Paul Thompson is a podiatrist, based out of Australia, with an alternative approach to treatment and foot health. Inspired by his own lifelong journey with foot issues, orthotics and pain, Paul’s perspective on what is possible and accessible in our bodies dramatically changed following the birth of his first child. This turning point led to a perpetual exploration of new ideas and information in what it means to move well; dismantling old paradigms and cultural patterns of movement and healing in our societies. In challenging conventions, Paul’s MO is to support people in living pain free, navigating the everyday with ease and aging with grace.
Kathryn and Paul chat everything feet and movement, including footwear, the barefoot movement, early childhood development, motor control, fascia, playful and natural movement patterns, and how our feet fundamentally connect to the rest of our bodies. Paul stresses the importance of breathing and breath work as it connects to our core and our nervous systems, and the prevalent correlation between foot issues and dysfunctional breathing patterns that he sees in practice. We learn how Paul’s own habits and patterns have evolved – what his practice looked like 4 years ago (with orthotics and pain) compared to now (without orthotics and pain) – and he shares some of his favorite and oft taught exercises, as well as providing suggestions for those looking to incorporate less structured footwear into their regime.
In this episode…
Paul Thompson \\ The Barefoot Podiatrist
Paul’s website is full of great information and some free downloadable resources. You can find his workshop and event schedule or connect with him for a consultation over Skype, if you don’t find yourself near Sydney, Australia!
See what Paul is up to on Instagram @thebarefootpodiatrist
Gil Hedley \\ Somanaut
Gil Hedley, PhD, is an educator and explorer of the human form and our “inner space.”
Check out this video of Gil’s that Paul shared recently, on his website.
DNS \\ Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization
Exercises and Techniques mentioned \\
Alternative Footwear Recommendations \\
- Vivo Barefoot
- Paper Krane (for kids!)
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For details on where and when Kathryn is teaching Worldwide in 2018, visit the Workshops page.
