At times, your brain won’t just calm down. Your mind starts racing so fast that you can’t focus on one thing. During such times when you’re overwhelmed with stress, the research-proven acupuncture can help your mind relax. However, acupuncture does not work well when you’re facing, say, a 4 p.m. deadline at work. This is where acupressure comes to the rescue.
Ideally, acupressure targets the very same pressure points (acupoints) that acupuncture does. The difference is that instead of using needles, you can use your fingertips alongside a deep rhythmic breathing. Alternatively, you can use an acupressure mat. Also referred to as a ‘bed of nails’, this is a foam mat consisting of hundreds of short, plastic needles. To experience pain or stress relief, you are required to sit, stand or lie on the mat. Although this sounds a little scary, fans of these mats say they usually feel amazing afterwards. This article looks at the best acupressure mat reviews.
What’s the best acupressure mat?
With the best acupressure mat, you can treat an array of medical conditions including hypertension, neck pain and back pain. Acupressure mats can be used by individuals across all ages and regardless of the gender. In fact, acupressure mats even help to reduce some symptoms of menopause such as night sweats and hot flushes. Here are the best acupressure mats.
Here are the best acupressure mats in order:
1. INTEY Acupressure Mat
INTEY Wellness Therapy Acupressure Mat...
Intey Acupressure mat is designed for those who want to experience instant relief from pain. The mat has good acupoints, which stimulate the body’s pressure points in the same way that acupuncture would.
Apart from providing relief, the acupoints improve blood flow to knots and sore muscles; thus helping to minimize inflammation.
This acupressure mat is made using high-quality cotton, rendering it durable. Also, this acupressure mat is ideal for a range of postures. You can use it by placing it on the floor, on a chair or while standing.
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2. Good For Wellness Acupressure Mat
With 8,000 acupressure points, using the Good for Wellness acupressure mat will feel like you’re sleeping on a bed of nails. That said, this acupressure mat might not be suitable for everyone. However, if you can get used to the spiky sensation, you will benefit immensely.
For one, this mat helps in relieving pain. It also provides a deep sense of relaxation. According to the manufacturer, using the acupressure mat for just 10 minutes every day is enough to make you feel reenergized.
3. Acuswede Acupressure Mat
Acuswede Pain Relief & Muscle Recovery...
If you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to relieve the muscle soreness you experience after performing exercises, the Acuswede acupressure mat is the perfect choice. Workout regimens that involve heavy weightlifting using the wrong technique can leave you grappling with muscle knots. Thankfully, this acupressure mat has over 14,000 stimulation points to help you overcome such problems.
Another plus of this mat is that it has a premium quality design, which is pretty flexible. You can place it on the floor, bed, chair or just about anywhere. It’s also very durable and comfortable. The Acuswede mat even features a wet suit-type of material that makes it easy to clean.
4. Spoonk back pain and sleep acupressure mat
Spoonk Organic Hemp Acupressure Mat with...
Spoonk is a renowned acupressure mat brand, with its products being sold the world over. This particular acupressure mat has about 6120 stimulation points, and it’s specifically designed for persons experiencing back pain. In addition to alleviating back pain, the Spoonk acupressure mat provides the best relaxation effect.
So, how does this acupressure mat work? Spoonk advises that you lie on it about 20 to 40 minutes before retiring to bed. Also, instead of hitting the snooze button in the morning, lying down on it could be the best wake up stimulator.
You can also use Spoonk acupressure mat for feet, that is, to release tension from this region. If Traditional Chinese Medicine is right, your feet have specific reflex points, which correspond to your body organs. It means that reflexology foot massage is not only good for your feet but your entire body as well. So, if you often get sore feet, plantar fasciitis or other feet-related problems, this acupressure mat can help.
And the best part is, Spoonk folds up easily like a yoga mat, enabling you to save up on storage space. The manufacturer also provides a small-sized version of this mat, which is portable; hence, ideal for travelers.
5. Ajna Wellbeing Natural Cotton Acupressure Mat
Sale
Ajna Acupressure Mat for Massage -...
Are you looking for an acupressure mat that can complement your weight loss efforts? Then this Natural Cotton acupressure mat is just what you need. Ajna Wellbeing has designed this mat in such a way that it helps to rejuvenate your fat burning regulatory system and detoxifying functions.
