Melaleuca Alternifolia or commonly known as Tea Tree oil.

For those of us that come to our yoga mats often we are stuck looking at our feet in a forward fold or seated pose, so clearly it's on our mind along with one hundred other things, so what better time than winter to go back to natural to give your feet a break from polish? Winter is a great time to cover your toes and take time for self-care of your feet and hands.

Use Tea Tree oil to build nail health:

Remove Nail Polish- take away harmful toxins and the smell by doing it right before a bath or shower

Strengthen Nail Enamel - by applying to the cuticles

Heal Yellow and Dark Nails- do you constantly have nail polish on and then as soon as it's off notice that your nails linger with a yellow tint or dark spots? Give them a break and rebuild them over winter by using tea tree oil daily to help rebuild them for those summer months when you'll want to show them off.

Suffer from Toenail Fungus?- a study published in the journal Trop Med Int Health found that treating toenail fungus with 2% butenafine and 5% tea-tree oil in cream cured 80% of patients.

Athlete's Foot? - Applying oil mixed with a carrier oil like coconut can help aid in systems

If you do suffer from a severe medical ailment of the feet and nails, make sure you consult your Doctor before trying essential oils. These tips do not replace medical advice.

Essential oils can be used in many different ways. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) can also be used to help with ear infections, coughing, lice, ringworm and thrush. This oil is a part of the everyday oils found in the Premium Starter Kit. If you are interested in learning more or purchasing contact me at kat@321omfitness.com.

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