Summary
Dr. Emily Splichal returns to discuss her journey from conventional surgical training to pioneering sensory-based functional podiatry, and to introduce her new book Sensory Sapiens. She presents a sensory-centric framework for movement that champions the foot and entire sensory system as the key to longevity, balance, and injury prevention.
The conversation covers how textured stimulation of the feet enhances balance and proprioception, how foot stimulation supports bone density and brain health by activating deeper tissues and circulation, and how "sensory stacking" - layering various sensory inputs into movement practices - can supercharge rehabilitation and performance. Splichal also discusses the concept of gravity as a "sensory hug" that grounds and recalibrates both body and nervous system. As founder of Naboso and creator of the Barefoot Training Specialist certification, she has educated over 25,000 professionals across 35 countries on barefoot science.
Key Points
- Textured foot stimulation enhances balance and proprioception
- Foot stimulation supports bone density and brain health through tissue activation and improved circulation
- "Sensory stacking" layers multiple sensory inputs to supercharge rehab and performance
- Gravity acts as a "sensory hug" that grounds and recalibrates body and nervous system
- Shift from conventional surgical podiatry to functional and regenerative approach
- Naboso sensory-technology products designed to awaken the nervous system via feet
- Barefoot science as a framework for aging well and moving better
Key Moments
Feet are a sensory gateway for balance and movement
Proprioception, visual input, and vestibular systems interact through the feet to create balanced movement in gravity.
"And then even how I talk about proprioception, which I mentioned in the book, is about our relationship to gravity. And I don't feel a lot of people speak about this. A lot of people speak about walking and contralateral patterns and kind of that is innate to your nervous system, which is true, right? Like rolling patterns, which I know you speak about or spoken about in the past, connect to ultimately the need of disassociation for ambulation and things like that."
Barefoot training boosts focus and productivity
Better sensory input from bare feet reduces brain energy spent on body awareness, freeing resources for executive function and focus.
"And if you can get some better sensory input in from your body, I think that takes the load off of the brain in many different ways. So now it's got some energy left over to send it to using the stuff in the front so you can think a little bit better. Yeah, 100%. Well, all of this stuff that we're talking about with the hand kit or your barefoot or you're taking off your shoes, all of that's actually happening in the background, right?"
