Everything to know about acupressure mats
Someone may have recommended getting an acupressure mat if you are struggling with neck and back pain problems. Or perhaps you already bought one but never got around to using it.
So, what is the deal with acupressure mats? Does it work? And how to use it?
Read on to find out the answers to these questions and the multiple benefits of acupressure mats. But first, let us try to understand what acupressure is.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique practiced in many countries for thousands of years and is believed to have originated in China or India.
For centuries, acupuncture has been an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This technique involves piercing thin, long needles into targeted body parts to remove blocks in the natural energy pathways. Since the principle of acupressure is a lot like acupuncture, it is very popular in China as an extension of the traditional acupuncture technique.
Acupressure uses pressure instead of needles to achieve results. Over time, acupressure practitioners have discovered the enormous scope of this treatment method and used it to address various health problems.
In acupressure, firm pressure is applied using fingers or a mat instead of the needles used in acupuncture. Both acupressure and acupuncture work by stimulating different energy pathways in the body. However, the difference is that acupressure is non-invasive.
Some practitioners are skeptical about the effectiveness of acupressure mats. Nevertheless, they agree that applying acupressure can reduce muscle pain and tension. It is also believed to improve relaxation.
Although the research on acupressure mats is limited, available studies suggest they can effectively reduce body pain. Many users have experienced significant improvement in their condition after continuous use.
What is an acupressure mat?
An acupressure mat is a fabric or foam mat with hard and short spikes all over the surface. The hard-plastic needles create uniform pressure all over the body surface that it touches.
When you run your hand over the mat, the uneven surface of the mat will appear to be painful to touch. However, keep in mind that your fingers are sensitive. Your back and body are less sensitive. So, you will be able to tolerate the sensation of the hard, spiky surface when you lay on an acupressure mat. You will most likely enjoy it also.
Acupuncture Mat benefits
An acupuncture mat can offer significant relief for the following health or medical conditions.
- Back Pain: Acupressure mats have been observed to drastically improve chronic back pain conditions and enhance the general quality of life. In a clinical study on people with chronic back pain, the participants experienced a significant reduction in pain when acupressure was applied to targeted locations on the foot and back.
- Sleep quality improvement: Scientific studies have also proven that acupressure is suitable for the elderly and fragile people. Another study observed that acupressure helped to improve overall sleep quality.
- Stress Relief: A study was performed on the caregivers of older family members who had to tolerate high-stress levels daily. Interestingly, the study suggested that self-administered acupressure helped to reduce their stress. However, further studies are needed to analyze this observation’s clinical implications and objectively assess the situation.
- Inflammatory response: A study also suggests that acupressure massages are helpful for athletes and people who indulge in high-intensity activities. It reduced the inflammatory response of the body and improved recovery capacity in those who did repeated jumping exercises.
- Lactic acid accumulation: Acupressure can most likely reduce lactic acid accumulation in the body.
How to use an acupressure mat
Like most medical gear, you will likely take time to adjust to an acupressure mat. The hard and sharp spikes on the surface make it initially uncomfortable to lie down. So, prepare yourself for discomfort when you use it.
To tolerate it better, breathe consciously and relax your body when lying on the mat. You will start feeling better as your body adjusts to the new sensation.
Also, remember that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial discomfort of using the mat. So, use your acupressure mat daily for at least ten to twenty minutes at a stretch. The benefits will follow.
You can either place the mat on the floor or a bed and lie down on it. You can also walk on it if the targeted area is your feet.
Here are some more expert tips to get the most out of your acupressure mat.
- Choose the suitable surface: If you use an acupressure mat for the first time, you may be more comfortable using it on a bed or sofa. Intermediate and expert users can directly place it on the floor and lie down on it.
- Try a sitting position: You can also place the mat on a chair in such a way that it is in contact with your entire rear body. Ensure that your buttocks and lower back are in direct contact with the mat to enjoy optimal benefits.
- Wear a thin layer of clothing when you begin using it: Many people claim that for maximum benefits, you should lie down on the mat bare-skinned. However, acupressure mat companies recommend light clothing like a t-shirt when using it for the first time. Alternatively, you can also place a towel between the mat and your skin. Once you are accustomed to the sensation and feel comfortable, you can get rid of the layer of fabric.
- Take care while repositioning yourself on the mat: Exercise caution while moving your body on the mat. Avoid quick movements as the spiky surface may scratch or bruise your skin.
- Use it regularly and religiously: Although it can take time to adjust to an acupressure mat, it is worth the effort. Make it a part of your daily routine and give it time to work. Before long, you will see the benefits.
Acupressure mats are an excellent solution for people who have aches and pains. Although these mats haven’t been studied extensively, experienced users highly recommend them to cope with all types of discomforts.
Nevertheless, getting used to an acupressure mat can take some time. But once you adjust to the initial discomforts and begin using it regularly, you are bound to feel better. Use it as recommended, and there will be no side effects. Instead, you will experience a profound reduction in pain and a drastic improvement in your overall well-being.
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The content of this article should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. This website is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, certified dietitian, or other licensed professional. Always consult with your primary care provider!
