what are the benefits of acupressure mats

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What does an acupressure mat actually do?

What Does an Acupressure Mat Actually Do?

• ProSource Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set $25. ...
• Spoonk Acupressure Mat $30. ...
• Pranamat ECO Therapeutic Manual Massage Mat $160. ...
• Nayoya Back and Neck Pain Relief Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set $55. ...
• ZenGuru Acupressure U-Shaped Neck Pillow $33. ...
• TENS Unit 24 Modes Muscle Stimulator $38. ...
• AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller $20. ...

What is the best time to use Accupressure mat?

Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Trying Other Positions

1. Tuck in your knees to relieve pain in your lower back. Bring your knees up and pull your heels in, dragging to the edge of your bottom.
2. Relax your feet by placing them on your mat or pillow. Sit on a comfortable chair and rest your bare feet on the acupressure mat or pillow.
3. Lie on your stomach after a tough workout. ...

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Do acupressure mats actually work?

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese therapy that is practiced by health professionals around the world. With an acupressure mat, you can enjoy the treatment in your own home. But, do acupressure mats actually work? Yes! Research has shown they offer a number of different health advantages from natural pain management to a healthier complexion.

How long should you lay on an acupressure mat?

Mostly used ways to use acupressure mat:

• Laying on the floor on your back.
• Putting the mat on the chair when you work for example.
• Laying on the floor on your chest, try to put your face above the mat.
• Putting your legs on the mat when you sit or lay on the ground.

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How long should you lie on an acupressure mat?

You will want to lay on the mat for at least 25 minutes and up to 40 minutes to fully relax your body and your mind. This can be really nice to do at the end of the day as you get ready to go to bed.

What are the benefits of lying on an acupressure mat?

“By promoting healthy blood flow, an acupressure mat can trigger the release of endorphins that promote relaxation and lead to sleep that comes more easily and is higher quality,” says Bacharach. “This effect will also relieve anxiety, stress, and tension, similarly promoting healthy sleep.”

How many times a week should you use acupressure mat?

It's recommended that you start at around 2 minutes, then onto 5 and 10 over the course of a week or two. Eventually you'll be able to spend a good 20 minutes, which in turn will help treat anxiety, stress, circulation problems, sports recovery and so much more.

Can acupressure mat helps with weight loss?

Acupressure is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that's believed to have many positive health benefits, including aiding in weight loss. While the research on acupressure for weight loss is scarce, the current literature suggests that both acupressure and acupuncture may be effective weight loss interventions.

How many times a day can I use my acupressure mat?

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.

Who shouldn't use an acupressure mat?

People with high blood pressure should talk to a doctor before using one, too. Most acupressure mat manufacturers don't recommend pregnant people use them, and children and babies should also avoid contact with the mats.

Can you lay on your stomach on an acupressure mat?

“You can wake up and stand on the mat barefoot—there are a ton of nerve endings in the feet—to energize yourself and wake up ,” she says. She also recommends using the mat at the end of the day: Lie down on your stomach and do some deep breathing into the belly to wind down.

Can you use an acupressure mat too much?

Start by using the mat for a few minutes at a time, and work your way up from there as you start to feel more comfortable. Don't use it for too long: While some acupressure mats are marketed as bed accessories, Xia does not recommend sleeping on them or using them for any longer than 30 minutes.

Can acupressure be harmful?

Are There Any Precautions With Acupressure? In general, acupressure is very safe. If you have cancer, arthritis, heart disease, or a chronic condition, be sure to have a discussion with your doctor before trying any therapy that involves moving joints and muscles, such as acupressure.

Does acupressure mat help with cellulite?

Cellulite Reduction As a bonus, acupressure mats can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. By massaging the skin and underlying tissues, the mat's spikes help to increase elasticity and dissipate fluid retention, leading to less dimpling and a smoother overall appearance.

Where is the pressure point for weight loss?

Apply gentle pressure on the space between your upper lip and nose (philtrum). Make sure to apply moderate pressure right in the centre of the philtrum. This pressure point is known as the shuigou spot. You can also massage this spot in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes every day to stimulate metabolism.

How can I lose my stomach fat?

19 Effective Tips to Lose Belly Fat (Backed by Science)Eat plenty of soluble fiber. ... Avoid foods that contain trans fats. ... Don't drink too much alcohol. ... Eat a high protein diet. ... Reduce your stress levels. ... Don't eat a lot of sugary foods. ... Do aerobic exercise (cardio) ... Cut back on carbs — especially refined carbs.More items...•

What is the difference between acupuncture and acupressure?

