BUNIONS are not necessarily inherited, and general good health and diet can go a long way to keeping bones and skin healthy. There is much debate as to what causes a bunion to form with many people blaming it on wearing stiletto heels and pointy-toed shoes… can you guess to which celebrity the bunions in our picture belong to?

While killer heels affect posture by inhibiting the natural function of the feet – to keep us upright and mobile – men also suffer from this bunion deformity which can be painful and unsightly, so shoes can’t always be held to blame.

However, it’s worth being aware of the risks of forcing feet into an unnatural position where the big toe moves towards the other toes, causing the first joint to become enlarged in order to help balance the body, particularly when walking. This joint gets bulkier through build-up of calcification making it larger and turning the foot inwards. Award-winning Bowtech Ease an Ayurvedic aromatherapy oil, has been shown to ease pain and inflammation of troublesome bunions, with some of our clients describing it as a ‘magic potion’.

Used in combination with the use of mineral salts and crystals, together with regular Bowen therapy treatment, this natural oil can soften the area to prevent build-up of new bone. Going barefoot at home is a good tip to encourage natural gait and freedom of movement, while reflexology has also been shown to prevent the joint from becoming immobile.

The metaphysical reasons for bunions can also be revealing. This refers to an individual’s mental and emotional state said to create knock-on adverse effects in the body… a kind of ‘prompt’ for us to learn and change. It’s been said that people who have a bunion usually do more for others than themselves: the secret perhaps is to balance what you do for yourself equally with what you do for others.

Q Whose feet are they?

A The answer to our picture puzzle (above) is Amal Clooney.