Does Acupressure Mat Work?

What is an Acupressure Mat?

Acupressure mats also known as acupuncture mats, Flower Field mats, or Lotus Flower mats are readily accessible tools in alternative medicine that enable users to receive the advantages of acupressure at home.

The majority of these mats are made of cotton or other materials like it, and they have plastic acupuncture points that stimulate particular body parts to help with pain relief or other issues.

Because of the extreme density of these acupressure sites, some people refer to them as nail bed mats or even fakir mats. People who are unfamiliar with acupressure mats may be confused about how to use them even though these mats are practical and easy to use.

Some people might be concerned about getting hurt or having their skin pierced when using these mats, while others might be frightened about acupuncture. The skin is merely stimulated when using an acupressure mat.

You receive the acupuncture advantages without experiencing any pain from the flowers since the weight of your body is dispersed over the numerous spikes (or flowers) on the mat.

The whole of your body can be treated with acupressure, including the hands and feet for reflexology.

We will go over the fundamentals of using acupressure mats, also known as Lotus Flower Mats, as well as how to apply them to particular issues in this post.

The effectiveness of acupressure mats for the treatment of illnesses and other problems, such as back pain, has not been subjected to many scientific studies to far. However, at least one study supports the advantages of acupressure.

Do not forget to discuss any medical issues you are experiencing or potential therapies with your doctor.

If you have a skin infection or open wounds, are pregnant, breastfeeding, have heart disease, are taking blood pressure medication, or have any of these conditions, you should not use an acupressure mat.

How does the Acupressure Mat work?

Similar theories underlie acupuncture, acupressure, and reflexology mats. There are two philosophical traditions, and each has an opinion on acupressure mats.

Details of an acupressure mat's lotus flower spikes. According to the first school, utilizing a mat with a lot of spikes most mats have over 6000 points increases the likelihood that a beginner would activate the more than 100 acupressure points on their back (called meridians).

This may offer practically identical advantages as expert acupuncture or acupressure treatments. The primary distinction is that acupressure mats cannot target particular issues or spots.

According to the second school of thought, the advantages of acupressure mats result from the blood flowing more freely as a result of the stimulation that pimples provide.

The thousands of points pressing into your skin on the initial use of the mat may make you feel a little uneasy. The areas it stimulates experience an increase in blood flow. Adapt your schedule.

Your muscles will begin to relax as your back (or other body parts) warm up after a short while. This enhanced blood flow is said to be both soothing and therapeutic.

Benefits of Acupressure Mats:

The fact that anyone can use acupressure mats is its greatest benefit. Contrary to conventional acupressure therapy, no specialist training or understanding is necessary to get positive outcomes.

It is a less expensive option that enables consumers to receive daily treatment without having to pay a professional for repeated consultations because many acupressure mats are reasonably priced. These mats can be utilized both independently and in conjunction with acupuncture or acupressure treatments.

Acupressure mat users claim that they experience a wide range of remarkable health advantages. Because the mat relaxes the muscles, it helps the whole body to relax.

It can assist ease pain and alleviate muscle tension by doing so. Acupressure mats are frequently used to treat back and neck pain, but they can also be used to treat pain in other body areas.

Your entire body will relax if you utilize your mat for a prolonged amount of time due to the stimulation. This unwinding is beneficial for reducing stress or anxiety and for letting go of the day's tension so that you can get a good night's sleep. You might choose to practice meditation while using your acupressure mat if you find it to be soothing.

Using the mat can also assist improve your mood since the pressure on the specific places stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins. You'll benefit the most from utilizing your acupressure mat frequently, just like you would with meditation or yoga.

Benefits of using an acupressure mat

With each use, you will also benefit from the following health advantages in addition to being able to target particular issues and regions of your body for therapy and comfort. One more justification for everyday use of your acupressure mat!

• Relieves stress and anxiety.
• Increases blood circulation.
• Improves oxygen levels.
• Reduces muscle tension.
• Stimulates endorphin production to improve mood and help eliminate depression.
• Promotes restful sleep and reduces insomnia.
• Energizes the body.

How and why use an acupressure mat?

We strongly advise wearing a t-shirt or covering the mat with a towel or sheet if this is your first time using an acupressure mat in order to lessen the severity of the pressure points. You can use the mat directly on your bare skin as soon as you get acclimated to it (which is the recommended method).

The mat is often positioned on a level area. This can be done on your bed, a couch, or the ground. If you're using the mat on the floor, you can put a yoga mat or another mat below it to make yourself more comfortable. To support your head or legs, feel free to utilize bolsters or yoga cushions as supports.

Lay down on the mat with your back evenly spaced across the peaks. To get into a comfortable position, don't be afraid to shift your body as needed. Bend your knees or place a pillow under them to focus on your lower back.

Allowing your body time to acclimatize can help you avoid feeling uncomfortable for the first few minutes of a spike. Laying on the mat for 20 minutes can help you feel refreshed and renewed; for 20 to 40 minutes, you'll feel tranquil and relaxed.

To help you maintain track of time, setting an alarm or listening to a guided meditation may be beneficial.

Be mindful of evenly distributing your weight across the surface. If you apply pressure to a small region of the spikes, you risk damaging or puncturing your skin because they are sharp (like putting your entire body weight on the tip of a finger while pressing on a spike).

Typically, this method is applied to treat back discomfort, relax, or promote sleep. Knowing how to utilize an acupressure mat will help you with the strategies we discuss below for more specialized themes.

1) Acupressure for back pain

Acupressure mats are most frequently used to treat back pain. As a result of the improved blood flow, your muscles can repair and you can unwind to relieve stress and pain.

