What’s an acupressure mat?
Acupressure mats are designed to supply related outcomes as acupressure therapeutic massage.
Acupressure comes from conventional Chinese language Medication (TCM). It’s a method that releases blocked qi, or power, all through the physique. As soon as these blockages are eliminated, ache could also be lowered or utterly alleviated.
How we selected the very best acupressure mats
Acupressure mats are typically very related in design. The variations in value between them are sometimes related to further bells and whistles, similar to storage luggage. The kind of material used to make the mat might also enhance the fee.
Usually, dearer shouldn’t be essentially the identical as more practical, so we tried to incorporate a variety of choices with a wide range of costs.
All of the mats chosen have been picked primarily based on excessive buyer evaluations and the standard of the mats. Every producer went by way of our vetting course of. We reviewed the corporate’s claims and business greatest practices and any potential lawsuits to ensure the product is top quality from all angles.
If you happen to’re able to attempt an acupressure mat, try the mats under.
Healthline’s evaluate
Key options: This mat set is constructed from plant-based foam and thick cotton. The mat is full measurement and incorporates 6,210 plastic spikes. The pillow supplies a further 1,782 spikes. The set is on the market in a number of colours, like black, blue, pink, and purple. You may also use the pillow beneath your ft for added reduction choices.
Finest mat for ft
Key options: This mat has a 13-inch diameter and contains over 250 nodes with 4 strain factors every. It additionally has 10 embedded magnets to assist with blood circulation. The worth is on the inexpensive facet, and if in case you have a versatile spending account (FSA) or well being financial savings account (HSA) plan, you might be able to save much more cash on this product.
Shakti Premium Acupressure Mat Authentic
Key options: You may select from the Shakti Mild with 8,000 strain factors, the Shakti Authentic with 6,000 strain factors, or the Shakti Superior with 4,000 strain factors. The spikes on this mat are designed to not bend or go blunt even with each day use. They’re individually hooked up with a particular clip method.
How do acupressure mats work?
Acupressure mats comprise a number of hundred plastic factors that apply strain to many acupressure factors within the again. Acupressure pillows can be utilized on the neck, head, arms, or ft.
Many individuals use acupressure mats to alleviate again ache and complications. However do they work? It is dependent upon who you ask.
Many customers swear by the optimistic outcomes, however there’s not a big physique of analysis on acupressure mats particularly. Nevertheless, some small studiesTrusted Supply present them to be useful for decreasing ache.
The way to use an acupressure mat
Acupressure mats can take some getting used to. The spikes are sharp and might trigger discomfort or ache for a number of minutes earlier than they begin to heat as much as the physique and really feel good.
To get most outcomes, use the mat every day for 10–20 minutes at a time. Keep in mind to breathe and observe consciously enjoyable your physique.
Listed below are some extra suggestions:
- Select the floor to place it on: Inexperienced persons usually use the mat unfold out on a mattress or couch. Intermediate and skilled customers could transfer their mats onto the ground.
- Strive sitting on it: You may also sit on or towards the mat in a chair so your buttocks and decrease again have direct contact.
- Begin with a layer between your self and the mat: Carrying a light-weight shirt or putting a bit of skinny material over the spikes could assist acclimate you to the sensation of the mat. Customers report getting the very best outcomes when the mat is involved with their naked pores and skin, however don’t really feel the necessity to go shirt-off instantly.
- Lie down slowly: Lie down together with your weight evenly distributed on the mat. This can show you how to keep away from damage from the factors.
- Reposition your self fastidiously: Don’t fidget or transfer round on the mat. Chances are you’ll extra readily pierce or scratch your pores and skin that manner.
- Use constantly: Mats take getting used to, however they do appear to work for many individuals. If this product appeals to you, keep it up and provides it time to work.
What to search for
When selecting an acupuncture mat, you’ll wish to think about:
- Supplies: Acupressure mats are constructed from a variety of extremely artificial and eco-friendly supplies. The supplies used to make the mat are often one of many greatest elements within the value. You’ll wish to search for a mat inside your price range product of sturdy supplies you’re comfy utilizing.
