It takes skill and experience to practise reflexology, the art of therapeutic
foot massage, says Barbara Hobbs in British patent application 2 323 464. She
hopes to patent a pair of socks printed with codes which tell novice
reflexologists where to press, and which areas to leave alone if, say, the
patient is pregnant. The socks are mapped with coloured islands, each
representing one of the 11 shiatsu points which practitioners say match 11 key
body areas. Novices simply put the socks on a patient, and press where indicated
to address specific ailments.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Why full-fledged quantum computers might always be five years away
Comment
Technology
Quantum computers are starting to become useful as scientific tools
News
Technology
OpenAI’s hacking agent went rogue. Should we be worried?
News
Technology
China is trying to regulate relationships with AI – can it work?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles