Acupressure and reflexology shoes offer several health benefits, but will they help YOU? We explain how acupressure sandals work, their advantages and how to use them.
1. What are Acupressure Sandals?
Compared to traditional slip-on shoes, acupressure sandals have bumps, rubber nubs or small stones on the footbed. These nodules stimulate pressure points on the bottom of the foot, thus promoting blood flow, relaxation and potentially pain relief.
They come in variety of styles, but typically they are flat, slip on shoes with an adjustable foot strap. People wear them for all sorts of reasons, including sports recovery, relaxation, to boost circulation, improve sleep and to help with plantar fasciitis pain and more.
2. How do Acupressure Sandals Work?
The nubs on the footbeds are strategically placed to press on certain pressure points on the bottom of your feet as you walk. They can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the feet and knees.
In reflexology, it is believed that activating these pressure points can trigger the body’s natural healing processes, including the release of endorphins. These unique shoes may also help improve posture by distributing weight evenly across the foot.
Keep in mind that acupressure footwear is not a cure-all, but rather a natural aid that may assist with relieving certain symptoms.
3. What are the Benefits of Using Acupressure Shoes?
People use foot acupressure to improve blood flow, reduce stress, increase energy and relieve pain. By wearing acupressure sandals, you can basically apply this therapy yourself throughout the day while you do other things.
4. Can Acupressure Sandals Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Acupressure shoes stimulate pressure points in the feet which correspond to different organs and areas of the body. For example, the gall bladder, thyroid, sinuses, heart, kidneys, shoulders, neck, etc..
To relieve plantar fasciitis pain, you want to target a few different acupressure points that you might not expect. When you stimulate these points, it can improve circulation, reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
- Bubbling Spring (Kidney 1): On the ball of the foot, press and massage the area underneath the front of the big toe.
- Inner Gate (Pericardium 6): This point is located on the inner ankle, two thumb widths up from the ankle bone.
- Spleen 6 (Spleen 6): Access this point on inside of your leg, just above the ankle bone.
- Liver 3 (Liver 3): On the top of your foot, press just behind the big toe.
5. How Long Does it Take to See Results from Acupressure Shoes?
If you suffer from pain, such as foot, knee or shoulder pain, acupressure sandals may help, but the time it takes can vary. For example, some people experience relief within a few days or weeks of wearing acupressure shoes, while others may take longer. And with any health remedy, some people see no improvement at all.
In addition, acupressure sometimes works better when you combine multiple treatments like stretching or physical therapy. Also, stimulating pressure points more often may speed up results. Check with your healthcare provider to see if acupressure therapy can help your specific ailment.
6. Can You Wear Acupressure Sandals All Day?
Some people can wear acupressure sandals for extended periods of time. That said, you want to start wearing these special shoes for 5 or 10 minutes at a time. Then, gradually increase the length of time as your feet acclimate to the foot stimulation.
For instance, your feet may get sore in the beginning if you are used to wearing softer cushioned shoes. Remove them if you feel pain in your joints and check with your doctor.
In addition, some shoes have harder surface than others. For example, natural stone massage shoes have a very hard and bumpy surface, although smooth. On the other hand, Revs acupressure sandals have a softer footbed that feels more like a gentle, stimulating massage.
7. Can You Wear Acupressure Sandals with Socks?
Acupressure shoes are designed to be worn without socks for optimal sensory stimulation. However, you can wear thin socks and still get enough pressure to be beneficial. You can also wear socks when you first start wearing acupressure slippers to get used to the feel of the uneven footbed.
