Acupressure Mats And Their Benefits. Acupressure is often linked to TCM (traditional Chinese medicine); however, acupressure finds its origins in India, by the name Bharatiya, over 5000-years ago.
It then found its way to China, known as Tui-na, in Japan, where it was called Shiatsu, Korea, called Sugi, and other parts of Asia, where the acupressure and acupuncture arts thrived and developed alongside traditional medicine practices of the local region.
How Does Acupressure Work?
Acupressure is considered an alternative health treatment that attempts to treat ailments, pains, and other health complaints by applying pressure on various “pressure points” found all over the human body.
These points are linked to specific muscle groups, joints, organs, and other physical, energetic and mental functions. Pressure is applied utilizing various body parts or via pressure aids and devices, either by a practitioner or by the person suffering the health concern or ailment.’
Some common examples of pressure applicators include, but are not limited to:
- Thumbs and fingers
- Elbows and knees
- Custom shaped tools
- Suction cups (cupping)
- Hard massage balls
- Sticks
- TENS machine
- Stones and gems
- Custom machines and technologies
- Foam rollers
- Spikes, needles and more
A recent trend in acupressure devices is an acupressure mat, which is getting rave reviews from Yoga students, chronic pain sufferers and health enthusiasts worldwide.
But what is an acupressure mat, and how does it work? Read on to learn more about this popular home-acupressure utility.
What is an acupressure mat?
An acupressure mat consists of a thin foam mat, often accompanied by a neck roll, that is covered with a natural or synthetic fabric.
The textile cover has a series of discs that cover the top surface of the matt and pillow. Each disc has a series of spikes or points that simultaneously stimulate all pressure points in contact with the spiked discs.
These spikes do not penetrate the skin but apply enough pressure to provide optimal stimulation of the trigger points.
These spikes do not penetrate the skin but apply enough pressure to provide optimal stimulation of the trigger points.
How Do You Use an Acupressure Mat?
The best part about using an acupressure mat is that it’s as easy as going to bed. All you need to do is place the mat on the floor and lay down, ensuring your back and neck is in contact with as many spiked discs as possible.
However, due to its flexibility, you can use an acupressure mat in other ways to access other parts of your body. For example, you can sit on the mat to access the acupressure points in the glutes, hips and upper legs or lay front down on the mat to access trigger points on the front of the body.
You can also stand or walk on the mat or apply pressure on the meridian points on the palms, fingers, soles of the feet, and toes, which, in TCM, are said to provide access to the entire human system; however, this is a study in and of itself.
So do acupressure mats work, and what are the benefits these mats claim to provide? Read on for more information.
The Benefits of Acupressure Mats
Although the medical science community has yet to find solid, undeniable evidence of the efficacy of acupressure, many people who suffer from a wide range of health conditions have reported positive experiences, including improvement or relief from a range of ailments and conditions.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Chronic pain refers to any ongoing painful condition that lasts longer than three months or if pain continues after the general healing time for any given injury or affliction has passed. Chronic back and neck pain is a prime example of a chronic pain condition.
A 2012 pilot study found that 82 of the study participants that used an acupressure mat daily for 14-days showed a significant reduction in their chronic pain.
Reduced anxiety and Stress
There were 39-studies conducted between 1997 and 2014 into how acupressure spikes like those found on an acupressure mat can help calm the mind and body. All studies reported positive results highlighting acupressure’s ability to reduce the effects of pain, stress and trauma-induced anxiety.
When someone overcomes the initial discomfort of the acupressure spikes and relaxes, the body produces measurable changes in endorphin levels, your body’s “feel-good” chemicals.
When the body and mind fall into a relaxed state, the body also reduces or downregulates stress hormones, like cortisol.
These processes can positively affect the body by taking the mind and autonomic systems out of a stressful state commonly called the fight or flight mode and helps return to their optimal functions and promote and assist with the body’s natural healing processes.
Other benefits of acupressure mats
On top of these impressive benefits, acupressure mats also show potential for assisting or providing complementary treatment for a range of other conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Relief from muscular aches and pains
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduced blood pressure
- Improved recovery from exercise and injury
- Increased energy levels
- Assistance in weight management
- Improved sleep
- Improved sexual performance
- Better digestion and more
Acupressure mats are low cost, have little to no side effects, are non-invasive, compact, portable, and require little more care than the occasional wipe down with a damp cloth or antibacterial wipe.
All the more reason to invest in a quality acupressure mat, like the Prosource Ki Acupressure Mat and pillow, which is available from their online store. You can also find a range of other quality healthcare and fitness products in their extensive range.
Have you ever tried an acupressure mat? Did it hurt the first time, or did you melt into a relaxed state of transcendental bliss?
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