Acupressure mats are designed to produce comparable results as acupressure massage.
Acupressure is a technique used to release blocked chi (Qi), or energy, throughout the body. Once these blockages are removed, pain may be reduced or completely alleviated.
Acupressure mats contain several hundred plastic points which apply pressure to many acupressure points in the back. There are also acupressure pillows which can be used on the neck, head, hands, tummy, or feet
Two recommended brands: Shakti Mat Suki Mat
Task
Introduce the Acupressure Mat daily
- NECK & SHOULDERS - tension relief
- BACK – prepares the body for sleep , start with a shirt or pillowcase
- TUMMY - stomach problems / bloating / digestive (cover with a pillowcase to start)
- FEET (start with socks)
Benefits
- Headache
- Backache
- Sciatica in the back and leg
- Tight or stiff back muscles
- Stress and tension
- Fibromyalgia pain
- Insomnia / poor sleep
Timings
- 10– 20 seconds Discomfort the body wants to resist
- 20– 40 seconds the body moves blood to the area
- 1-2 minutes Skin gets warm a sunburnt feeling
- 2-4 minutes Tingly effect like deep heat
- 4-6 minutes Full body restoration
- 6-20 minutes Muscles relax, tension eased, feeling at ease, falling asleep
- 20 minutes plus daily an overall feeling of wellbeing (body & mind)
How To Use
Acupressure mats can take some getting used to. The spikes are sharp and can cause discomfort or pain for several minutes, before they start to warm up the body and feel good.
To get maximum results, use the mat each day for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Remember to breathe and practice consciously relaxing your body.
- Choose the surface to put it on. Beginners often use the mat spread out on a bed or sofa. Intermediate and experienced users may move their mats onto the floor.
- Try sitting on it. You can also sit on or against the mat in a chair, so that your butt and lower back have direct contact.
- Start out with a layer between yourself and the mat. (Socks / Shirt / Pillowcase). Wearing a light shirt or placing a thin like a pillowcase over the spikes may help you acclimate to the feeling of the mat. Users report that they get the best results when the mat is in contact with their bare skin, but do not feel the need to go bare right away. Use socks if feet are placed on the mat (from a seated or standing position)
- Lie down slowly. Lie down with your weight evenly distributed on the mat. This will help you avoid injury from the points.
- Reposition yourself carefully. Do not fidget or move around on the mat, as you may more readily pierce or scratch your skin that way.
- Feet. Begin seated and with socks to seated barefoot and then gradually build up to standing with socks and then standing barefoot. The pressure on the foot meridians will have a therapeutic effect and will produce an overall feeling of wellbeing.
- Use consistently. Mats take getting used to, but really seem to work for many people. If this product appeals to you, stick with it and give it time to work.
Considerations / Contraindications
- Mat spikes can pierce the skin, especially when the mats are used incorrectly. To avoid wounds or infection, do not use an acupressure mat if you have thin skin, diabetes, or poor circulation.
- Most acupressure mat manufacturers do not recommend using them while pregnant.
- Do not use an acupressure mat to induce labour. Acupressure for labour should only be done under a medical professional’s supervision.
- Babies, toddlers, and small children should not use acupressure mats.
- If you have high or low blood pressure, talk to your doctor before using.
- Acupressure mats should not be used instead of medical treatments or prescribed medications.
