Read the headlines and you'll know that we're going through difficult and painful times. "Markets Crash". "Women Support Palin". "Madonna Tickets Sold Out". Help is at hand. Or, rather, at feet.

Where so-called professional used to read the lines of your hands, interpret your dreams, or subject you to hours of interrogation on a couch, perhaps prodding with the odd electric jolt to unveil your innermost problems and quirks, the latest rage is all about getting your feet examined. And the more bunions the better, apparently.

Front-runner of this trend is the Grinberg Method which, from a single session with your size 43s, can diagnose everything from what to do about a chronic pain, to the cause of your poor concentration, or the root of your romantic problems. The catch? Rather than just popping a pill or two, improvement might require some actual lifestyle changes.