A few guidelines must be observed in order for acupressure mats to be used safely. These mats, which typically have plastic spikes covering them, are an excellent substitute for at-home acupressure treatments.
After a busy day, schedule some time over the week to unwind and refresh on your mat. You can begin using your acupressure mat frequently if you find it to be enjoyable enough.
1. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing.
Put on some loose shorts or yoga trousers, a comfy tank top or other breathable garment. Since acupressure mats are coated in tiny spiked discs, you might not want to touch the surface with bare flesh.
Dress as if you are preparing to exercise or practice yoga.
2. Lay out a yoga mat on a flat, solid surface if you have one.
Locate a room or corridor in your house that is spacious enough to fit your acupressure mat. As the acupressure tool will be placed on it, make sure your yoga mat is larger than your acupressure mat.
Put it immediately on the floor if you don't have a yoga mat, or feel free to use a large blanket or towel in its place.
3. Lay out your acupressure mat on the yoga mat.
Ensure that the plastic spikes on your acupressure mat are facing up as you unfold it. If your mat includes a unique neck pillow, place it on top of the mat.
Your acupuncture mat is probably not very long. This is entirely typical. The purpose of acupuncture mats is to cure and stimulate particular areas of your body.
4. Set a timer or alarm for 15 minutes so that you can adjust to the mat.
To limit how long you use the Acupressure Mat, set a kitchen timer or the alarm on your phone for roughly 15 minutes. You might want to set your timer for approximately 10 minutes if this is your first time using the mat.
As you get used to the mat, you can set the timer for 30 minutes.
You can set your timer up to 40 minutes.
5. Lie on your stomach with your back centered on the mat.
With so many spikes, the mat may initially feel a little prickly and strange. Gradually begin to rest there. Reduce your height gradually until your entire weight is on the flower mat.
Avoid slipping and landing on the surface! Despite the fact that acupressure mats are intended to stimulate your skin, you don't want to accidentally injure or itch yourself.
6. Move around slightly until you feel comfortable.
It's very normal for you to initially feel strange and uneasy while you become used to the mat. To obtain a cozy and unwinding position, move your back, shoulders, and buttocks a little. Always move gently and slowly to give your body time to adapt.
Before you feel at ease on the mat, it could take a while. Rest assured that this is quite typical.
7. Move slightly until you feel comfortable.
You could initially experience some strange and unsettling feelings while you get used to the mat, which is completely normal!
Find a comfortable and unwinding position by adjusting your back, shoulders, and buttocks slightly. Move carefully and cautiously at all times to give your body time to acclimatize.
It could take a while before you begin to feel at ease on the mat. This is very normal, so don't be alarmed!
8. Use your acupressure mat 2-4 times a week.
Set aside time each week to unwind and recharge. Consider the times and days when you have the most spare time, and try to establish a regular schedule for yourself.
With continued use, you can experience a reduction in stress and an increase in energy.
Try other positions
1. Pull your knees in to relieve pain in your lower back.
Your heels should be tucked in and moving toward the edge of your buttocks as you lift your knees. When you unwind on your acupressure mat, keep your legs in this posture to let the plastic pins target your lower back.
Although you can always lie flat on the mat, this is the best position to work on specific areas of your back. Learn how to choose your acupressure mat as well.
2. Relax your feet by placing them on your acupressure mat or cushion.
Place your bare feet on the acupressure mat or pillow while sitting comfortably in a chair. Cover your face with your arms while you unwind. Depending on how comfortable you feel, stay in this posture for 10 to 20 minutes.
This is a great option for people who are on their feet all day.
You can also stand on the mat.
3. Lie on your stomach after an intense workout.
With your stomach out, slowly lower yourself onto the acupressure pad. To be as comfortable as possible, drape and tuck your arms behind your head and neck. As you do this, try to place your chest and abdomen in the middle of the spikes.
This position can also help with blood circulation, as well as digestion.
4. Improve your posture by sitting upright on the mat.
Keeping your back and legs straight, place your buttocks in the middle of the plastic spikes. If you need additional support, arch your arms back and place them on the yoga mat.
Sitting upright on your mat promotes good posture.
5. Rest on the mat in the cobra position to relieve your quadriceps.
Lay face down on your acupressure mat and raise your upper body into the cobra position by using your arms. Put your attention on gently curving your back while keeping your thighs and groin in the middle of the mat.
This is a great way to relax after an intense workout. You can also use it if you suffer from muscle pain.
6. Incorporate your acupressure mat into your daily activities.
Relax on your mat while watching TV or while reading your favorite book. If you lead a pretty active lifestyle, you can relax with your mat draped over a chair.
Some good practices when using are flower rugs:
- Avoid touching them with bare skin at first: Beginners should avoid lying on them with naked skin because their tips might be sharp. Be careful that the mat might be scratchy to the touch as well, so try to avoid contacting it when you're lying down. Although it will initially feel strange, you will eventually become used to it and have more freedom to break this rule.
- Don't use it for too long: Fleuralia advises against using acupressure mats for more than 30 minutes or for sleeping on them, despite the fact that some of them are promoted as bed accessories. Long-term laying on these spikes may result in bruising or damage to the skin's surface because they leave imprints on the skin.
- When lying down, breathe slowly: TFleuralia advises against using acupressure mats for longer than 30 minutes, even though some of them are sold as bed accessories. Because these spikes leave a mark on the skin, resting on them for an extended period of time may result in bruising or superficial skin damage.
- Start slowly: You can experience some lightheadedness if you combine this technique with diaphragmatic breathing. You should either halt at that point and resume your regular breathing pattern or roll onto your side. When you feel more at ease, increase the time you spend on the mat from the initial few minutes.