Shiatsu Foot Massager: How It Works?

February 7, 2023 Written by:Joel Gottehrer

Almost every aspect of our physical function relies on the foundation or “footing” of our whole body… our feet. An intricate mechanical structure comprised of 33 joints, 26 bones, and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments working collectively as we perform our daily tasks.

Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot are among the top causes for foot pain. Conditions like plantar fasciitis arthritis and neuropathy are becoming increasingly common.

There is a much higher concentration of sensory nerve endings in the soles of your feet per square centimeter than anywhere else in the body. Each foot has a quarter of a million sweat glands which aids in detoxification and temperature regulation.

Our feet and legs may even reveal emotions according to a 2018 Psychology Today Article:

"Nervousness, stress, fear, anxiety, caution, boredom, restlessness, happiness, joy, hurt, shyness, coyness, humility, awkwardness, confidence, subservience, depression, lethargy, playfulness, sensuality, and anger can all manifest through the feet and legs.”

These are just some of the things a foot massager can do. Find out what is a shiatsu foot massager and how it works.

What Is a Shiatsu Foot Massager?

Massagers in general can help improve blood circulation, increases lymphatic flow and generally offers a sense of relaxation. Many regular massage goers swear by it experiencing decreased leg and back pain, a reduction in both mental and physical stress, tension, and muscle soreness, its even been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure.

The concept or technique of shiatsu massage can be done through clothing or on bare skin. In Japanese, the term Shiatsu, means "finger pressure" and it combines elements of our western chiropractic techniques with the Chinese concept of chi, energy and how it flows through the pathways in our body. By applying various degrees of pressure along these pathways, called meridians, shiatsu bodywork aims to restore balance in the body’s energy, alleviate pain, aid in healing and recovery or improve ill health.

The term shiatsu is also used to describe the action created by many mechanical massage therapy devices. Relief from chronic issues can often be better managed with more frequent massage sessions. Do it yourself home therapies have the potential to offer a more consistent and more affordable way to alleviate symptoms whenever you need.

Shiatsu massage chairs, back and neck thumpers, and foot massagers are common examples. Devices for the feet that target the many ultra sensitive pressure points in the feet can help offer total body effects through the pathways/meridians they interact with.

Lifepro’s Acucare Pro heating foot massager is a perfect example of the shiatsu massage technique being combined with modern technology for relief anytime you need at home, at work or wherever you day takes you.

Our best Shiatsu foot massagers work by working the pressure points along your feet, ideally cover the soles, tops and sides of your feet. The pulsing massage acts similar to the fingers or hands applying pressure to these areas but offer you the control over intensity, temperature etc.

How Does a Shiatsu Foot Massager Work?

The concept of Reflexology also applies pressure to areas of the foot and are believed to correspond with the organs and systems within our body. Shiatsu foot massagers target the pressure or reflex points in our feet to bring relaxation similarly to how a reflexologist or shiatsu massage practitioner would work with their fingers or hands.

Shiatsu Foot Massagers can easily target those sensitive pressure points in the feet and ankles to boost blood and lymphatic flow, ease stiffness, reduce swelling and pain while helping manage a wide range of other symptoms.

Many of Lifepro’s members end their day by getting off their feet and into one of our many foot and leg massagers. You can take advantage of other features like shiatsu heat massage, different intensity settings, air compression and more making them customizable for your changing needs.

If you are dealing with a chronic concern, having a home device for your own self care is not only convenient but often makes treatments more consistent and cost effective long term

Health Benefits of a Shiatsu Foot Massager

There are a number of reasons people enjoy massaging their feet but for many it is a necessary part of having a quality life. The benefits are many and likely just as many different techniques and theories behind many of the foot massager available for sale.

Alleviating pain and swelling, boost circulation and lymphatic flow, improve sensation and restore nerve function for conditions like neuropathy, not to mention the relaxation and other feel good effects. Foot massagers recovery capability can aid in regaining strength and flexibility to your feet.

According to the Harvard Medical School, foot massage “stimulates your muscles, improves circulation, lessens stiffness and tension, and can eliminate pain. It also gives you a chance to properly check out your feet so you can get a head start on treating blisters, bunions, corns and toenail problems.” This is solid advice as many of us neglect our feet until they present a problem and left untreated can lead much more serious conditions.

If by using our foot massagers, we can reduce our stress, anxiety, even depression our cortisol levels decline and our serotonin increases. This has a number of restorative effects and even helps insomnia; more restful sleep has a tremendous impact on our healing and recovery.

Final Thought

We live in times of increased demand on our mental and physical well being. Environment, nutrition, anxiety and poor rest weigh down on us and we often leave little time for our own self care.

In the thousands of steps you take each day, take a few steps forward in your overall health and step into a foot massager of your own. Its important to set aside time for you and simply getting off your feet enhanced with a foot massage by someone you love, a practitioner or your own massage can go a long way in easing away the stresses of your day.

Author

Joel Gottehrer

Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.

They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.

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