How Does an Acupressure Mat Work?

How Does an Acupressure Mat Work? Acupressure is an easy way to improve our physical and mental well-being. Acupressure reduces stress and pain while uplifting low moods and encourages restful sleep. Regular acupressure has many health benefits. But appointments with an acupressure practitioner are not always possible. This article explains How to Get Acupuncture Benefits at Home with an Acupressure Mat.

What Is Acupressure?

Acupressure uses targeted pressure to restore body balance and blood flow. Increased blood flow encourages endorphin release, skin rejuvenation, and improved metabolism. 

Research shows acupressure promotes wellness and relaxation. It is useful after strenuous physical activity, yoga, barre, or pilates.

Traditionally, Acupressure pressure is applied by hand, elbow, or various devices. One of those devices is an acupressure mat.

How Does an Acupressure Mat Work?

Acupressure mats have small “spikes” that work like an acupressure treatment. The spikes engage the body’s natural healing and relaxation capabilities.

The body weight is applied against the spikes on the mat. The balanced force of the spikes increases blood flow. This releases pain and stiffness in the muscles. It is relaxing like a massage even though the sensation is different. Unlike medications, an acupressure mat can be used as often as necessary.

How an Acupressure Mat Feels

The spikes aren’t as sharp or spikey as they look. Not too hard, not too soft. They do not give way but don’t pierce or scratch the skin either. 

They do cause a temporary redness due to increased blood flow from the acupressure spikes after laying down on the mat.

If you’ve had acupressure or a deep massage before, you’ll recognize the feeling. If you haven’t had acupressure, it is comfortable but still a pressure that takes a few minutes to get used to. Then the muscle tension gives way and almost melts. It feels very relaxing.

Tips:

• It is more comfortable to start using the acupressure mat on a mattress than on the floor.
• Wear a thin shirt instead of bare skin.

Once I got the hang of it, I found a few favorite ways to use the mat:

• Use it to restore proper blood flow after sitting too long at a computer, desk, or long car rides.
• It is helpful on achy legs and feet after a day of walking, standing, or wearing stiletto heels. I stand barefoot on the mat or lay my legs atop the mat.
• I use it when I am having difficulty focusing on my yoga or pilates or during cool-down stretches.
• Use the mat while reading or watching TV.

What an Acupressure Mat Does

Acupressure Mats ease pain and muscle tension within minutes.

Acupressure Mats do this by restoring blood flow to tense muscles. This is relaxing, mood-boosting, and a natural pain reliever.

This mat has spikes that work like an acupressure treatment. The spikes engage the body’s natural healing and relaxation capabilities. It can improve a stiff neck, headache, chronic pain, and stress.

Ways To Use An Acupressure Mat

Increased blood flow to problem areas can work wonders. These acupressure tools help ease anxiety or depression, tension headaches, and sleep disturbances.

Some of my favorite uses (and session timings) include:

• The pillow and mat treats back, sciatica, neck, hip, leg, and neck pain
• Use 30 minutes to reduce the appearance of cellulite
• To heal muscles and reduce pain, use the mat for 20-40 minutes. 
• Use for 20-40 minutes to reduce stress and tension in the shoulders, back, and neck.
• A few minutes before bed helps relax the body for restful sleep

Use the mat on a bed, couch, even at a computer desk chair for quick relief while working or in the car while traveling.

Summary

Acupressure reduces stress, pain and encourages restful sleep. A few minutes of acupressure makes a remarkable difference. It is a simple remedy to support Emotional Wellness and optimize physical comfort. It is comfortable enough to use but stiff enough to be effective. A wonderful gift for someone who wishes to reduce pain or stress naturally.

Was How Does an Acupressure Mat Work useful? You may also like What Is DOMS? About Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. and read about How Acupressure Promotes Better Sleep