Acupressure mat – how to use it? Advantages, indications, contraindications and side effects

Proven content

Acupressure mats are designed to give similar results to acupressure massage. Their operation, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is based on exerting pressure on individual parts of the body near the meridians, or energy channels through which the vital energy of “chi” travels. Its release is to reduce or completely alleviate the pain. Many people use acupressure mats to relieve back pain and headache.

Acupressure mat – what is acupressure?

Acupressure, like acupuncture, is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The theory is that when our energy – or chi (qi) – is blocked, we will have to face disease or pain. By applying pressure to different points of the body, we are able to restore energy flow and thus restore balance. Acupressure uses a lot of pressure (using a hand or a mat) and is different from acupuncture, which uses very fine needles to stimulate various energy pathways in the body.

Acupressure can be great for people who are concerned about acupuncture needles, and it’s also very convenient because you can (to some extent) use it yourself at home. Of course, not everyone believes in these energy systems. Many practitioners question this concept but still realize that acupressure can have many benefits after all. These benefits may be related to reducing pain or muscle tension and stimulating muscle relaxation.

1. For everyday exercises, order the AIREX Corona rehabilitation mat.

See also: Holistic medicine – what is it?

Acupressure mat – advantages of use

The biggest advantage of acupressure mats is that anyone can use them. Unlike traditional acupressure therapy, no training or expertise is required to obtain beneficial results. Since many acupressure mats are affordable, they are a cheaper option that allows people to get treatment daily without paying a specialist for frequent visits. These mats can be used alone or as a complement to acupressure or acupuncture treatments.

People who use acupressure mats discover tons of amazing health benefits. As the mat relaxes the muscles, it relaxes the entire body. By releasing this tension, an acupressure mat can help reduce muscle pain as well as relieve muscle tension. Many people find relief from back and neck pain after using acupressure mats, but they can also help with aches and pains in other parts of the body.

If we use the mat for a long time, the stimulation will relax the whole body. This relaxation is good for relieving stress or anxiety and helps the body to release the stresses of everyday life, which in turn allows us to get a good night’s sleep. The pressure of the mat also helps in the release of endorphins and oxytocin, which improve well-being, so using an acupressure mat can also improve your mood. As with meditation or yoga, the greatest benefits can only be seen from the regular use of an acupressure mat.

The overall benefits of using an acupressure mat include:

1. relieving stress and anxiety;
2. increasing blood circulation;
3. improving the level of oxygenation;
4. reduction of muscle tone;
5. stimulation of endorphin production;
6. reducing insomnia;
7. agitation of the body.

See also: Yoga for beginners – positions, asanas, yoga benefits

Acupressure mat – how to use it?

It may take some time to get used to acupressure mats. The spines are sharp and can cause discomfort or pain for several minutes before warming up the body. For maximum results, it is recommended to use the mat for 10 to 20 minutes dailywhile remembering to breathe and exercise conscious relaxation of the body.

Choose the place where you will put the mat well. Beginners often use an acupressure mat spread over a bed or sofa. Intermediate and experienced users can transfer their mats to the floor.

Try to sit on it. You can also sit on the mat or lean on it before putting it on a chair, so that the buttocks and lower back have direct contact with the acupressure mat.

Put something on yourself. Wearing a light shirt or placing thin fabric over the spikes can help us acclimatize to the touch of the mat. Many people report that they achieve their best results when the mat makes contact with their bare skin, but they don’t feel the need to remove their shirt immediately.

Lie down slowly. Lie down with your evenly distributed weight on the mat. This will help you avoid injury.

Change your position carefully. Do not twist or move on the mat as this will make it easier to puncture or scratch the skin.

Use it consistently. The mat takes some getting used to, but as many people say, it really does seem to work. However, it takes time to see the first positive effects.

You can find acupressure mats at Medonet Market. Now they are available at promotional prices. Try it out:

1. Acupressure kit: mat + pillow,
2. Multi-needle applicator Lyapko – large needle mat 7,0mm,
3. Multi-needle applicator Lyapko – needle mat max 6,2mm.

Also use other acupressure accessories for the face, body or feet. We propose:

1. A multi-needle Lyapko applicator in the form of flaps with 5,0 mm needles,
2. Lyapko multi-needle applicator – 3,5mm face roller,
3. Multi-needle applicator Lyapko – universal shaft 3,5mm,
4. Massage foot mat with acupressure.

Acupressure mat for back pain

The most common use of acupressure mats is to relieve back pain. Users find that the increased blood flow helps heal the muscles and allows them to relax, thereby reducing pain and tension.

In case of back pain, first place the mat on a flat surface. Then it is a good idea to sit at the base of the mat and slowly lie down on your back until you are on the mat. Acupressure on the spikes will bring instant healing warmth to your back as your blood circulation increases. If we feel pain in the lower back, we can roll the towel up and place it under the mat, creating a curve that wraps around the spine.

Another option is to bend your knees or rest your knees on a pillow, or a rolled-up blanket that will press your lower back against the mat. If we experience shoulder pain, we can place a rolled up towel under the top of the mat or use an acupressure cushion to increase pressure on the neck and shoulders.

Let’s lie down on the acupressure mat for about 20 minutes to feel relaxed, refreshed and energized.

See also: What is circulatory failure?

Acupressure mat for neck pain

Many people with chronic neck pain will use an acupressure pillow. Various shapes and models are available, so it’s easy to find the one that best suits your needs. If we only have an acupressure mat, we can still find neck pain relief by using some props.