What’s the difference between acupuncture and acupressure? 1 Acupuncture and acupressure both stimulate acupoints. Acupuncture is with needles that pierce the skin, acupressure is non-invasive with manual pressure used to massage the acupoints. [1] 2 Despite the differences, you’ll often hear people refer to acupressure mats as ‘acupuncture mats’ or ‘pressure point mats’.

What is acupressure mat?

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese therapy that is practiced by health professionals around the world. With an acupressure mat, you can enjoy the treatment in your own home.

How long does it take for acupressure to lower blood pressure?

During the trial it was found that blood pressure was lowered for a period of at least 30 minutes. More research is needed to see the extent to which acupressure can reduce blood pressure on a long term basis, however the project proved it to be effective as a short term solution.

Does acupressure have any side effects?

17: Little or No Side Effects. Use of an acupressure mat is found to have little or no side effects. Research that looked at pain severity in female nurses with chronic back pain, determined that acupressure was effective in reducing pain but also that it was an easy therapy with no side effects.

Is acupressure a needle?

Acupuncture and acupressure both stimulate acupoints. Acupuncture is with needles that pierce the skin, acupressure is non-invasive with manual pressure used to massage the acupoints. [1] Despite the differences, you’ll often hear people refer to acupressure mats as ‘acupuncture mats’ or ‘pressure point mats’.

Does acupressure help with pain?

Findings published in the IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science showed that acupressure can stimulate the production of endorphins which helps to block the pain signals reaching the brain.

Can you use acupressure mats in your home?

Acupressure is carried out by physical therapists in many clinics, however the benefit of an acupressure mat is that you can use it in your own home! It’s ideal if you have pain that strikes without warning, as you have a pain relief option that you can roll out whenever you need it.

What is the difference between acupressure mats and acupuncture mats?

The main difference is that acupressure mats stimulate many acupressure points indiscriminately, as op posed to targeted acupressure or acupuncture treatments provided by a professional.

How many spikes are on a Nayoya acupressure mat?

Key features. The Nayoya is slightly smaller in size than the ProSource Fit, but has exactly the same number of plastic spikes (6,210 spikes on the mat and 1,782 points on the pillow). It’s made from cotton and can be hand washed. The foam padding can be removed. It also comes with a nicely sized vinyl carrying case. As with just about every acupressure mat out there, it has the same design and is meant to be used the same way.

What is the best way to relieve back pain?

There are also acupressure pillows which can be used on the neck, head, hands, or feet. Many people are currently using acupressure mats to alleviate back pain and headaches.

How much does an acupressure mat cost?

Acupressure mats are all very similar in design and tend to cost anywhere between $20–$60. The difference in cost is sometimes associated with extra bells and whistles, such as storage bags. The fabric used to make the mat may also be a factor.

What is acupressure mat?

From Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), 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.

How to get the best results from a mat?

Start out with a layer between yourself and the mat. Wearing a light shirt or placing a thin fabric 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 don’t feel the need to go shirt-off right away.

How to use a mat?

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.

What are the benefits of acupressure mats?

The benefits of acupressure mats can include pain reduction without the need to take medication, acupuncture-like effects without any needles, versatility with treating multiple body parts, simplicity, safety of use, and their relatively inexpensive purchase cost.

What are the factors that affect pain relief?

While prolonged pain relief can be attributed to different factors, one of the more commonly attributed factors is the release of endorphins within the body. Endorphins are chemicals produced within the body that can reduce pain perception when present in high enough concentrations.

Why do endorphins release?

The body releases endorphins in response to the sustained pressure from the mat’s spikes interacting with the skin. Since endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the pain-relieving effects can occur throughout the entire body (since blood travels to every part of the body).

Where to use acupressure mat?

While most people are familiar with using an acupressure mat for their middle and upper back (by laying down on it), acupressure mats can, in fact, be used on other areas of the body, such as the legs, bottoms of the feet, and even the arms. The mid-upper back is indeed the most common spot, but don’t discount the benefits ...

What are the benefits of using a mat?

Benefit 1: Reducing the need to take medication. Benefit 2: No need for needles. Benefit 3: Prolonged pain relief from endorphin release . Benefit 4: Use on multiple body parts. Benefit 5: Inexpensive and highly portable. Benefit 6: Simplicity and safety of use. Bonus: How to relax while using a mat. Disclaimer: While I am a physical therapist, I am ...

Is acupressure bad for your skin?

Since there is no skin penetration when using an acupressure mat (unlike traditional acupuncture), there is no real risk of infection. As well, one certainly doesn’t need formal medical training to lay down on the mat. Just make sure that the intensity of the spikes feels strong yet tolerable on your skin.

Can acupressure mats be used on multiple body parts?

