Shiatsu is a massage technique from Japan which helps to balance energy within the body. Typically the energy work begins at the hands, but shiatsu techniques can also be performed on any other major body part.
The feet, specifically, are popular points of interest for shiatsu massage nowadays. Why is that the case?
When performed correctly, shiatsu massages can help relieve muscle aches, aid in relaxation, and even eliminate constipation.
All that from pressing a few specific pressure points? Absolutely.
However, you have to know what you’re doing. Shiatsu foot massagers are specially developed to focus on the required points of interest for deep healing. But you need the right one. The following are among the best options as of today.
Homedics FMS – 270H Massager
Foot pain is an extremely common ailment today. Standing jobs and poorly chosen footwear can lead to countless problems including corns, bunions, blisters, strains and sprains, and plantar fasciitis.
Often these issues occur quickly and without much of notice. But any type of foot pain is a definite warning that must be headed to avoid potential disaster. A simple but effective shiatsu massager can be used daily to offset issues and return the proper circulation and energy to the feet.
And this Homedics massager is a great contender.
Simply turn on the device, place feet on the foot tracks and let the machine work. 6 rotating heads knead the feet to provide a deep massage. It can give the sensation of tickling at first. But once you’ve sat still and let it do its job for ten minutes, you’ll be used to it and notice a huge difference. Serious pain such as that associated with PF is relieved within a massage session.
Pain relief and circulation promotes healing. But this isn’t just good for minor shoe-related pain. It’s perfect for those with edema, diabetes, or even cancer.
Circulation is absolutely essential to proper health. But certain diseases or chronic conditions keep the blood and oxygen from properly cycling through your system.
Shiatsu massage can help to correct that. Diabetic foot care is especially important as the lack of circulation can lead to foot rot and amputation.
Poor circulation also causes extreme temperature fluxuations in the hands and feet. The Homedics massager has a heating option and 18 strong and powerful massage modes that are easily activated with your toe.
The only problem with this model is it’s not always easy to keep feet in their proper placement, especially when your drifting off from the deep massage. But customers generally agree the end result is worth the effort.
Shiatsu Kneading and Rolling Foot Massager Personal Health Studio
If you’re confused on which model may be the very best reasonably priced foot massager on the market, this may just be it. Just to be clear, a good foot massager doesn’t need to be able to clean the house.
It would be nice, but it’s not necessary. Bells and whistles are extra bonuses, but the truth is, extras do little for your actual focused health needs, which in this case is to relieve foot pain and improve overall bodily health.
The Shiatsu Kneading and Rolling Foot Massager Personal Health Studio turns the power up a notch and knocks the healing out of the ballpark. The 10 pound machine is attractive and seems simple enough.
You just put your feet inside, turn it on, and…whoa! What power! The ergonomic design focuses on addressing the nerves of the feet as well as hitting the pressure points that soothe and heal every part of the body.
4 automatic modes include rolling, massaging, kneading and combinations for improved organ health. 3 custom modes work on your toes, arch or heel and offer speed and strength adjustment options.
And pressure nodes under the foot pads aid in reflexology and pressure point therapy. If that’s not enough, this machine also allows you to slide your calves into the slots to receive a full massage on them as well. It’s an excellent bonus for anyone with lymphedema or other circulatory concerns.
The microsuede foot lining is soft and comfy, as well as completely removable and machine washable. The machine comes with pressure point printouts for easy manual problem targeting purposes.
Some of the printouts even include reflexology information to allow you to focus on 15 common diseases and conditions including headache, stomachache, sore muscles throughout the body, high blood pressure, fatique, insomnia, and weight loss needs.
A handheld remote lets you adjust your massage to your personal needs of the moment. This goes far beyond being a simple foot massager. However, note that it is a very strong massage system. It doesn’t provide a gentle massage at all. This is specifically meant to heal. If that’s something you need, you really can’t go wrong with this machine.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to offer a heating option. But if your circulation improves, you may not miss it. Also, some of the instructions are solely in Chinese. So if that’s not your native language, you’ll need to experiment on your own. But you’ll have fun along the way.
3Q Shiatsu with Heat and Air Pressure Massage
This massager is a bit different than the others.
It’s a multifunction massage machine that incorporates kneading, shiatsu, and air pressure massages along with heat. All accupressure points are covered with kneading and shiatsu massage options – from toes to heels.
Three levels of air pressure modes, from weak to strong, focus on relaxing the feet as opposed to deep healing needs.
The user has the option of choosing the manual mode or two auto mode options. If the auto mode is chosen, the device automatically shuts off after 15 minutes.
This is basically the equivalent of a high end massage chair for your feet, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s important to note that this is a very strong massage system and it can lead to discomfort and even bruising if used incorrectly.
But there is no way untrained human hands can give you this type of deep healing massage. Some feet types, such as high arched or extremely thick feet, may have difficulties with this device. It generally accepts up to an average size 12 man’s foot easily.
The bottom massage is extremely powerful, but the sides of the feet only receive a gentle massage. Air pressure addresses the tops, but some customers insist they feel nothing on the tops of their feet.
Still, most customers agree that for the price, this is an excellent healing shiatsu foot massager.
Mike Nikko is a blogger with over 15 years of experience. I will bring you the best product reviews and other useful life experiences, tips to increase height, tips to improve health… If you have any questions, feel free to ask Mike Nikko!