When your body is not at ease it is diseased. Here are tips to help live your life footloose and fancy free.

Simple indulgences like a regular pedicure and manicure can be therapeutic not only to your body but also to your mind and spirit. The use of the word cure in the words themselves indicates a "restoration of health."

THE PROBLEM:

Many women judge themselves as having ugly feet. The solution can be as simple as learning to love your feet -- after all they are the only pair you have so you may as well take care of them. This perception of having ugly feet might simply be a matter of taking them for granted and as a result, neglecting them. Feet have millions of nerves and hundreds of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles compacted into a single area. They are strong enough to support the entire weight of a body whether it is 100 pounds or 300 pounds. Unfortunately feet are the most abused and neglected parts of the body. They are squeezed mercilessly into tight fitting shoes, stubbed and even allowed to get infected with fungus and ingrown toenails. Not a pretty picture is it? As a matter of fact it is downright funky!

THE SOLUTION:

A basic pedicure costs as little at $12 in most major cities and the results will last from 2 to 3 weeks. You have the option of trusting the shop with sterilization of their tools or you can invest in your own set and bring it with you each time you visit or keep it in a personal drawer at the nail shop. If you are proficient enough and you really can't afford to invest $24 a month on a professional pedicure you can set aside time at least once a month for an at home spa treatment. You will need to purchase the following supplies: *Large toe nail clippers *Fresh Emery Boards to file your nails *Clean Orange Sticks to push back your cuticles *Cotton balls *Your favorite polish (you should apply a couple of coats of clear to protect your nails) *Nail polish remover *Sea salts *A tub of hot water *Loofah or rough scrubber *Relaxing music *Cuticle remover or cuticle oil *Tea tree oil (optional) *Your favorite lotion or essential oil (peppermint is lovely)

THE TREATMENT:

1. Turn on your music and run your hot water with salts and tea tree oil.

2. Before putting your feet into the water remove any old toe nail polish and clip your toe nails without getting too close to the cuticle to prevent ingrown nails. File any rough edges squarely.

3. Soak your feet in comfortably hot water for at least 10 minutes or until they feel relaxed.

4. Apply the cuticle solution around each toe and let it set for a few minutes before carefully pushing back your cuticles. They should be soft and pliable.

5. If you have rough heels or dead skin on your feet scrub until they feel smooth.

6. Apply lotion or oil and gently massage your feet for at least 10 minutes or until they feel completely relaxed and refreshed.

7. Remove any excess lotion or oil with a cotton ball soaked in remover or alcohol.

8. Polish your nails. Be sure to apply at least two coats for lasting coverage.

Next Issue: "Lessons from the Ancients: The art of high touch."