Outdated beliefs that the tender "crunchies" or "crystals" in the feet were deposits of uric or lactic acids have been proven false through up to date research.  Dr. Manzanare, who has conducted 30 years of medical reflexology research, found through biopsies that the crunchies are actually a combination of nervous fibers, vascular elements, and connective tissue in the hypodermis. He also confirmed the direct involvement of the nervous system's connection through the biopsies, finding a composition difference in the deposits (crunchy spots) versus areas of non-deposits (normal areas). Non-deposit tissue contained 8% nervous fibers, 27% vascular elements, 65% connective tissue, and deposit tissue contained 42% nervous fibers, 28% vascular elements, 30% connective tissue. This is a significant difference when you think about those painful crunchies and how they connect to the corresponding areas. Working out the entangled nerve fibers through reflexology allows the nervous system to rebalance along with the organs, endocrines, and body parts.