When that happens -- and frequently even when it doesn't -- many people turn to alternative therapies. Some of these individuals swear by the restorative effects of the practice of reflexology.

Reflexology is the art of applying pressure to "reflex points" on the feet, hands, and outer ears to alleviate pain and other difficulties throughout the body. Call it touchy-feely alternative medicine.

Area practitioners claim reflexology treatments can produce an impressive array of beneficial effects.