I think reflexology itself really works. My uncle in Brazil practices that as well as pressure point massages. He's helped many there in pain.

Perhaps this footbath includes some sort of massage motion thus making one feel better with the massage itself. And having water soaking the foot is always a pleasure. Just ask da wife, I am her waterboy and I have to walk 5 miles each day to the natural spring to fetch her two buckets of fresh spring water for her feet.

But seriously, foot massagers probably helps relieve pressure. Then add in the water making the weight "lighter" (weight floating in water although there isn't enough water to really lift the weight) thus it is more of a sensation of feeling better than actual benefits.

I think especially for those with edema of the feet, which my dad had serious edema, having feet soaked in water for a little bit does help alleviate the pressure a bit?

so maybe when the feet says to the mind, I feel good, the mind can feel better...

as for the Chi, it is something that my culture has practiced for eons. I am just wondering how they are able to put that into a machine. Once again, it might be just a "feeling" of how the machine makes one feel vs. practical, true health benefits, but then again, the mind can play tricks and in the end, if the proponents love it cause it "makes" them feel better and they want to spend money on it...

why not?? LOL

the other question that I have which is more esoteric, really, is that no one has been able to truly define what chi is. It's not "heat" like they do with the paw prints...and it isn't electric....well, not to moi anyways...it is not gas....it is something...different...(but some do believe it to be some sorta electro-magnetic force...which I am open to...)

for moi, chi is a nexus with the surroundings....to being part of the universe....a connection...so, in relative terms, it is everywhere, even in the man-made machine?? Yet, I am not sure that machine will channel through. LOL


I think I'd be too cheap to buy one anyways and rather practice chi on my own...but would be interested in how others feel about the chi machine. Always a humbling learning experience. Yay, Nay, inbetween...