Benefit 4: Use on multiple body parts. Acupressure mats can be used on multiple body parts, which is a tremendous benefit when using one. This particular benefit is one that not everyone is familiar with.

Why do people use acupressure mats?

As Lucking explains, “Acupressure can sometimes help with nausea during pregnancy and chemotherapy, and people have used it for pain in labor as well as for fatigue, fibromyalgia, insomnia, anxiety and depression, and chronic pain in the neck and back. ”.

What are the benefits of endorphins?

These benefits most likely have to do with those endorphin chemicals—which are also stimulated by activities like exercise, eating, and sex—mentioned above. According to Lucking, the benefits of increased endorphins include: 1 Decreased anxiety 2 Decreased depression 3 Increased sense of well-being 4 Lowered stress levels 5 Higher self-esteem and confidence 6 Better regulated appetite 7 Less pain 8 Less tension

How to get Lucking?

For beginners, Lucking recommends the following steps: Start out with a significant layer between yourself and the mat, such as a heavy t-shirt. Try using the mat on your feet or sitting on your bum first to get used to the effects. Start with 5 minutes and work your way up to 10 to 20 minutes a day.

What is acupressure in Chinese medicine?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupressure is designed to target different points along the meridian lines, or energy pathways, of the body. “It’s all about eliminating blockages in our neuro-vascular pathways—which is where our nervous system and cardiovascular systems meet,” she explains.

What is acupressure therapy?

Essentially, it’s a complementary therapy believed to stimulate the central nervous system (CNS).

Why do I have low endorphins?

Some research has shown that low levels of endorphins could be tied to certain health conditions, like depression, fibromyalgia, and chronic headaches. A deficiency in endorphins seems to affect not just your pain but also your mood and ability to handle stress.

Is acupressure a substitute for acupuncture?

At the end of the day, an acupressure mat isn’ t a replacement for clinician-run acupuncture or acupress ure session or as the only treatment for a medical condition, but it’s a great at-home therapy to complement a holistic health plan and stimulate endorphins and optimize wellness. by Gretchen Lidicker. Health Writer.

What is the purpose of acupressure mats?

Acupressure mats release endorphins and oxytocin into the blood stream, which naturally allows our body to relax and relieve pain in different areas of the body. If you use an acupressure mat regularly, and for a long enough period of time, it has the ability to provide the following health benefits: – Natural Pain Relief (fibromyalgia, arthritis, ...

How do acupressure mats work?

How Acupressure Mats Work. Acupressure mats work by acting on various nerve endings and acupressure points along the spine to help eliminate tension and stimulate the production of hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins. The release of these calming hormones allows us to feel relaxed, at peace and in a better mood. Research on Acupressure Mats.

What is acupressure used for?

But unlike these acupuncture, which involves inserting tiny needles at various ace-points on the body, acupressure helps relieve aches and pains noninvasively. It helps diffuse your energy, or “chi” through touch and pressure.

Why do I use a computer mat?

Using the mat did seem to help my body ease out of the stiffness and knots in my back and shoulders. You can use the mat when you’re at your computer, reading a book, watching TV, or meditating.

Can you relax on a mat?

To my surprise, yes. A small 2011 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people were able to “subjectively relax” once they got used to the initial pain of sitting on the mat.

Can you use a cloth on an acupressure mat?

While this will reduce the efficacy of the therapy, it will help your skin get used to the “nails” so that eventually, you won’t need to use a cloth.

What is acupressure?

The use of acupressure is based on acupuncture, which is the process of inserting small, single-use needles in the skin over acupuncture points. Insertion of these needles in specific points serves to relieve pain, inflammation, and other symptoms in the body.

How much do acupressure mats cost?

These products are very affordable! The mats are also quite durable, making this a good deal for a product which will seemingly receive much use. The average cost of the acupressure mats on the market is between $20 – $35.

A few acupressure mats to consider

Honestly, there are a number of acupressure mats on the market! With this in mind, below I’ll review 5 of the best acupressure mats, including my personal experience.

My personal experience using acupressure mats

After regular mat use for over a week, I noticed an improvement in the tension I usually hold in my upper neck. I also became less sensitive to the intensity of the pressure points as the week went on, which served as a reassuring source of relief rather than slightly intolerable.

Final thoughts

Being there is a large discrepancy between the number of acupressure points in the body and the number of pressure points on the mats, it makes sense to say these mats are not targeting each acupressure point specifically, nor are they isolating any points.

How long should I use a foot mat?

Generally, experts recommend you use the mat for just 10 to 20 minutes at a time to elicit a therapeutic benefit. However, if you have poor sensation in your feet (neuropathy), or open wounds like a blister on the soles of your feet, our experts recommend you skip a mat.

