I plan to write more but just wanted to get a quick review for anyone hesitating to buy this and is suffering from Raynauds/edema/poor circulation/cellulite/muscle stiffness and pain. I suffer from the above to the extreme where it is difficult to walk; as if my legs were experiencing rigor mortis. My feet and ankles swell up like red balloons, other days they are numb and blue. Not sure what the total deal is medically, but the swelling and pain was getting worse and my usual methods of elevating my legs and resting was not helping at all this time. Usually after two days of rest the swelling would go down and I would be able to see my boney ankles again. So in desperation, I search amazon. I looked at all sorts of massagers, but I wanted something I didn't have to hold (what good is relieving a leg cramp only to get one in ur neck trying to reach ur feet?). I came across this belt. I was very hesitant bc I think my mom had one of the "exercise belts" and it was a total joke. But I read the reviews and despite my doubts I took a chance and purchased it. It arrived in two days with prime shipping. I opened it and immediately, effortlessly, wrapped the belt around the soles of my feet (bot feet together). I was shocked by the power! It is very strong, and I am only using the auto program. The massager move side to side with strong healthful vibration to get the circulation going and to loosen stiff muscles. It feels like a million strong karate chops. Nothing like the flimsy belt my mom had. It's incredible! I can just lay there in bed, and have my hands free to surf the net, check emails, etc. I have been using it every morning for 10 minutes and the benefits seem to be accumulative. I noticed instance relief and reduction in swelling, and it seems improve with consistent use. I was on my feet all day last weekend and they didn't swell up like balloons! In addition, I use this on my thighs, buttocks, calves, stomach, back and shoulders with great success. I can feel my stomach muscles firming up. There is also a sore feeling afterward, kind of life a bruise like feeling so be careful. On my thighs, I have noticed firming. When I first started using on my thighs, my skin turned red, was hot (warm) and itchy! I attribute this to the belt actually doing what it's suppose to do, in circulating blood to otherwise stagnant areas. Sometimes after using I can still feel what I can only describe as energy circulating. Of course I have only had it a few days, but whether or not it is a miracle tummy firmer, it certainly is an excellent wellness tool and has been a God sent to my legs and feet for circulation and chi, as well as tension, swelling and pain reduction. I plan to buy a few more for family members and to use in my practice (wellness studio). Easy to use, comes with a generouse extension belt (very sticky Velcro) remote is attached to the unit, and about 6 inches off the belt which can be a little awkward, comes with a manual, has preset program button on remote that seems to run about ten minutes (I use this mostly) also has buttons to increase or lower the strength of the massage. I think they work with both the manual and preset function. As far as massage coverage, it's equivelant to a small sized set of hands. Meaning, if I put my hand together side by side (palms facing out) that is the massage area coverage...the massager does travel all the way around the belt; just within that 2 hand radius. The massager is 2 fold, consistent strong vibrations with the addition of heavy karate chops (it's not a kneading type of massage). If you have a serious medical condition or bruise easily I would check with your doctor first. I don't have any bruises, but I used this on my stomach and it was a little sore to the touch; but I'm not in the greatest shape, meaning I exercise infrequently so use your own judgement and experiment with it in stronger areas first. You will not be disappointed!
