Detoxification machines

	Mainland China’s Ningbo Meimao offers these foot bath massagers, which boast infrared magnetic therapy and ozone activation.

New models generate infrared light, negative ions and ozone. Some have pedicure attachments for exfoliation and skin cleaning.

Emphasizing performance, suppliers in mainland China and Hong Kong are offering foot massagers with a range of enhancement features. Product development efforts are geared toward greater relaxation and health gains.

The latest releases combine various acupressure techniques that aid in relieving pain and discomfort. Some models, for example, feature nodes designed to stimulate the soles. Numerous tips are placed according to the major stress points for a whole-body benefit.

Additionally, makers are equipping releases with infrared and ionic functions to assist in blood circulation. Such heat-generating products have temperature-control systems for safety.

Several versions can eliminate bacteria through ozone therapy. Foot bath models also have pedicure attachments that help exfoliate and clean the skin.

Improving massage quality, suppliers utilize air bags, knockers or rollers. Makers enhance performance further via user-customizable speed, direction, intensity and time settings.

In line with the trend for enhanced capability, many new models are computer-aided. These are equipped with ICs that allow several massage modes and preset programs. Some boast LCDs or LEDs, and are remote-controlled.

	The JF-1 model from Hong Kong’s Loft is a remote-controlled calf and sole massager with three intensity levels. It can perform synchronized kneading, and forward or backward rolling.

Most mainland suppliers interviewed for this report offer foot bath massagers, which are currently enjoying strong demand.

Such products from Ningbo Bright Mechanical and Electronical Co. Ltd boast pedicure attachments and numerous nodes that rub the soles of the feet. Aside from vibration and aeration, they perform IR magnetic therapy and generate ozone.

Versions from Ningbo Meimao Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd can drain automatically. Releases have a splash guard and a soft-touch control panel for increased user convenience. Most bear the CE mark and comply with the EU’s RoHS directive.

Shenzhen Gotole Electronics Co. Ltd’s products are likewise capable of drawing off water. Designs have LCD or LED indicators, and can be operated through a remote control. These also have safety systems for overheat protection.

The majority of foot bath massagers from the mainland come in local PP and ABS. Imported materials can be used on request.

In Hong Kong Kong, Fortune Advance Enterprises Ltd offers sole-vibration models that generate IR rays.

Designed like a bathroom scale with nodes, releases have an ABS construction and a soft-touch control panel for modifying pressure, speed and duration settings.

Meanwhile, Loft Furniture Ltd supplies calf-and-sole massagers capable of synchronized forward or backward rolling, and kneading. The products can be adjusted to four different heights, with 30 and 46.5cm as the minimum and maximum levels. Covered in black, white, burgundy, brown, green or beige PU leather, these bear the CE mark, are UL-listed and meet the TÜV standard.

At Oto Bodycare (HK) Ltd, releases have sensors that tailor the massage strength to the user. Models use knockers and rollers instead of air bags, and have an open-back design to facilitate different foot positions.

The mainland’s foot massagers industry continues to flourish as more people are becoming increasingly concerned about their health. North and South America, Europe and Asia are the primary markets.

Sales are driven largely by contract work. In fact, half of the featured suppliers from the area cater purely to OEM and ODM clients.

At Xiamen Hombest Technology Co. Ltd, for instance, all shipments are buyer-specified designs. Most of the models have a heat function and are remote-controlled.

Makers are located primarily in Shanghai and the provinces of Fujian, Guangdong and Zhejiang.

To remain buoyant amid rising production costs and the yuan revaluation, many suppliers are raising manufacturing efficiency and economies of scale. Some are boosting competitiveness by enhancing product form and function.

Export volume for foot massagers is likewise growing in Hong Kong. Europe, Australia and Asia absorb the bulk of shipments.

Most makers cater to the upscale market to avoid intense competition from mainland counterparts.

Midrange designs go for $50, while high-end releases top $300.