What is a TCM mat?

The concept is a traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM) technique and taps into the philosophies of acupuncture and reflexology, says Christine M. Scarano Ward, DPT, physical therapist at Theradynamics Physical Therapy. Acupressure mats are designed to stimulate pressure points near the body’s meridians, or energy lines, to allow chi (Qi), or energy, ...

Why do we need acupressure mats?

“An acupressure mat can help begin the process of strengthening our feet and ankles by providing a way to promote blood flow to bare feet, allowing fresh nutrients and oxygen to the muscles within our feet,” Madia says.

Can acupressure mats help runners?

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of scientific research to back up the claims of acupressure mats, but experts have seen anecdotal evidence that suggests these mats can be a beneficial recovery tool for runners and have the potential to reduce foot injuries by increasing foot strength and stability.

Do running shoes weaken your feet?

As runners, our feet are known to take a beating. Plus, those plush running shoes you love so much can weaken the small muscles in your feet. So a recovery tool like an acupressure mat that claims to both relieve foot pain and strengthen your feet sounds appealing.

Who is Jordan Smith?

Jordan Smith Digital Editor Jordan Smith is a writer and editor with over 5 years of experience reporting on health and fitness news and trends. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.

How to get rid of back pain?

"For sleep and back pain, lie on the mat and position the pillow in the neck crevice behind the head. Allow your shoulder blades to drop down your back towards your tailbone and melt into the mat. Enjoy the feelings of the muscles in the back being stimulated and releasing," Pither says.

What does acupressure do?

Acupressure mats kind of look like short yoga mats that have plastic spikes covering the surface that are designed to apply pressure at points throughout your body.

How much does acupressure mat cost at Walmart?

It comes in six colors and is a great deal for a set under $20. $19 at Walmart.com.

Why do I love the mat on my feet?

To boost your energy. "For energy, we love the sensation of the mat on our feet to stimulate the reflexology points and nerve endings resulting in an energy boost. Perfect for tired sore legs or lethargy, " Pither says. The idea behind reflexology is similar to acupressure, except in reflexology you focus on specific points in the hands or feet. ...

What is reflexology similar to?

The idea behind reflexology is similar to acupressure, except in reflexology you focus on specific points in the hands or feet. The idea is that certain pressure points in your feet are connected to certain organs or systems in the body, which you can apply pressure to in order to help you relax, sleep better or relieve pain.

Is acupuncture good for cancer patients?

A 2019 systemic and meta analysis of research found that acupressure and acupuncture were helpful for pain management in cancer patients. The study did say that there needs to be more research before we can really understand if and how acupressure works.

Is acupressure good for migraines?

Some of the potential benefits of using acupressure mats include reduced anxiety, pain, better sleep and relief from migraines. But most of the evidence on these claims is anecdotal and not super solid when it comes to research.

How many people participated in the acupressure study?

A total of 82 people participated in the study. Those who used acupressure mats recorded significantly lower pain ratings than those in the control group. However, the study authors note that participants also continued other treatments alongside acupressure therapy. A 2019 review.

What is an acupressure mat?

An acupressure mat, also sometimes called a needle stimulation pad (NSP), is covered with hundreds of plastic nubs. These small bulges deliver pressure to parts of the body in contact with the surface.

Can acupressure mats cause harm?

More research on acupressure mats for pain relief is necessary to support the various claims that mat manufacturers have made. These mats are unlikely to cause people harm, though. In most cases, people can use acupressure therapy without experiencing adverse effects.

Is acupressure the same as acupuncture?

Acupressure therapy is similar to acupuncture, but acupressure mats do not contain needles or puncture the skin. As with acupuncture, acupressure involves stimulating pressure points near the body’s meridian or energy lines to allow chi (Qi), or energy, to flow freely.

Does acupressure help with period pain?

A 2011 study in Iran#N#Trusted Source#N#involving 72 students found that acupressure helped reduce menstruation-related pain. The researchers also observed that ibuprofen use decreased in those using acupressure to treat period pain and other menstrual symptoms.

Is acupressure a good tool?

Even though little research exists on the benefits of acupressure mats, they are an inexpensive, safe, and easy-to-use tool. People who have a fear of needles may prefer acupressure therapy to acupuncture. Keep reading for an overview of some of the research on the possible uses for acupressure and acupressure mats.

Does trigger point massage help with headaches?

on trigger point massage for tension headaches point to a decrease in headache frequency but not duration and intensity. Both the placebo and massage groups recorded the same results. The researchers caution that studies on headache pain that lack a placebo group risk overstating the effects of the studied intervention.