What You Need To Know About Using An Acupressure Mat
Shutterstock By Paige McBride/Dec. 8, 2020 4:15 pm EST
Even the most intense health gurus look at them in fear — acupressure mats can appear pretty intense. With sharp plastic points sticking out all over the front side, acupressure mats may look like instrument of torture to the untrained eye. But if you’ve ever had a deep-pressure massage, you’ll be familiar with the benefits of this type of practice. These mats simulate the relaxing and pain-relieving benefits of an acupressure massage, Healthline explains.
A technique used to stimulate blood flow, and thus the movement of energy throughout the body, acupressure promises to alleviate aches and pains that range from digestive discomfort to old sports injuries. According to the outlet, those who use the mats report reductions in symptoms from things like headaches, back pain, neck stiffness, stress, insomnia, and tension across the body. Unlike an acupressure treatment, these mats stimulate multiple points at once, rather than working out a specific area like you would with a practitioner. So, you’ll likely feel stimulation in various areas of your body along with different pressures throughout, depending on how you lay on the mat. A few studies show that the mats are helpful in pain reduction, but there is little evidence available for widespread benefits. Nonetheless, there’s certainly a reason why so many people want these scary-looking devices — they can work.
What You Need To Know About Using An Acupressure Mat
Shutterstock
By Paige McBride/Dec. 8, 2020 4:15 pm EST
Even the most intense health gurus look at them in fear — acupressure mats can appear pretty intense. With sharp plastic points sticking out all over the front side, acupressure mats may look like instrument of torture to the untrained eye. But if you’ve ever had a deep-pressure massage, you’ll be familiar with the benefits of this type of practice. These mats simulate the relaxing and pain-relieving benefits of an acupressure massage, Healthline explains.
A technique used to stimulate blood flow, and thus the movement of energy throughout the body, acupressure promises to alleviate aches and pains that range from digestive discomfort to old sports injuries. According to the outlet, those who use the mats report reductions in symptoms from things like headaches, back pain, neck stiffness, stress, insomnia, and tension across the body. Unlike an acupressure treatment, these mats stimulate multiple points at once, rather than working out a specific area like you would with a practitioner. So, you’ll likely feel stimulation in various areas of your body along with different pressures throughout, depending on how you lay on the mat. A few studies show that the mats are helpful in pain reduction, but there is little evidence available for widespread benefits. Nonetheless, there’s certainly a reason why so many people want these scary-looking devices — they can work.
A technique used to stimulate blood flow, and thus the movement of energy throughout the body, acupressure promises to alleviate aches and pains that range from digestive discomfort to old sports injuries. According to the outlet, those who use the mats report reductions in symptoms from things like headaches, back pain, neck stiffness, stress, insomnia, and tension across the body. Unlike an acupressure treatment, these mats stimulate multiple points at once, rather than working out a specific area like you would with a practitioner. So, you’ll likely feel stimulation in various areas of your body along with different pressures throughout, depending on how you lay on the mat.
A few studies show that the mats are helpful in pain reduction, but there is little evidence available for widespread benefits. Nonetheless, there’s certainly a reason why so many people want these scary-looking devices — they can work.
Acupressure mats take time to get used to
But those with sensitive skin, poor circulation, or any open wounds should steer clear, Weber explains. Pregnant women should also avoid the usage of acupressure mats, and people with high or low blood pressure should talk to their doctor beforehand, per Healthline. Otherwise, take your time working the mat into your routine, and see how it helps!
