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.