If you only want to use an acupressure cushion, lie down on a flat surface or find a chair or couch with a high back. Let’s put a pillow behind our neck and adjust it until we feel comfortable. Use the pillow for 20 minutes or until the pain is reduced.

If we want to use a neck pillow with an acupressure mat, let’s put the mat on a flat surface. Let us slowly lower ourselves onto the mat and place the pillow under the neck. If necessary, adjust the position of our body and pillow until we feel comfortable. Let’s lie there for 20 to 40 minutes.

However, if we just want to use an acupressure mat, roll up the towel and place it under the head of the mat. Let us slowly lower our back so that our neck rests on the “bulge” formed by the towel. If necessary, let’s reposition our body and mat. Lie there for 20 minutes to feel energized and for up to 40 minutes to relax the body.

See also: Relaxation exercises for adults

Mata do akupresury na stres

Since lying on the acupressure mat relaxes the body, it can also help relax the mind. Many people find it helps reduce their anxiety as well as relieve stress.

The acupressure mat should be used similarly to back pain – we want to lie down on it in a comfortable position. We can do this on our bed or sofa, as this surface will be slightly softer than if we were lying directly on the floor.

Once we lie down on the mat and settle down comfortably, let’s take a deep breath and relax. Let’s close our eyes and focus on the breathing. This might be a good time to listen to some relaxing music. We should lie on the acupressure mat for at least 25 minutes and up to 40 minutes to fully relax the body and mind. Lying down like this can be especially enjoyable at the end of the day, when we are getting ready for bed.

See also: What is anxiety and how to deal with it?

Acupressure mat for stimulation

If we limit the amount of time we use an acupressure mat, it can actually make us feel energized. This is a great way to use the mat in the morning to prepare for the day, or in the afternoon when we feel we are weakening at noon.

It is recommended to use a mat on the floor (instead of a bed or sofa which may make you feel drowsy or lethargic). You can safely use an acupressure mat on a rug or yoga mat if you have a wooden floor or need additional cushioning. Let’s lie down on the mat and set a timer for 20 minutes. Let’s make sure we’re comfortable. Do not use the mat for more than 20 minutes, as this will cause you to relax later. When we get up, our body and mind should be energized.

See also: Why do we still want to sleep?

Akupresury kills on cellulite

While this may sound a little too good to be true, many people say that regularly applying an acupressure mat to specific areas of the body helps reduce or even eliminate cellulite. The point is that increased blood flow in the area helps reduce cellulite.

Areas of the body where the cellulite reduction mat can be used are the legs, thighs, buttocks and abdomen. If we do sedentary work at the desk, you can put the acupressure mat on your chair and sit on it while you work and still benefit from it. This helps to increase blood flow in the lower body, which is good for overall health and wellness.

Most people say that using an acupressure mat for 15-30 minutes in each area a day will significantly reduce cellulite. Unfortunately, the effects are not permanent and you should continue practicing regularly. However, you should also make sure that you are following a healthy diet and exercise to supplement acupressure.

Acupressure mat for insomnia

Since using an acupressure mat helps to relax the body, many people say it is great for inducing sleep and treating insomnia.

To improve our sleep, a general application of an acupressure mat in the afternoon or evening hours may suffice. If we are using acupressure specifically to help with insomnia or other sleep problems, it is recommended to use it immediately before going to bed. The acupressure mat is recommended to be used directly in bed, but some people prefer to use it on the floor. Lie down on the mat and close your eyes. Then we should concentrate on breathing to relax the mind.

Let’s use the acupressure mat for at least 20 minutes until we start falling asleep. However, be sure to remove the mat and not sleep on it all night long. If we make the use of the mat part of our regular bedtime ritual, falling asleep may become easier as it signals to our body that it is time to relax, let go and fall asleep.

See also: Sleep deprivation and its importance for health. What can sleep disturbances lead to?

Acupressure mat – contraindications

The spikes of the acupressure mat can pierce the skin, especially when the mat is used incorrectly. To avoid wounds or infections, it’s better not to use an acupressure mat if you have thin skin, diabetes, or poor circulation.

Most acupressure mat manufacturers do not recommend using them during pregnancy.

It is also recommended that infants and young children not use acupressure mats. Conversely, people with high or low blood pressure should talk to their doctor before using an acupressure mat. It should also be remembered that the mat should not be used as a drug substitute.

See also: Wound complications and their infections

Acupressure mat – side effects

Although the side effects of acupressure mats are rare, there are several possible side effects.

Allergic sensitization

If we look at the materials from which the mats are made, we will notice that the materials of most acupressure mats consist of synthetic, allergenic and non-ecological materials. In this way, the chance of being allergic will always be a threat.

Skin irritation and redness

At the very beginning of using the acupressure mat, we may feel irritation and redness of the skin. This can happen if we have allergic skin. If you use the mat regularly, this problem usually disappears.

Skin infection

Using the acupressure mat in some places causes skin inflammation. Areas with burns, infections, or other skin irritations are responsible for the inflammation of the skin. Therefore, it is recommended not to expose such areas on the body when using the mat.

Soreness and dizziness

After the acupressure session, you may feel pain or bruise in places of pressure on your body. In addition, you may feel dizzy for a while.

Heart and circulation problems

Acupressure affects the circulatory system. Therefore, the acupressure mat can be risky for patients with high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, and other circulation problems. It is also not safe if we take blood products.