The feet usually experience the most stress and pressure since they carry the body’s entire weight. Unfortunately, they are also often the most neglected. The good news is that there are many ways of taking care of them. Besides getting a soothing foot massage, wearing acupressure slippers can also help.
What Are Acupressure Slippers and How Do They Work?
Acupressure slippers have massaging nodules placed strategically in the footbed. These nodes target acupressure points that stimulate nerve endings in the feet.
This unique type of footwear uses acupressure, which is rooted in Chinese reflexology. According to the traditional Chinese medical theory, acupressure points lie along the channels or meridians in the body in which the vital energy called qi flows.
Illness or discomfort are said to occur when these meridians get blocked or out of balance. By wearing acupressure slippers, pressure is applied to acupressure points. This promotes energy flow and restores balance to the body’s energy lines.
Read More: Benefits of Padabhyanga (Ayurvedic Foot Massage)
What Are The Health Benefits Of Acupressure Slippers?
Wearing this footwear means giving the feet the pampering they deserve. It’s similar to getting a foot massage while standing or even walking!
Here are the benefits of acupressure slippers:
1. Relieves Aches and Pains
Wearing acupressure slippers for around 30 minutes a day can help reduce body aches and pains.
This footwear targets the nerve tendons between the Achilles tendon and the outer ankle bone, which relieves lower back pain and thigh pain. It also puts pressure on the big toe, which stimulates nerves that help ease headaches.
Moreover, a systematic review shows that acupressure helps reduce dysmenorrhea, labor pain, and other traumatic pain. Because of this, some healthcare providers use this practice as an alternative therapy for patients dealing with pain.1
2. Improves Blood Circulation
To promote proper blood circulation, consider wearing acupressure slippers. A study reveals that acupressure can significantly increase the blood flow in the lower limb.2
Acupressure slippers apply deep and steady pressure between the big toe and second toe. This helps blood vessels push blood throughout the body, mainly through the legs and feet. It also targets the third point on the liver meridian, which aids in detoxification.
Read More: Best Herbs For Blood Circulation
3. Eases the Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a sensory disorder that causes an urge to move the leg constantly and experience a burning sensation. The symptoms usually appear in the evening and get more intense at night, causing low sleep quality. Thankfully, the right type of acupressure slippers can provide fast and lasting relief for these symptoms.3
4. Helps Manage Depression and Anxiety
According to research, acupressure can reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and general emotional distress. That said, acupressure slippers can enhance psychological well-being and improve emotional stability.4
The center of the ball of the feet and the big toe is connected to mental and emotional health. Applying pressure on these acupressure points can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Read More: Best Acupressure Points For Anxiety & Stress
5. Promotes Better Sleep
Walking in acupressure slippers can promote a good night’s rest. In a study, breast cancer survivors who applied pressure to acupressure points for three minutes improved their sleep. This is also why this footwear can benefit those dealing with insomnia.5
Acupressure slippers allow the nodes to apply deep pressure where the big toe and second toe connect. They also gently massage the feet, which helps relax the nerves and body.
Read More: 10 Things Not To Do Before To Sleep
Potential Side Effects of Acupressure Slippers and How to Avoid Them
Wearing acupressure slippers every day is generally safe. But just like any other therapy, they come with risks. Here are some potential side effects and ways to avoid them:
1. Irritation
Pressure can be too intense for new wearers of acupressure slippers. When worn for extended periods, irritation may occur, such as blisters, redness, and even wounds. This is especially true for people with impaired sensation, diabetic neuropathy, or unusually shaped feet with calluses or bunions.
To get used to the pressure being applied to the feet, start by wearing the slippers for just five minutes a day for a week. Slowly work your way up to 15-30 minutes daily.
2. Pain or Discomfort
The pressure from wearing acupressure slippers may take some getting used to. If the pricking sensation seems too uncomfortable at first, feel free to check how the nodes feel on your feet. Wear socks for the first week if needed to help your feet get used to the pressure.
3. Worse Symptoms
Most people experience health improvements right after using acupressure slippers. However, in rare cases, some get worse before they feel better. This is sometimes called a healing crisis in natural medicine.
This phenomenon usually occurs when the body reacts sensitively to pressure. As a result, different symptoms may start to appear.
When this happens, give your body time to adjust to acupressure. Talk to your doctor if the symptoms continue to get worse.
Can Everyone Wear Acupressure Slippers?
Not everyone can receive acupressure. For instance, pregnant women are not advisable to use acupressure slippers since some pressure points may induce contractions.
In addition, those with bruises, open wounds, or swollen areas on their feet may have to wait until they are fully healed before wearing acupressure slippers. People with foot ulcers, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, blood vessel conditions, and other chronic conditions should discuss with their doctor before trying this footwear.
Buy Acupressure Slippers Online
If you want to try acupressure slippers, we recommend you the brand Byriver and you can order your slippers online here. They are available in different sizes and 3 colours (black, blue and brown).
In Short
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about acupressure slippers health benefits!
This footwear has many potential advantages, making it a welcome addition to your collection. To get the best benefits from acupressure slippers, use them for several minutes a day and let the nubs apply deep pressure to your feet so that your energy can flow freely.
Don’t forget to invest in a high-quality pair to ensure they are comfortable and built to last. Byriver slippers should do the job perfectly!
While several studies backed their potential to improve overall health and well-being, acupressure slippers should be used only as an alternative or complementary therapy. They are not meant to serve as a complete replacement for medical treatments.
Consulting a doctor is also important before trying acupressure slippers. For those who fail to find relief from this footwear, consider discussing other options with your physician.
If you are interested about acupressure, you should also read our blog post about the best acupressure points to treat constipation!
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