Magsteps: The product that launches a company and a wellness revolution
Today Nikken is an international powerhouse of a company, with revenue of well over a billion dollars, and a network of wellness consultants worldwide. That’s an impressive achievement for an organization that didn’t exist 30 years ago. But what was the genesis of this phenomenal growth, and the original idea that started Nikken on the road it is still traveling?
The longest journey begins with a single step. In this case, the outline of that step is still visible, in the form of Nikken Magsteps® insoles.
Magsteps have brought comfort to millions of people. They’re now well known internationally. But this “new” technology is actually based on a time-honored wellness practice.
An idea born in a bath
Public hot baths are a part of traditional Japanese culture. These places have long offered men, women and families a chance to unwind after the stresses of the day, and enjoy a welcome opportunity for relaxation.
One notable feature of these baths is the bottom of the bath itself. It’s not smooth like the bottom of a swimming pool, but bumpy. The Japanese discovered that placing pebbles on the floor of their public baths imparted a pleasing and relaxing stimulation to the sole of the foot. It seemed to have a restorative effect; weary bathers felt energized after walking on this slightly bumpy surface.
Nikken founder Isamu Matsuda began his wellness revolution with a brilliant thought: if people feel better after walking on pebbles, why not create a way to put that texture inside their shoes? Then they’d be able to experience this massage effect all day long.
That was the beginning of the Magstep. A textured surface with magnetic technology—based on another ancient principle—and the resulting material was shaped into insoles. Magsteps: The product that launches a company and a wellness revolution
Cutting-edge, exclusive Nikken magnetic technology
Today’s Magsteps are the result of this breakthrough. But they’re far from identical to the original design.
Nikken engineering experts are always looking for ways to improve on a good thing. They realize that even the best inventions can be refined, and the modern Magstep shows their efforts.
It incorporates the latest engineering developments, to make Magsteps better than ever before. Magsteps now feature EQL Magnetic Technology — the patent pending, proprietary Nikken innovation that is a revolutionary advance over other designs.
Nikken technology — ahead of today’s discoveries!
A nationwide, in-depth research study recently evaluated the use of magnetic insoles — the Nikken Magstep design — in treating pain associated with the complications of diabetes. This controlled study found that a group of subjects using the Nikken insole showed a measurable improvement in their symptoms, compared to a group using ordinary, non-magnetic insoles.
What Nikken knew 30 years ago — conventional science is now proving!
From steps, to strides
The success of Magsteps suggested that the idea might be taken further. If people felt better using Magsteps when walking and standing, this would also be a great help during more strenuous activity—sports like running, golf, tennis and more.
The designers seized this inspiration and ran with it, and in 1999 Magstrides™ were introduced. They include the same technology as Magsteps, in a softer, more flexible version. In Magstrides, Nikken Advanced Magnetic Design is combined with a ventilated, cushioned three-layer insole developed to withstand the pounding—and to help absorb the shocks—that feet receive during sports. Magstrides provide an added measure of comfort even for intense exercise.
Magsteps and Magstrides might be described as the foundation of wellness—they’re literally at the bottom of the whole thing. The Magstep was the first product to derive from a unique philosophy, that dares to combine elements of traditional wellness techniques with the most up-to-date technology. Three decades later, the rewards of this approach are everywhere today, thanks to Nikken.
See the entire range of Nikken products with magnetic technology — from our sleep system, to support wraps, the new PalmMag™, water systems and more. CLICK HERE
The longest journey begins with a single step. In this case, the outline of that step is still visible, in the form of Nikken Magsteps® insoles.
Magsteps have brought comfort to millions of people. They’re now well known internationally. But this “new” technology is actually based on a time-honored wellness practice.
An idea born in a bath
Public hot baths are a part of traditional Japanese culture. These places have long offered men, women and families a chance to unwind after the stresses of the day, and enjoy a welcome opportunity for relaxation.
One notable feature of these baths is the bottom of the bath itself. It’s not smooth like the bottom of a swimming pool, but bumpy. The Japanese discovered that placing pebbles on the floor of their public baths imparted a pleasing and relaxing stimulation to the sole of the foot. It seemed to have a restorative effect; weary bathers felt energized after walking on this slightly bumpy surface.
Nikken founder Isamu Matsuda began his wellness revolution with a brilliant thought: if people feel better after walking on pebbles, why not create a way to put that texture inside their shoes? Then they’d be able to experience this massage effect all day long.
That was the beginning of the Magstep. A textured surface with magnetic technology—based on another ancient principle—and the resulting material was shaped into insoles. Magsteps: The product that launches a company and a wellness revolution
Cutting-edge, exclusive Nikken magnetic technology
Today’s Magsteps are the result of this breakthrough. But they’re far from identical to the original design.
Nikken engineering experts are always looking for ways to improve on a good thing. They realize that even the best inventions can be refined, and the modern Magstep shows their efforts.
It incorporates the latest engineering developments, to make Magsteps better than ever before. Magsteps now feature EQL Magnetic Technology — the patent pending, proprietary Nikken innovation that is a revolutionary advance over other designs.
Nikken technology — ahead of today’s discoveries!
A nationwide, in-depth research study recently evaluated the use of magnetic insoles — the Nikken Magstep design — in treating pain associated with the complications of diabetes. This controlled study found that a group of subjects using the Nikken insole showed a measurable improvement in their symptoms, compared to a group using ordinary, non-magnetic insoles.
What Nikken knew 30 years ago — conventional science is now proving!
From steps, to strides
The success of Magsteps suggested that the idea might be taken further. If people felt better using Magsteps when walking and standing, this would also be a great help during more strenuous activity—sports like running, golf, tennis and more.
The designers seized this inspiration and ran with it, and in 1999 Magstrides™ were introduced. They include the same technology as Magsteps, in a softer, more flexible version. In Magstrides, Nikken Advanced Magnetic Design is combined with a ventilated, cushioned three-layer insole developed to withstand the pounding—and to help absorb the shocks—that feet receive during sports. Magstrides provide an added measure of comfort even for intense exercise.
Magsteps and Magstrides might be described as the foundation of wellness—they’re literally at the bottom of the whole thing. The Magstep was the first product to derive from a unique philosophy, that dares to combine elements of traditional wellness techniques with the most up-to-date technology. Three decades later, the rewards of this approach are everywhere today, thanks to Nikken.
See the entire range of Nikken products with magnetic technology — from our sleep system, to support wraps, the new PalmMag™, water systems and more. CLICK HERE
posted by Jeff at 11:42 PM
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