I recently had a chance to try a product called the Acufit foot mat. It was constructed of a red platform enamored in small pyramid shapes with a larger pyramid in the center. There were also several small magnets inlaid into the pad. The mat was designed to combine many alternative medicine therapies, including acupressure, and magnetic therapy. Acupressure has been performed for well over 5,000 years, and is documented to be able to treat some 3,000 illnesses and conditions. It has a reputation as a cornerstone in traditional Chinese medical practice, of which many methods had been ignored until Jesuit missionaries were sent to china to convert villagers to Christianity. The missionaries reported that there were physicians performing "miracles" by using needles and pressure. The Acupressure fitness mat bases itself off of using zones on the feet to increase energy and provide better health. The core system seems to work with Reflexology, an alternative medical treatment where pressure is applied to certain areas of the feet (and sometimes hands). Another piece to the puzzle of the mat, is its use of magnets. Even in modern times we use magnets for everything from diagnostic imaging to hanging photos on the refrigerator. Practitioners of magnetic therapy have long treated patients with permanent magnets for wound healing, depression, malaise, and many other conditions. Scientifically hemoglobin (the metalloprotein of red blood cells) is somewhat diamagnetic, making it oppose a magnetic field. This can show that magnets may in fact increase blood flow especially where applied. I myself have had a pleasant experience with the Acufit foot mat since I have had my hands (or feet) on it. At first it seems like it may be uncomfortable underfoot, but the tenderness seems to go away very quickly. The first time I used the pad, I found a pleasant after effect, and tingling and definite warmth of the feet. This I believe is from the increased blood flow which may be promoted by the overall design of the item, including its small pointed pyramids that your stand on. Within a few days, I did however begin to notice intermittent relief of some lower extremity pain that I have. Based on the medical benefits I have personally witnessed, I think that I would recommend the Acufit foot mat. There really is little risk of trying it, as the pad is very non-invasive and easy to use. If you are interested in getting one of your own, they can be purchased from www.acumats.com. ~John Stanhope, PA-C, B.S.m, CHP About the Author: John D. Stanhope is a nationally board certified Physician's Assistant, and Endocrinologist. He works primarily at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. He is also an accomplished medical and science writer with many publications.