Everything you need to know about massage slippers
Massage slippers are one of the simplest and most affordable tools for relieving leg fatigue. Reflex models with stones and spikes, relaxation-shiatsu, Gess ufoot and other options for products available for purchase are quite diverse in their appearance, but they have one purpose.
A review of slippers with a massage effect will help you choose suitable solutions for home use, and will appreciate all their features, advantages and disadvantages.
What it is?
The benefits of acupuncture have been known since ancient times. Wooden clogs with a relief surface were used several millennia ago in China. Modern massage slippers for feet, of course, differ from their prototypes by a higher level of comfort, thoughtful design, but they have the same purpose. Special footwear relieves stress from feet and legs, promotes relaxation, and normalizes blood circulation. The acupuncture point effect additionally has a beneficial effect on the functioning of all body systems.
The main feature of massage slippers is a special type of insole. It has an embossed surface, with a precisely calculated arrangement of protrusions and depressions. This allows you to exert a local effect on the area of the feet, to vary its intensity. Depending on the size of the massage elements, the insole can simulate the effect of walking on coarse sand, pebble beach.
The main point in wearing massage slippers is to activate specific points located on the feet. The procedure is similar to acupuncture, but has a more gentle effect.Slippers are worn to prevent varicose veins, used to reduce fatigue after a long day. Reflexologists also note that this effect helps to achieve psychological relief.
Indications and contraindications
Since slippers with a massage effect can be attributed to specialized orthopedic products, the attitude of doctors towards them is also ambiguous. Recognizing the undoubted presence of a beneficial effect, experts remind of the possible presence of health restrictions for their use. There are a number of indications for the use of massage slippers.
- Prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Slippers prevent salt deposits and heel spurs. Helps reduce the risks of developing flat feet, varicose veins. This is a good preventive measure for people with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Having orthopedic problems. Shoes with a massage effect give the same result as a contact effect on the foot in children during their formation. For adolescents and adults, the effect is expressed in reducing fatigue when walking, reducing pain, correcting orthopedic problems when they are insignificant.
- The presence of edema. Regularly swollen legs are a sign of impaired blood flow in this area. The massage effect helps to cope with the problem, reduces congestion.
- Sleep problems. With regular use of massage slippers before bed, you can improve the effectiveness of the fight against insomnia.
- High stress levels. The deep relaxing effect of the acupressure helps to reduce anxiety and improve the general condition of the body.
The list of contraindications is also quite extensive. Such shoes should be discarded during the period of acute respiratory diseases and when the temperature rises. It is categorically impossible to use slippers for people diagnosed with thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, other diseases of the veins, the cardiovascular system.
In case of inflammation of the ligaments and joints, it is also better to put special massage shoes aside.
Description of species
Modern massagers in the form of slippers are presented in both the female and male versions. Models with the effect of shiatsu and orthopedic, with additional healing properties, electric heated and classic acupuncture models can now be freely found on sale in different price categories. Such shoes can be made of rubber and cork, other natural materials that are good for health and do not cause allergies. All options deserve more detailed consideration. Moreover, the discussion of the benefits and harms of them continues to generate a warm response from buyers.
The basis of the range of massage slippers is made up of several popular options.
- With spikes. Classic models in rubber or EVA with embossed sole. Rubber spikes gently massage the surface of the foot, help fight flat feet and other orthopedic problems.
- With rocks. In such products, the surface of the insole is supplemented with natural minerals. Among natural stones, jasper and jade are more often chosen, which lend themselves well to grinding and polishing. A carefully thought-out layout of such protuberances helps to make the acupuncture effect pronounced.
- Magnetic rubber. Slippers with a combined effect. In addition to the embossed surface, they also use ferrous alloy magnet inserts. It is a real reflexology machine that helps to cope with swelling and tired legs.
