From the book: Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage that uses finger pressure much like acupuncture to open the natural flow of energy through the body. The practitioner uses finger and palm pressure to stimulate the flow of this energy, called qi (pronounced “chee”). Scientists believe that shiatsu calms and overactive sympathetic nervous system to improve circulation, relieve stiff muscles, and alleviate stress.

I began the leg with a complex design that ultimately ends with many wrapped stitches. From this top, which can be folded over when worn, the body flows into a very simple stitch pattern that incorporates the pkok and appears to be a cable that has become untangled, like nerves that have relaxed during a shiatsu massage. The sock ends in a stirrup rather than a full foot so that it can be worn with sandals or easily layered with other footwear inside a boot.