December 2008 - Posts
By Diane Mapes, contributing writer
What it is: Foot Chi Cobblestone Foot Path ($49.90, includes shipping)
What it claims to do: According to the manufacturer, the Foot Chi (pronounced “foot chee”) Cobblestone Foot Path is designed to emulate the “ancient stone reflexology pathways found throughout Asia” in order to “stimulate and regulate acupoints located on the soles of the feet.” Common benefits of reflexology, the literature states, are relaxation, improved circulation, and help with insomnia, sinusitis, allergies, fatigue, stress, anxiety and digestion.
My experience: I decided to break out my Foot Chi on the day after Thanksgiving, when most of us are searching for something – anything! -- to help with that age-old holiday trifecta of stress, fatigue and digestive woes.
CONTINUED >>
By Melissa Dahl, health editor
What it is: The Etiquette Checker, $54 at www.japantrendshop.com
What it claims to do: Prevent you from being the obnoxious drunk with the horrible breath – just in time for holiday parties. An awesome infomercial from Japan demonstrates how the Etiquette Checker works: After chowing down on seasonal treats and cocktails, breathe into this little gizmo, and it will rate how bad your breath is and how inebriated you are on a scale of one to six.
My experience: The problem with a gadget you’re supposed to use when you’re drinking is that you’re always drinking when you’re supposed to be using it. After receiving the Etiquette Checker, I immediately stashed it in my bag, intending to whip it out and try it among friends on the weekend. But as the conversations got going and, ahem, the drinks got flowing, I could never remember to actually use the thing.
And then the little brother came to town for a visit. Who better than family to help reveal how bad your breath is and how tipsy you are?
CONTINUED >>
