Do acupressure slippers work? This is what I learned

If you are interested in soft slippers with a cushy surface, these are not it. But, if you like slip-on that can massage your feet and stimulate the pressure points at the same time, you are in for a treat. In that case, it is a good idea to try and wear acupressure slippers. The question is, do acupressure slippers work?

I get that a lot. I’ve been wearing these slippers for a couple of months now. But the thing is, there are a lot of misconceptions about them.

People doubt their capabilities, effect, and worth. Well, I’m here to clear it all up. I will tell you exactly how it feels to wear these slippers and whether or not you can put your health in their hands.

Do Acupressure Slippers Work?

I’m a pro cyclist, and I rely on my feet 24/7. I regularly get bunions, heel pain, blisters – you name it. Since I dealt with massive feet pain over the years, my massage therapist suggested I get acupressure slippers.

Acupressure slippers are a peculiar type of footwear designed to stimulate the soles and nerves located in the feet. Each slipper has pointy nodes on the bottom of the footwear strategically positioned to stimulate the acupressure points.

The moment I put them on, I felt the nodes pressing against my skin. I felt as if I was standing on tiny rocks. Honestly, all the poking and prodding was extremely uncomfortable, and I couldn’t see myself wearing them for a day, let alone years.

But, the more I got to wear them, the more I noticed a consistent change in my feet. I no longer felt the pain and debilitating discomfort I felt every single day. My bunions reduced, and my veins were not as bulged as they often end up after I go for a ride.

I asked my therapist about it, and she explained. The more you wear the slippers, the easier it is to stimulate all the points located on the bottom of the feet. What most people don’t realize is that each acupressure point on our feet is actually connected to a different organ in the body.

The design may look intimidating, but it’s made like that for a good reason – to stimulate the acupressure points by poking the bottom of the feet. This is the exact same tactic used in reflexology.

By stimulating only specific points in the body, the nerve endings will send out signals throughout the entire body, until the effect finally reaches the organ directly connected to that acupressure point. Simple yet effective.

Are Acupressure Slippers Good for Health?

To be honest, I felt skeptical at first. After all, they are just slippers, right? Wrong.

The slippers are not your regular run-down-the-mill footwear. Every side of these shoes plays a prominent role in your physical health. Why?

Acupressure is known for its potent therapeutic and pain-treating properties. Since it restores the balance of Qi in the human body, it can also be effective for numerous health problems, explains the National Institutes of Health. The same effect applies to footwear that relies on acupressure treatment.

All in all, they are great for many things. The slippers can help you:

  • Sleep better
  • Stand upright
  • Relax the nerves
  • Soothe the pain in the feet
  • Revitalize the body

Due to its potent therapeutic compounds, acupressure footwear can be useful for soothing depression and achieving emotional stability. It eases the stress of the pressure in life and promotes pleasant sensations in the feet. That’s why I also found them useful for relieving PMS pain and discomfort.

But, mainly, I use them for relaxing the muscles and treating feet pain. Even though they might look too uncomfortable to wear, these kinds of slippers can be immensely helpful for both your physical and emotional health.

How to Use Acupressure Slippers?

Putting the slippers on is pretty much a straightforward process. You just slip it on, and you are good to go.

The thing is, I know you won’t like to wear them barefoot. I didn’t. The pricking sensation is just way too uncomfortable. I suggest you put on some socks for at least a few days.

I did the exact same thing, and it gave my feet just enough time to get used to the pressure and learn how to feel comfortable in them.

Start wearing the slippers for 5 min a day. Then, slowly expand the duration until you get to 15 min a day. Eventually, the skin will get used to the pinching, and you can take the socks off.

The key to getting the best results is to use this footwear for a minimum of a few minutes to half an hour a day. This will give the body just enough time for the nerve endings to calm down.

If you have no clue what slippers to pick, you can go for the BYRIVER Acupressure Foot Massager. These are one of the most popular slippers on the market with precisely 41 acupoints.


They are designed to regulate energy levels, soothe stress, blood circulation, and prevent cramps. But, most importantly, they are equipped with some spare parts, so even if the buttons fall off, you can replace them with new ones. If you still have your doubts, here are a few pros and cons I think may come in handy.

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly
  • 41 acupoints
  • Instruction manual
  • Adjustable strap

Cons

  • Hard to get used to

Conclusion

There is more to acupressure footwear than it meets the eye. It can be a powerful tool for numerous ailments. Even though it takes some getting used to, they are something you may want to give it a try.

Credit: Photo by @thiszun (follow me on IG, FB) from Pexels

Author: P. Sze

P. Sze P. Sze is the founder of TCM Tips and Dragon Acupuncture®. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a first-class honor in Civil Engineering. S he also holds a master’s degree in Engineering and is the brain behind the innovative TCM products of Dragon Acupuncture®. She is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Auricular Therapy: Application of Ear Seeds (ISBN 978-1520451398) and Facial Gua Sha - Fight the Signs of Aging Naturally and Inexpensively (ISBN 978-1980678922). She has dedicated her life to ensuring that the complex theories behind oriental medicine and the seemingly dangerous techniques that involve needles and fire do not scare you from trying oriental medicine. This is why she writes endlessly about acupressure and its countless health and wellness benefits.

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