- Variety of spikes and elegance: Mats differ of their variety of spikes and even the form/type of their spikes. You’ll wish to be aware how the spikes are hooked up to the mat since this will have an effect on how lengthy they final with out breaking off.
- Dimension: Acupressure mats are available in a wide range of dimensions and shapes. You’ll wish to discover one which’s a very good match on your physique size or the a part of your physique you wish to goal.
- Any “bonus” objects: Acupressure pillows, balls, and even mini acupressure mats could also be included together with your buy. These might be particularly useful should you plan to make use of acupressure in your arms, legs, arms, and ft. If you happen to plan to journey together with your mat, chances are you’ll wish to search for one with a carrying case.
Do acupressure mats actually work?
Acupressure mats themselves haven’t been studied extensively for his or her potential advantages.
Since these mats work equally to acupressure and acupuncture by stimulating strain factors alongside the meridians of the physique, they might present the identical or related kinds of advantages.
The principle distinction is that acupressure mats stimulate many acupressure factors indiscriminately versus focused acupressure therapies offered by knowledgeable.
What are the advantages of mendacity on an acupressure mat?
Individuals who use acupressure mats have reported discovering reduction for the next situations:
- headache, which is regarded as alleviated by standing on the mat with each ft evenly positioned
- neck ache
- backache
- sciatica ache within the again and leg
- tight or stiff again muscle groups
- stress and pressure
- fibromyalgia ache
- insomnia
Was this useful?
Security suggestions
Acupuncture mats should not protected for everybody. You’ll wish to maintain some issues in thoughts earlier than shopping for or utilizing one:
- Mat spikes can pierce the pores and skin, particularly when used incorrectly. To keep away from wounds or an infection, don’t use an acupressure mat if in case you have skinny pores and skin, diabetes, or poor circulation.
- Most acupressure mat producers don’t suggest utilizing them whereas pregnant.
- Don’t use an acupressure mat to induce labor. Acupressure for labor ought to solely be accomplished beneath a medical skilled’s supervision.
- Infants, toddlers, and young children mustn’t use acupressure mats.
- If in case you have excessive or low blood strain, discuss together with your physician earlier than utilizing it.
- Acupressure mats shouldn’t be used as an alternative of medical therapies or prescribed drugs.
When to speak with a physician
It’s essential to debate any medical issues together with your physician. By no means use an acupressure mat as a substitute for medical care.
An acupressure mat shouldn’t be a substitute for prescribed drugs or medical therapies.
If in case you have ache that doesn’t go away, it’s essential to speak with a physician. Notify your physician instantly if ache, numbness, or weak spot spreads or turns into worse.
Incessantly requested questions
How lengthy does it take for an acupressure mat to work?
Utilizing an acupressure mat for about 20 minutes is usually believed to be adequate. You’ll have to construct as much as this or put on clothes at first. It’s a good suggestion to comply with steerage from the producer and your physician.
Who shouldn’t use an acupressure mat?
Kids or infants mustn’t use acupressure mats. They’re additionally not acceptable for folks with unmanaged hypertension, bleeding problems, or pores and skin irritation or an infection.
If you happen to may very well be pregnant or are pregnant, talk about utilizing an acupressure mat together with your physician first. Moreover, if in case you have delicate pores and skin, coronary heart points, or some other severe medical situation, seek the advice of your physician earlier than utilizing an acupressure mat.
What’s the distinction between acupressure and acupuncture?
Acupressure makes use of guide strain from fingers, elbows, and so forth., to use strain to acupoints. In acupuncture, this strain is utilized with extraordinarily skinny needles that puncture the physique.
Are you able to lie on an acupressure mat for too lengthy?
Whereas there’s not a particular time restrict for mendacity on an acupressure mat (beneath half-hour is regularly really useful), mendacity on spikes for too lengthy could cause bruising or injury to the pores and skin’s floor.
It’s not typically suggested to lie on an acupressure mat in a single day.
Takeaway
Acupressure mats haven’t been studied extensively, however many individuals rave about their potential to cut back ache and stress.
If in case you have again or physique ache, stress, or complications, acupressure mats and pillows could also be value a attempt. They do, nevertheless, take some getting used to.
You may also think about attempting acupressure therapeutic massage or acupuncture. Generally working straight with knowledgeable might be more practical.