Set the mat down on a level surface. As you carefully lower your back until you are lying on the mat, sit at the mat's base. Your back will experience immediate healing heat thanks to acupressure as the blood flow through the spikes or flowers increases.

You can roll up a towel and place it under the mat to create a curve that will push against your spine if you have lower back pain. An additional position that will push your lower back into the mat is to bow your knees or rest them on a pillow or rolled-up blanket.

If you have shoulder pain, you can use an acupressure cushion or a rolled towel underneath the top of the mat to provide greater pressure to the neck and shoulders (we'll go into more detail about this in the next section).

For around 20 minutes, lie on the mat to unwind, revive, and feel refreshed.

Check out the finest acupressure mats for back pain if you want to try acupressure for your back pain.

2) Acupressure for neck pain

An acupressure pillow is frequently used by persons with persistent neck discomfort to target their neck.

Pillows come in a variety of sizes, styles, and patterns. One that best meets your demands can be found. You can also always build an acupressure cushion out of a bath towel or a regular pillow and position it under your mat to reduce neck pain.

Simply lay down on a flat surface or sit on a high-backed chair or sofa if you only want to utilize an acupressure pillow. Put the pillow behind your neck in a comfortable position. Use it for 20 minutes or until the pain subsides.

A flat surface is best for the acupressure mat if you wish to utilize a neck cushion with it. Place the cushion beneath your neck as you slowly sit down on the mat. Until you feel at ease, adjust your body and the pillow as necessary. Spend 20 to 40 minutes without moving.

Roll up a towel and place it under the acupressure mat at head height if all you want to do is utilize the mat. Slowly slide your back down the mat until your neck is supported by the towel's pillow.

As necessary, adjust your body and the mat. Do a 20-minute session for a boost in energy and up to 40 minutes for whole body relaxation.

3) Acupressure for anxiety and stress

Your body will relax while you're lying on an acupressure mat, and your mind will also unwind as a result. Many people claim that utilizing acupressure mats reduces their anxiety while also relieving their daily stress.

The mat should be applied in the same manner as when treating back discomfort. You take a comfortable position on the mat and lie down. You can do this by lying on your bed or couch, which will be a little softer than the floor.

Once you are resting on the mat, and you are at ease, inhale deeply and unwind. Focus on your breathing while closing your eyes. You might use this opportunity to meditate or repeat a mantra.

To totally relax your body and mind, lie on the mat for at least 25 minutes and as long as 40 minutes. When you've finished your workday or are getting ready for bed, doing this can be really delightful.

4) Acupressure for energy

You will feel energetic if you don't spend too much time on your acupressure mat. This is a fantastic method to use your mat in the morning to prepare for the day or in the afternoon when you are experiencing a mid-afternoon energy slump.

I advise putting your mat on the ground (rather than a bed or couch which may make you sleepy or lethargic). If you need a bit extra cushion or your floor is rough, you may alternatively use it on a mat or yoga mat.

Lay on your mat and start a 20-minute timer. Ensure that you feel at ease. Use your mat for no more than 20 minutes; beyond that, it will start to induce relaxation.

5) Acupressure for Cellulite

Many people assert that using an acupressure mat on specific regions of their bodies on a regular basis helps to lessen or even get rid of cellulite, even if it may sound a little too good to be true. It is true that the treated area's enhanced blood flow aids in cellulite reduction.

The legs and thighs, buttocks, and stomach are among the body parts you can target with the usage of an acupressure mat to decrease cellulite. If you work a desk job that is sedentary, you can reap the benefits by setting a mat on your desk chair and sitting on it while you work.

Additionally, it has the benefit of increasing blood flow to your lower body, which is advantageous for your general health and wellbeing.

The majority of people claim that applying an acupressure mat to each location for 15 to 30 minutes every day would greatly lessen the appearance of cellulite. Unfortunately, the results are temporary, so you must keep up the routine.

Of course, in addition to acupressure, you also need to make sure that you choose a good diet and exercise routine.

You can buy a cellulite massage mat or use any form of acupressure mat or pillow that is effective for the area of the body you are focusing on.

6) Acupressure for sleep and insomnia

Many claim that utilizing an acupressure mat will help you fall asleep and even treat insomnia since it relaxes your body.

To improve your sleep, try using an acupressure mat every day in the late afternoon or evening. I advise employing acupressure right before bed if you're specifically using it to cure insomnia or other sleep issues.

Lay out your acupressure mat once you have finished your customary sleep routine. Although I advise using it in bed, some individuals choose to use it on the floor. Lay on the mat with your eyes closed. To calm your mind, concentrate on your breathing.

Use the mat for at least 20 minutes or until you feel yourself starting to nod off. Just make sure to take the mat off and avoid using it the entire night.

If you utilize the mat as part of your usual evening routine, your body will learn that it is time to unwind, let go, and sleep, which may make it easier for you to fall asleep..

7) Foot Acupressure and Reflexology

Acupressure mats can help relieve foot pain if you spend the entire day on your feet or if you get it because of uncomfortable shoes. The soles of the feet can also be used for reflexology to treat different health issues.

Depending on your technique, a mat or a pillow can be used. Some individuals like to stand right on the mat, which would be invigorating. Some people apply pressure to various locations with one foot at a time, much like a massage.

Although some users claim that simply sleeping on the mat helps them with their headaches, standing on the mat can aid with headaches and migraines.

There are several foot mats that are more comfortable and simulate a massage if you feel that standing on an acupressure mat bothers your feet.