Acupressure mats have become quite popular as an easy holistic home treatment tool for after-exercise recovery and general stress relief. Like acupuncture, acupressure is meant to aid chi (Qi), or energy, to freely flow via the human body by stimulating the body’s pressure points. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy whereby pressure is applied to a particular point on one’s body. Acupressure is designed to free up energy blockages that can result in health issues. Acupressure mats are mats designed to work like acupuncture to help balance the body, relieve pain, stress, and much more. The mats resemble short yoga mats with plastic spikes on their surface to help apply pressure at points throughout one’s body. Some acupressure mats have a pillow to help apply pressure on one’s neck as they lie on the mat. That is how acupressure mats work-one lie on the mat for a few minutes, say 10 to 20 minutes, for every acupressure session.
No one truly understands how acupressure mats work. Some people think that the pressure causes endorphins to be released. Endorphins are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the human body. Other people believe that pressure influences the automatic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling involuntary things such as the heart, breathing, and digestion. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles claim that invisible energy pathways known as meridians usually flow within the human body. About 14 meridians are believed to interlink the organs with other body parts. Therefore, acupressure points usually lie along these meridians. When qi is blocked at any point on a meridian, it s believed to result in health issues along such a pathway. Practitioners usually apply pressure to individual acupressure points to reinstitute healthy energy flow. The points chosen typically vary depending on one’s symptoms.
Benefits of acupressure mats
Studies have found acupressure mats to be instrumental in reducing anxiety and pain, improving sleep, and relieving migraines. Acupressure has also been effective in relieving backache, neck pain, fibromyalgia pain, and stiff or tight back muscles. However, most proofs of such claims are informal and not profound in research. Despite the vast array of research that supports these benefits, there is little information about acupressure mats. A study carried out in 2019 found that acupuncture and acupressure effectively manage pain among cancer patients. However, this study concluded by suggesting additional research to be carried out to comprehend if and how acupressure works.
How acupressure mats are used?
Acupressure mats are easy to use. One sets the mat up on the floor, couch, or a bed and lies on it. A person may even decide to include it into their meditation practice or in case of back pain or a headache. Using the mat may take some time before one can adapt. This is because the spikes in an acupressure mat are usually sharp and can cause a lot of pain or discomfort to the person for some minutes before warming up the body and feeling comfortable. To get maximum results, it is advisable to use the mat every day for about 10 to 20 minutes. Taking deep breaths and practicing consciously relaxing the body during each session.
Important considerations
- The acupressure mat spikes can pierce one’s skin if not used correctly. Therefore, people with thin skin, poor circulation, or diabetes should not use them to avoid wounds or infections.
- Acupressure mats are not recommended to pregnant women by most manufacturers.
- Young children, toddlers, and also babies should never use acupressure mats.
- Individuals with low or high blood pressure, osteoporosis, cancer, a bleeding disorder, or heart disease shouldn’t use the mats unless a doctor recommends.
- Acupressure mats should never be used in place of prescribed medications or medical treatments.
What are the side effects of acupressure mats?
Acupressure is associated with some side effects. Some people report feeling sore or bruising at acupressure points after a session. Acupressure may also make one feel light-headed for some time after a session. Pregnant women should talk to their care providers before trying acupressure. During pregnancy, acupressure shouldn’t be done on the following:
- The abdomen
- The lower back
- The Specific points on one’s leg
Acupressure should never be carried out over any of these areas:
- Bruises
- Open wounds
- Swollen areas
- Varicose veins
Conclusion
Despite users claiming that they help reduce pain, anxiety, and other symptoms, little research has been conducted on acupressure mats. If you have issues with body or back pain, migraines, or stress, it might be good to try using an acupressure mat. However, you should know that getting used to them might take a while. Trying acupressure massages or acupuncture might also help. All in all, it is always good to work directly with a professional as this will give you more reassurance and ensure effective results.