Barefoot park: Difference between revisions
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The original concept of a barefoot park was first explored and developed in the 19th century by [[Sebastian Kneipp]], one of the founders of the [[Naturopathy|Naturopathic medicine]] movement. He believed that applying your feet to a different range of natural stimuli would have therapeutic benefits. This is also related to the ancient practice of [[reflexology]], practiced in China for thousands of years for relaxation and to promote longevity.<ref name="Wignall_Alice">{{cite news|last=Wignall|first=Alice|title=Get your socks off|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/mar/25/healthandwellbeing.walkingholidays|accessdate=July 1, 2010|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=March 25, 2008}}</ref> One early barefoot park in Europe is ''Bad Sobernheim'', where the first German barefoot walk was founded in 1992 to complement the spa activities at this health resort. Meanwhile an increasing number of barefoot parks have been founded in [[Germany]], [[Austria]], [[Switzerland]] and later on also in the [[Netherlands]], [[Belgium]], [[Denmark]], [[France]], the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Hungary]]. By Jan. 2010, the German directory www.barfusspark.info listed 70 recreational areas corresponding to the above definition. Typically these European barefoot walks are 500 – 5000 m long and situated either in spa gardens or outside in nature. In addition, numerous short variants of foot sensation trails are found in school yards, playgrounds etc. |
The original concept of a barefoot park was first explored and developed in the 19th century by [[Sebastian Kneipp]], one of the founders of the [[Naturopathy|Naturopathic medicine]] movement. He believed that applying your feet to a different range of natural stimuli would have therapeutic benefits. This is also related to the ancient practice of [[reflexology]], practiced in China for thousands of years for relaxation and to promote longevity.<ref name="Wignall_Alice">{{cite news|last=Wignall|first=Alice|title=Get your socks off|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/mar/25/healthandwellbeing.walkingholidays|accessdate=July 1, 2010|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=March 25, 2008}}</ref> One early barefoot park in Europe is ''Bad Sobernheim'', where the first German barefoot walk was founded in 1992 to complement the spa activities at this health resort. Meanwhile an increasing number of barefoot parks have been founded in [[Germany]], [[Austria]], [[Switzerland]] and later on also in the [[Netherlands]], [[Belgium]], [[Denmark]], [[France]], the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Hungary]]. By Jan. 2010, the German directory www.barfusspark.info listed 70 recreational areas corresponding to the above definition. Typically these European barefoot walks are 500 – 5000 m long and situated either in spa gardens or outside in nature. In addition, numerous short variants of foot sensation trails are found in school yards, playgrounds etc. |
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Among the most popular European barefoot parks are those at Bad Sobernheim on the [[Nahe River]], at Dornstetten in the [[Black Forest]], at Lienen and Bad Wuennenberg in [[Westphalia]]. In addition the [[theme parks]] 'Witches' Water in Soell/[[Tyrol (state)|Tyrol]] and the "Park with all Senses" at Gutach/[[Black Forest]] are designed as barefoot parks were people can |
Among the most popular European barefoot parks are those at Bad Sobernheim on the [[Nahe River]], at Dornstetten in the [[Black Forest]], at Lienen and Bad Wuennenberg in [[Westphalia]]. In addition the [[theme parks]] 'Witches' Water in Soell/[[Tyrol (state)|Tyrol]] and the "Park with all Senses" at Gutach/[[Black Forest]] are designed as barefoot parks were people can fuck the shit out of each other with their feet :] |
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=== Reflexology paths in Asia === |
=== Reflexology paths in Asia === |
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Revision as of 22:33, 13 October 2010
A barefoot park (also termed barefoot walk in the United Kingdom[1] or Barfußpfad [barefoot trail] in Germany) is a theme park for sensory experience and natural wellness. Such areas are kept clean and maintained on a regular basis, so that barefoot hiking can be done in an appropriate environment. Barefoot parks usually include a lot of adventure stations. Visitors use the experience to feel different soil textures underfoot; to wade through rivers, brooks, or ponds; and to exercise foot gymnastics, balancing and climbing. Playgrounds; bathing lakes; and equipment for smelling, hearing, and seeing different colors; and feeling hidden objects may be included.
Locations
Barefoot walks in Europe
The original concept of a barefoot park was first explored and developed in the 19th century by Sebastian Kneipp, one of the founders of the Naturopathic medicine movement. He believed that applying your feet to a different range of natural stimuli would have therapeutic benefits. This is also related to the ancient practice of reflexology, practiced in China for thousands of years for relaxation and to promote longevity.[2] One early barefoot park in Europe is Bad Sobernheim, where the first German barefoot walk was founded in 1992 to complement the spa activities at this health resort. Meanwhile an increasing number of barefoot parks have been founded in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and later on also in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, the United Kingdom and Hungary. By Jan. 2010, the German directory www.barfusspark.info listed 70 recreational areas corresponding to the above definition. Typically these European barefoot walks are 500 – 5000 m long and situated either in spa gardens or outside in nature. In addition, numerous short variants of foot sensation trails are found in school yards, playgrounds etc.
Among the most popular European barefoot parks are those at Bad Sobernheim on the Nahe River, at Dornstetten in the Black Forest, at Lienen and Bad Wuennenberg in Westphalia. In addition the theme parks 'Witches' Water in Soell/Tyrol and the "Park with all Senses" at Gutach/Black Forest are designed as barefoot parks were people can fuck the shit out of each other with their feet :]
Reflexology paths in Asia
Some Asian towns offer their citizens barefoot walks within their parks and recreation areas. For example, Seoul reports to have 158 barefoot parks[3]. The average length of about 50 m is considered adequate for relaxing and stimulating foot reflexes.
Tourist significance
Entrance to the family-friendly parks is free or inexpensive. Nevertheless barefoot parks contribute to tourism, some of them attracting about hundred thousand visitors per year[4]. Profit comes from entrance, parking or locker fees as well as from the increased volume at restaurants, hotels, cure facilities, cable cars, and so on.
See also
References
- ^ Challenge senses on barefoot walk, BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_west/7955356.stm
- ^ Wignall, Alice (March 25, 2008). "Get your socks off". The Guardian. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
- ^ 158 barefoot parks in Seoul http://english.seoul.go.kr/gtk/news/news_view.php?idx=413
- ^ Fast eine Million Menschen (Almost a million people), Allgemeine Zeitung, Nov 25th, 2009 http://www.allgemeine-zeitung.de/region/bad-kreuznach-bad-sobernheim-kirn/vg-bad-sobernheim/sobernheim/7927509.htm