- Wooden. Traditional clogs with a minimalist design are complemented by a glued-in contact pad made of matting or knitted fabric, braids, with inserts of natural stones. These massage slippers weigh quite a lot, you will have to get used to wearing them.
- Spa. These models are aimed at directly affecting the skin of the feet.It can be compared to a peel that helps keep the feet in good shape between pedicure sessions.
- Relaxation. Slippers with a sole or insole filled with small balls, similar to those used in stuffing soft toys. This type of massage slippers successfully copes with a whole range of problems - from fatigue and swelling of the feet to salt deposits. This is a good choice for those who want to try unusual accessories for the first time.
These are the main models that can be seen on sale. But some manufacturers offer their own patented solutions - improved ones that can have a beneficial effect on the functioning of various body systems.
Popular brands
The main suppliers of massage slippers to the Russian market are Chinese and Korean brands. The best of them really deserve special attention. For example, Guess ufoot - reflex slippers with springy massage heads located in the insole. Their brand Slipper Fitstudio focuses its products on lovers of shiatsu massage, enhancing its effect with a warming effect.
There are other well-known manufacturers that need to be mentioned.
- Gezatone. Specializes in the creation of slippers with stone inserts on the surface of the insole. The assortment is regularly updated.
- Belberg. The manufacturer offers models of slippers-clippers for home with heating and massage effect. Quality materials and components are used, preference is given to natural stones.
- Health Feet. The brand specializes in the manufacture of magnetic slipper massagers.
- Massage Slipper. The firm is widely recognized as a manufacturer of spa peeling slippers. It is pointed out that slippers can be a real alternative to visiting a beauty salon.
Massage slippers can also be found at Bradex, Puma, Adidas brands. But they do not make this product the main one among the general product range.
Nuances of choice
The choice of massage slippers is made based on the size range and structural features of the foot. These items are not over-stocked, but if your feet are prone to swelling, an adjustable upper is a welcome addition. And also it is worth considering the presence of allergic reactions, a tendency to sweating. Natural materials do not create a greenhouse effect, which means that feet will be much more comfortable in them.
Otherwise, you can focus on the recommendations of specialists.
- Models with spikes are considered therapeutic and prophylactic. Their wearing should be coordinated with an orthopedist.
- Relaxation is meant only for relaxation. Correct flat feet with their help or get rid of edema will not work.
- Spa slippers do not have a pronounced massage effect. Their main task is peeling, these products cope with it well.
- To improve sleep, relieve stress, it is best to use special reflex shoes.
- Any slippers must be firm. If they slip and interfere with normal walking, consider another model when purchasing.
- Product weight. The lighter the slippers, the less tired your feet will be.
- Shock absorbing properties. They relieve the foot when walking. The higher the cushioning performance, the more effective the massage effect will be. The clogs simply do not have such characteristics.
An equally important factor in the choice is the quality of the massager's workmanship. All elements must be safe and have the necessary hygiene certificates. It is important that a specific smell does not emanate from the product, and that all seams are even, well fixed.
The Velcro fastener will help to adjust the footwear for the home with a massage effect on the foot.
How to wear it correctly?
The rules of use even exist for massage slippers. Carefully followed instructions for use will help preserve health and ensure the product has a long service life. Here are the basic guidelines.
- The slippers are not intended to be worn continuously. They are worn 1-2 times a day for 10-20 minutes.
- The first massage sessions are carried out in a sitting position. You can make light movements.
- It is necessary to increase the rhythm of walking and the exposure time gradually. Washable clogs can be used for short walks.
- The appearance of painful sensations in the feet at first can be tolerated. It will pass as soon as the legs get used to the massage effect. If unpleasant sensations prevail even after several sessions, you should stop using the product, consult a doctor for advice.
Soft slippers with balls inside are most often machine washable. In this case, they should be hygienically processed monthly.
It is worth limiting the use of massagers during pregnancy or menstruation. They can affect the course of biological processes, causing a rush of blood to the pelvic organs.