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Homedics FM-S Shaistu Foot Massager
by Coffeetiere
The Shiatsu foot massager is a good device for releasing pain after a long day at work or a hike and I absolutely love getting my feet massaged! Shiatsu (指圧) is an ancient form of finger pressure therapy, we know it as acupressure, which is popular in Japan, although it originated in ancient China. This foot ... massager combines the idea of Shiatsu with an infrared heat to soothe the feet as they are being massaged.
~The Device~
It's a rounded box shape with two counter-rotating pads on the top, one for each foot. Actually, I think it looks pretty funky! There rotating pads for each foot and each has two round heads on it which provide the kneading action on the sole of the foot, which is supposed to feel like real thumbs and provide the message action whilst the infrared heat relaxes the feet. The feet sit comfortably on the device and there are ridges on the side on the "box" which stop my feet sliding off.
The machine is plugged into the mains and has an extra long lead. I like that the machine can be controlled by my toe, by a silver button inbetween the two foot pads which has two settings, with or without heat - I much prefer it with!
~Enjoying a Foot Massage~
I use it whilst sitting on my sofa whilst watching TV, it's really quite relaxing, although if you don't apply anough pressure to the device with your feet it tickles rather than massages! The machine makes a quiet-ish whirling noise, which I have to admit can get a bit annoying after a while.
~How Does it Compare with a Real Shiatsu Massage?~
Umm, well it doesn't really. Its not personalised like the real thing and therefore it can be difficult to get the machine to the parts of the foot that really need messaging. A real shiatsu massage uses touch and pressure to adjust the body's physical structure and balance it's energy flow promoting well-being. Obviously it's a little too much to expect a machine to be able to replace a human in such a delicate art of healing. The best this machine achieves is some relief from aching feet and a nice warm feeling. I do find it quite relaxing to use and it does relieve some tension in my feet.
~Cost~
I checked Amazon and it currently costs around £30. I was given mine by a close friend who moved back to Hong Kong and wasn't able to take it with her. Anyway, the real thing is readily available in Hong Kong and one can go to get Shiatsu foot massages often as they are very cheap and very good - tried and tested by myself when I have visited!
~Safety and Durability~
It's safe to use as long as you don't have certain medical conditions such a diabetes. The device doesn't like it if you apply too much pressure with your feet and if too much pressure is applied it switches off. Therefore you can't stand on it! The massager can only be used for 20 minutes at a time, then it automatically switches off.
It comes with a 2 year guarentee, mine is well past it's guarentee and must be at least 5 years old by now so it seems to be quite durable as it shows no real signs of wear and tear.
~Would I Buy It?~
I'm not sure, it's feels nice but it's one of those things you can do without. Its not overly expensive, so it's probably a nice kind of present to receive from a boyfriend or husband. I will give it 3 out of 5 stars, it's nice to use but it know way near as good as going for a real shiatsu massage.
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Homedics SBM-400HX-GB
by Homelovin
Homedics 3D back massager review - I bought this for my husband because he often has a sore back caused by over exercise.
This back massager fits onto a chair with a strap and Velcro to keep the back in place. You need an upright chair to have the massager in the correct position. We have comfortable dining chairs which this ... fits well on. The seat part of this is just fabric and doesn't do any of the massaging action it just keeps the whole thing in place. The massager is covered in a plush, nylon material which is black and grey, and clean and smart looking.
The massager is quite heavy as the motor and massager are robust, but it isn't too heavy to easily manoeuvre. The massager comes in a light bag/cover which protects it and keeps the whole thing compact and easy to slide under a bed, or beside the wardrobe while not in use. All the wires, plug and the controller fits neatly inside.
Once set up on a chair, there is a hand controller, which looks a bit like a small TV remote control, attached by a length of wire. There are different functions, one of which is a vibration. This is a strong vibration which really shakes the body and loosens the muscles. There is a simple rolling massage, which moves the 'balls' smoothly up and down the back relaxing as it goes. It also feels like it is aligning your back, putting you body in an straight, upright position. The feature my husband like the best is the Shiatsu massage where the 'balls' rotate in a small circle, making a kneading action as they travel up and down the length of the back. You can also add heat to this action which quickly heats up to a nice hot temperature which you can feel through clothing, but it's not burning hot.
The Shiatsu massage is very strong and really works hard into the muscles either side of the backbone. You can also stop the massager travelling up and down at any spot up the track so it concentrates on one area, which is particularly nice if you have a sore knot which needs undoing. There is a warning telling you not to leave the massager in one spot than more than 3 minutes at a time. When I have used this, I find the area between my shoulder blades really benefits from a spot massage if I've been working on the computer for a long period of time. My husband feels the benefit on his lower back when has aches and pains due to running. You really feel like it is working hard, and you feel the benefit of the massage. It's not as good as the real thing, of course, but it does feel very good.
I paid £129 for this after reading good reviews from other people. I think this price might have come down now. I would recommend this, it has had quite a lot of use from all the family without any problems. It can't really massage the neck so if this is your problem area this isn't the massager you'll need.
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Homedics SBM-500HA-3GB Shiatsu 2 in 1 Back & Neck Massager with Heat
by dragon55
I was lucky enough to win this product and it came on a day when I really needed a good massage not one that felt as though I was made of fine bone china.
This certainly does give a good massage and finds all the knots you knew you had and those you don't. We use it on an upholstered armchair and it works well but I am sure it ... would work even better on a more solid chair.
The massaging nodules move up and down your back and can be used with or without heat. It also has setting to do a full back massage or just neck and shoulders. The first time you use it you might be a bit sore as your body is not used to such a deep massage. This soreness goes off after a few more massages and then you can get addicted to using it.
It is very relaxing and the slight noise of the chair also lulls you to relax rather than being annoying. It is perfect for tense shoulders and necks.
Keep it ready for use. It is no good leaving it in a cupboard. Have it on display and you will use it all the time. I would love to continue using it but as I now have fibromyalgia it is too intense and it takes me two days to recover from the massage as it drains me of my energy. This is not the case for the rest of my family as they feel energised after it and will happily go through two or three of the cycles. The chair switches itself off after it has gone through the cycle so if you do fall asleep there is no danger of being continually pumelled and aching after your sleep.
The chair itself is quite light to handle if you do not have problems with hand or wrist joint pain and is easy to place on the chair for instant use. It folds up for easy storage and wipes clean with a cloth.
Although it is quite expensive it is well worth the money and you would soon recoup your money as a massage by a professional is at least £30 a time and this is ready as soon as you need it and then you are free to have a bath or go to bed straight after it without having to walk or travel in the car and lose some of the relaxing effect.
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