In this episode, Dr. Emily Splichal (check out our first podcast together here) and I discuss foot health, exploring techniques to relieve foot tension and improve circulation, including the use of percussive guns, vibration rollers, and Naboso's Neuro Ball. Additionally, you'll discover the connection between breath, toe flexion, and engaging the pelvic floor for enhanced stability and strength. Dr. Splichal also addresses bunions (and their reversibility through exercise and selecting proper footwear!), covers the effectiveness of toe spacers for foot health, reveals the link between walking speed and longevity, and much more! https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/barefoot-strong-unlock-the-secrets-to-movement-longevity/ https://bengreenfieldlife.com/naboso Dr. Emily Splichal, known as “The Movement Longevity Doc," is a functional podiatrist, a human movement specialist, and the founder of Naboso, a sensory-based product line designed to stimulate the nerves in the bottom of the feet to optimize foot awareness, foot strength, and foot recovery. She is also the author of the incredible book Barefoot Strong. https://www.dremilysplichal.com/ https://bengreenfieldlife.com/barefootstrong Functional and regenerative medicine and the role of anti-aging science, as it relates to movement longevity, are Dr. Splichal's passions. Currently enrolled in a Fellowship for Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), Dr. Splichal offers prolotherapy, stem cell therapy, whole body vibration, Class IV lasers, dry needling, acupuncture, and vitamin supplementation as an integral part of her treatment protocol. Originally trained as a surgeon through Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, New York, and Mt. Vernon Hospital in Mt. Vernon, New York, Dr. Splichal has a deep appreciation for the role of surgical intervention as it relates to orthopedic pathology and offers an unbiased second opinion on the appropriateness of surgical recommendations. So, whether you're looking to eliminate foot pain, walk with more confidence, or simply optimize your overall health and well-being, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips you won't want to miss. Let's dive in! What I Discuss with Dr. Emily Splichal The importance of big toe strength and mobility in foot health...02:18 What your foot strength is based on, plus the importance of toe flexor strength in balancing, pushing off, and athletic performance...03:26 The importance of active toe flexion for stability and function during walking and athletic activities...07:47 Exercises to help activate and strengthen the toe flexors, contributing significantly to foot strength...11:22 The intricate connection between the pelvic floor, diaphragm, and foot arches in maintaining posture and stability...14:38 Synchronization of the pelvic floor with the diaphragm during exhalation, and how this impacts overall stability and movement...17:19 Clarifying the differences between true bunions and hallux limitus and the impact of various types of footwear on foot stability and bunion development...20:42 How different types of footwear affect foot health and stability...25:31 Additional diagnostic techniques and methods used to assess foot health and bunions...30:48 The connection between walking speed, movement mechanics, and longevity and the importance of brisk walking for overall health...33:25 The Japanese three-by-three walking interval method and its benefits for cardiovascular health and mortality risk...36:26 The importance of single-leg and balance training, providing practical tips for incorporating these exercises into daily routines...39:22 The connection between walking faster and living longer...41:52 Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/dremily Additional Resources: Ben Greenfield Life Website: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/ Ben Greenfield Life Podcast: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/ Ben Greenfield Books: https://shopbengreenfieldlife.com/collections/books Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bengreenfieldfitness/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BGFitness X https://twitter.com/bengreenfield TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bengreenfield #BenGreenfield #FootPainRelief #FootHealth