Reflexology Paths Dedicated in Marymoor Park, White Center

Jessie Israel, King County Parks

Boost your health—one bumpy step at a time—with a visit to cobblestone footpaths at King County’s Marymoor and White Center parks.

Last April, King County dedicated the first therapeutically designed public cobblestone walking paths in the nation at Marymoor Park and White Center Park.  

Reflexology is an ancient healing art based on the belief that reflex points exist in the feet, hands and ears which correspond to all parts of the body. Walking on specifically placed, uneven stones stimulates those acupressure points in the feet and can improve circulation, soothe the nervous system and reduce overall stress. Common in Asia, reflexology paths are often used daily by people who want to enhance their health and well-being.

A recently completed study by scientists at the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) confirmed that walking on a cobblestone mat surface resulted in significant reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in balance and physical performance among adults 60 and over.

"Health and wellness are vital to the residents of King County, and many are turning to complementary therapies, such as reflexology, as a way of maintaining health, in addition to traditional Western health practices," said County Executive Ron Sims.

Installing these professionally designed reflexology paths at Marymoor and White Center parks was possible due to a generous donation from ÁegisLiving and an in-kind contribution by Paths of Health, Inc. These paths further the County goal of finding new ways to increase healthy practices in our communities.

These reflexology paths are one of the latest public amenities that King County Parks is providing to parks users through a collaborative partnership with a private business. ÁegisLiving, a Redmond-based, nationally recognized leader in senior living, donated $10,000 to King County Parks to help develop the new reflexology paths.

For more information on King County’s reflexology paths and the ORI study, visit www.metrokc.gov/reflex.
 
Visit King County Parks reflexology paths at:

Marymoor Park
6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE
Redmond

White Center Park
1321 SW 102nd St
Seattle

Tips for Walking a Reflexology Path

1. Walk each section of the path at your own pace, following instructions and breathe slowly. Your feet may be tender at first, so start with just a few steps.
   
   
2. For the best acupressure effect, walk barefoot, in socks or soft-soled shoes.
   
   
3. Use the hand-railing for balance assistance and for rocking exercises to the arch of the foot. Rest on benches between walking sessions and massage areas of soreness on your feet.
   
   
4. After walking the reflexology path, drink water to help flush away toxins.

Click here to download a reflexology foot map!

Jessie Israel, Partnership & Enterprise Supervisor, King County Parks