Mother/daughter team Hong and Andrea Cao pitch Q-Flex, a personal acupressure device, in the Shark Tank Holiday episode. Andrea, who is only 13, invented the device to ease muscle pain by utilizing the ancient Chinese healing art of acupressure. Similar in principle to acupuncture, acupressure is used to apply pressure to certain meridians or parts of the body. It is claimed it can relieve nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, tension headaches, stomach aches, and more.
Typical acupressure is applied by one person applying pressure with their hands, elbows, even feet, to various pressure points. The QFlex device allows someone to apply pressure to their own body. It’s essentially a flexible, curved shaft that can be maneuvered anywhere so you can relieve pain without assistance.
Andrea and her mom currently make all their Q-Flex devices by hand. As of this writing (one week prior to air) they are not available for sale, but their website says “coming soon.” Q-Flex, in the week before the show, is redesigning their website. They have a poor social media presence. They likely need a Shark to help them get up to speed with marketing.
My Take on Q-Flex
On the surface, QFlex looks like a simple way to give yourself some relief through pressure on aching muscles and joints. I don’t know much about the science involved, but I do know that when I have a knotted up muscle, some pressure and massage can bring temporary relief.
The problem I have with Q-Flex is twofold. First, just one week prior to airing on Shark Tank, they aren’t doing ANY pre-show marketing. Their website isn’t even functional. This does not bode well for the product or the business. Second, while many people swear by its benefits, claims made by acupressure practitioners are viewed as dubious (at best) by the medical community.
Will Sharks Apply Pressure?
Lately, the Sharks have been very kind to young entrepreneurs. Even though QFlex was invented by a 13-year-old, I don’t think any Sharks invest. Anytime there is a product in the Tank that makes medical claims, the Sharks want some sort of scientific study to back up those claims. Acupressure isn’t new, so there are a lot of “studies” out there on its effectiveness, but none that state it as a medically legitimate way to ease pain.
With a shadow like that hanging over Q-Flex and with what we know about acupressure as a practice, I think the Sharks all go out on this deal.
Entrepreneur, auteur, raconteur. Rob Merlino is a blogger and writer who enjoys the Shark Tank TV show and Hot Dogs. A father of five who freelances in a variety of publications, Rob has a stable of websites including Shark Tank Blog, Hot Dog Stories, Rob Merlino.com and more.
I want a Q Flex!
Cuban and Barbara made them a deal. 25k for 25%
I saw the product S-Flex on Shark Tank and would like to purchase one.
The Q-flex is very close to the Back Knobber, which has been around for years. Any problems with patent infringement, post-airing of the product on Shark Tank?
We will figure it out.
When will they be for sale? I want one?
how do I buy S-flex and how much does it cost
I want to buy it as I have a knot on my sholder all the time, I keep thinking yes but not sure , was looking for reviews, what does every one think $26 is a lot at christmas but if it works then its a good present to me
Anyone know how the q-flex compares with similar products?
(backnobber ii, theracane , body back buddy, etc)
The others seem to have been around longer, and even have accessories (nobcessory) but maybe the q-flex yields better results?
My sister surprised me with a Q-Flex for Christmas and it is awesome! I do construction and remodeling and am in constant need of pain relief. Using the techniques outlined by Q-Flex, I feel relief at the pressure points within minutes. It is so simple to use and I use it on a daily basis now. I would highly recommend it for back pain sufferers.
I ordered one on 12-14-14 and still have not received it. Estimated arrival date was the first week of January.
I cannot see how this is any different than any other acupressure point tools out there made by professionals.