What does an Acupressure Mat actually do?
Acupressure mats are designed to produce similar results as acupressure massage for muscle-pain relief and relaxation after a long day.
From Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupressure is a technique used to release blocked chi (Qi) throughout the body. Once these blockages are removed, pain may be reduced or completely alleviated.
Acupressure mats work on contact.
Therefore, acupressure mats contain several hundred points which apply pressure to many acupressure points not just in the back, but also in the stomach, feet, neck or your hands.
How to use
Acupressure mats can take some getting used to – but it will worth it! The spikes are sharp and in the beginning they can cause discomfort or pain for several minutes, before they start to warm up the body and feel good.
To get the best results, we recommend to use the mat each day for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
Remember to breathe and practice consciously relaxing your body.
- Choose the surface to put it on. Beginners often use the mat spread out on a bed or sofa. Intermediate and experienced users may move their mats onto the floor.
- Start out with a layer between yourself and the mat. Wearing a light shirt may help you acclimate to the feeling of the mat. You might get the best results when the mat is in contact with your bare skin, but don’t feel the need to go shirt-off right away.
- Lie down slowly. Lie down with your weight evenly distributed on the mat. This will help you avoid injury from the points.
- Reposition yourself carefully. Don’t fidget or move around on the mat, as you may scratch your skin that way.
- Try sitting on it. You can also sit on or against the mat or pillow in a chair, so that your butt and lower back have direct contact to the spikes.
- Use consistently. Mats take getting used to, but really seem to work for many people. If this product appeals to you, stick with it and give it time to work.