Cradling the Heart poster

Cradling the Heart

Medical Massage for Diabetes Type 2

23 Minute Documentary | 2022

  • Meet Therapists With
  • Healing Hands
Therapeutic massage featured in Cradling the Heart

About the Film

Cradling the Heart — video poster

Watch the Film

Diabetes Type 2 is a very common chronic disease in Mexico, including the rural Municipality of Cabo Corrientes and in urban areas of Puerto Vallarta

Cradling the Heart is an inspiring documentary about Dr. Leslie Korn and her team bringing traditional massage and exercise to rural Indigenous communities experiencing high rates of diabetes type 2.

The film highlights the work of bringing a specialized form of medical massage and physical therapy for Type 2 Diabetes to rural communities in Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico, where the disease impacts two out of every three adults. Through a generous grant from the Massage Therapy Foundation, Dr. Korn has been able to train local therapists to offer this much-needed therapy to underserved populations.

The film explores the challenges these communities face and the tangible benefits the project provides, from pain relief to improved quality of life. It received Best Short Film at the 2025 Quetzalcoatl Indigenous International Film Festival.

  • Best Short Film, Quetzalcoatl Indigenous International Film Festival

Credits

  • Directed by Leslie E. Korn
  • Produced by Leslie E. Korn
  • Edited by Max Montalbán, Alma Méndez
  • Photography by Max Montalbán, Alma Méndez

Singing Burro Productions

Documentaries that nourish the heart. Ancient wisdom for the modern audience. Walking the path of social justice.