Kneaded Relief At The Dentist

First, there were personal stereos to distract from the unnerving grinding and throbbing vibrations of the drill. Then came VCRs with choose-your-own video options. After that: aromatherapy treatments and even manicures while your molars are ministered to.

So perhaps it's no surprise that the latest development in dental patient comfort is relaxing reflexology, foot-and-hand massages to take the edge off anxiety during root canals and other unpleasant procedures.

Two days a week, a reflexologist works on patients at the Manhattan dental practice of Dr. Marc Lowenberg. Michael Cameron also provides neck massages to patients while they wait for their appointments. Both are free perks at the practice (the cost of an exam and cleaning is $90) that claims a clientele of celebrities and prominent professionals, many of them reluctant to submit to treatment.

"Some patients are literally so phobic that they either won't come for treatment or can't possibly sit still during the examination," says Lowenberg, who operates the practice with his partner, Dr. Gregg Lituchy, at 230 Central Park South.

"We found a lot of our executives wanted to watch the Financial News Network and that was making them more stressed. So since we both are really into massage and reflexology as a way to beat stress in our own lives, we thought `Why not give it a try?' "

Beyond the anxiety-busting benefits, Cameron claims the process can provide emotional and spiritual healing for patients, the focus of his private practice when he's not at the dentists' office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"Emotions bury themselves in our muscles," says Cameron. "This not only relaxes a patient, but it also helps slowly heal emotional wounds that are inside."

The service has a particular perk for Cameron -- the opportunity to knead famous feet. Courteney Cox, for example.

"It was unbelievable. There I am working on her hands and feet and staring into her big, beautiful blue eyes," says Cameron. "It certainly was beyond a spiritual experience for me."