Product Review: Small Acupressure Mat
Written by: Angelica Chapman
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Published on: August 21, 2021
What is an Acupressure Mat?
Acupressure mats function by stimulating specific points of the body to reduce stress, discomfort, and increase blood flow throughout your body.
Acupressure Background
Acupressure mats are made up of several hundred plastic points, which apply pressure to several acupressure points in the back (or a specific target area). The same is true for acupressure pillows, which can be used on the neck, head, hands, or feet.
Acupressure mats, also known as Shakti mats, are relatively new inventions inspired by ancient healing modalities. While acupressure has existed for thousands of years, this at-home version became popular in early 2000.
"Unlike acupuncture that uses selective and targeted points to treat pain and diseases, acupressure mats apply pressure on a large surface area," explains licensed acupuncturist Snow Xia. "[The mats] have a general effect of releasing myofascial and muscular tension and increasing blood circulation."
Features
- For foot pain: The way Xia prefers to use the mat is by standing on it barefoot (or in socks if that's too uncomfortable). "There are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot, and from a reflexology point of view, various zones reflect various organs. So by stimulating our feet, we are improving circulation in those organs and stimulating the nervous system."
- For lower back tension: Holding your knees close to your chest and rocking your hips left and right will stimulate the acupressure points on your lower back.
- For headaches: According to Xia, there is an important acupuncture point for headaches located on the nape of the neck (GB20). Placing an acupressure pillow here would relieve headaches or you can roll your acupressure mat into a pillow shape.
- For leg blood circulation: As most of us sit all day, we don't get the circulation our legs deserve. The Small Acupressure Mat compensates for this by laying on your mat while it is slightly elevated in order to sink into the spikes. It will initially feel like there's a tingling sensation, but as the blood and lymph circulation increase, your tight muscles will begin to loosen. Leg acupressure is a great way to activate the nervous system before a workout because it increases blood and lymph circulation.
- For neck pain
- For sciatica pain
- For tight or stiff back muscles
- For stress and tension
- For fibromyalgia pain
- For insomnia
Best Practices For Using
How to use:
The best way to get maximum results is to use the mat daily for between 10 and 30 minutes. When you are using the mat, be sure to breathe and relax your body. In the beginning, acupressure can be uncomfortable. The spikes are sharp, and cause pain or discomfort until they begin to warm up the body.
- Position your mat: Put the mat on a surface that is comfortable for you. Beginners often spread out their mat on a bed or sofa while intermediate and experienced users place their mat on the floor. You can also sit on the mat or against it in a chair so that your butt and lower back are in direct contact with the mat.
- Adding a layer between yourself and the spikes may help you get used to the feel of the mat. Users report that this method works best when wearing a thin shirt or cover the spikes with fabric. Some users report their best results when the mat is in contact with their bare skin.
- It is important to lie down slowly and evenly distribute your weight on the mat to prevent injury from the points.
- Avoid moving or fidgeting on the mat: You should reposition yourself carefully on the mat, as you may pierce or scratch your skin more easily.
- Be consistent: It takes some time for your body to adjust to the mats, but many people find it really helps. If it appeals to you, give it time to work.
Here are some tips for using acupressure mats in a way that's comfortable and restorative:
- It is not recommended that beginners lie on these mats with bare skin at first as their spikes can be sharp. You could find the mat to feel prickly as well, so avoid touching it as you lie down. Even though at first it feels strange, with practice you'll become accustomed to the sensation and have more wiggle room with this rule.
- Breathe slowly while on the acupressure mat. "Taking deep breaths while on the mat can intensify the benefits of it," explains Erin Weber, P.T., DBT, a physical therapist at Flow Physiotherapy in Brooklyn. Breathing slowly also helps to relax the body and improve blood flow to the areas that are congested.
- Start slowly. "When pairing this with diaphragmatic breathing, you might get a little lightheaded. That's when you would stop and go back to your normal respiratory rate or roll back to your side," Weber says. Start using the mat for a few minutes at a time, and as you get more comfortable, you may want to increase your time on it.
- It is not recommended to lie down on the mat for too long. Xia cautions users not to sleep on an acupressure mat for any longer than 30 minutes since they are designed to make impressions on the skin. It might cause bruising or abrasions if used for longer periods of time.
FAQs
- Should you buy it?
If you suffer from painful muscle tension, soreness, lack of sleep, or stress, then yes. At just $29, it delivers incredible value. It can be uncomfortable to use, at first, but the relief I felt was worth it.
- Who shouldn't use them?
Weber recommends avoiding these mats if you have an open wound, as they can cause pain or infection. People with poor circulation will not benefit as much from these mats, so they should avoid them also. If you are pregnant or have any preexisting medical conditions, consult a physician before starting.
Pros & Cons
Pros: An inexpensive way to relieve tension and self-care.
Cons: Getting on the mat can be very uncomfortable at first.
Alternatives
Larger mats can target larger parts of your body, while acupressure pillows can touch specific parts of your head, neck, lower back, and shoulders. Metal spikes optimally release endorphins that interact with receptors to reduce pain, anxiety, and stress while simultaneously providing the feeling of calm, relaxed, and euphoric pleasure.
Final Thoughts
Although these mats do not perform true acupuncture, there are, nonetheless, many very real theories about how and why they might help promote sleep, reduce pain, tension, and stress.
I can't speak for every acupressure mat available, but the one we offer starts at $29 on our website and it has been one of my more valuable investments.
As someone who uses it regularly to manage sleep, stress, and discomfort, I believe it's an effective way to relieve back pain, muscle soreness, stress, or improve sleep quality. I find that it is most effective when using it with just my naked skin against the mat, even if you can wear a shirt for a less intense experience.
Do you have experience with one of our products in the Acupressure Collection? Would you mind leaving a review below in the comments?
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