Furthermore, this acupressure mat is great for treating an array of pains. It boasts 5000 lotus-like spikes, which stimulate your body’s natural treatment mechanism, release stagnant energy and relieve muscle tension.
Apart from its excellent performance, the Ajna Wellbeing acupressure mat is aesthetically pleasing. It’s made using quality and environmental-friendly materials, which include a luxurious linen and cotton cover, an antibacterial coconut fibre filling and ABS plastic safe spikes.
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6. Bed of Nails Original Acupressure Mat
Bed of Nails, Pink Original Acupressure...
If your primary concern when purchasing an acupressure mat is its construction, then you’ll be pleased with this product which is made purely from cotton. And although its name makes one think of a scary instrument meant to induce torture, the Bed of Nails mat will bring you nothing but relief. It has more than 8800 spikes, which enable your body to rid itself of toxins by releasing energy. These spikes also trigger the release of oxytocin and endorphins for pain relief.
To use it, simply place the mat on a floor or bed. Next, lie on it gently for between 10 and 15 minutes. If you’ve never used an acupressure mat before, you may want to wear a light t-shirt till your skin gets used to the spikes.
7. Nayoya Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
At Home Back and Neck Pain Relief -...
The Nayoya is perfect for persons who want an all-in-one solution. In addition to getting an acupressure mat, the manufacturer provides an acupressure pillow, which also plays a crucial role in the treatment process. What’s more, the mat comes with a carrying tote making it easy to store or transport.
Nayoya acupressure mat has 6210 acupressure points, which press hard against your body. In so doing, the acupoints boost your blood flow; hence, reducing inflammation and minimizing pain. On the other hand, the acupressure pillow has 1782 acupressure points, which reach your neck and shoulder regions to release tension.
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What is an acupressure mat?
What is an acupressure mat?Before purchasing an acupressure mat, you should first understand what this treatment method is all about. It’s very similar to acupuncture with the only difference being that it does not involve the direct use of needles. Instead acupressure utilizes massage and firm pressure for stimulating points to relieve stress. When it comes to acupressure vs. acupuncture, neither method is superior since they both stimulate the 14 meridian points in your body.
An acupressure mat is fitted with spikes or hard discs, which are crafted in such a way that they place the right amount of pressure on the meridian points. If you have a busy schedule and cannot find time for your acupressure appointment, an acupressure mat is an excellent substitute. Although it can never replace the experience offered by a certified practitioner, it’s a great tool if you want to keep up with regular maintenance of your meridians.
The majority of users have found acupressure mats to be efficient in managing pain. This treatment technique is quite versatile and does more than relieving pain. For instance, it is recommended during pregnancy as it helps to improve blood flow to the uterus, induce labor or trigger uterine contractions and it also influences hormonal reactions. However, acupressure for pregnant women should only be done upon your physician’s approval and preferably by a certified acupressurist.
But it’s not just pregnant women who can benefit from acupressure mats. There’s also baby acupressure, which provides relief from issues such as congestion, constipation, teething pain and colic problems.
How Does an Acupressure Mat Work?
Native to the Chinese and Indians, acupressure was originally performed using fingers. It involved applying pressure to the reflex points on your body. But currently, you can also use tools such as acupressure mats to achieve the same results. The process of applying pressure improves your blood circulation while releasing any blocked energy. Acupressure also helps you to relax; hence, prevent stress from building up.
There are two schools of thought on how acupressure mats function. The first involves using mats fitted with tons of pins that help with stimulating acupressure points. The pressure points that are likely to be stimulated using these mats are those found on the back.
Another school of thought has it that acupressure mats aid in blood circulation. When you use this mat for the first time, you’re likely to experience discomfort. This is because the pins are digging into your skin. It is this pressure that helps to improve blood flow to the various body parts. After a while, your body will feel warmer, and this is the process that facilitates muscle relaxation.
Using Your Acupressure Mat
As mentioned previously, you can use acupressure mats to treat an array of pains. These include:
- Migraines – to treat this condition, start by placing your mat on a hard surface then lie on it. In case you did not get a mat and pillow set, you’ll have to look for a small pillow for placing your head on. The next step is to relax, take deep slow breaths, and try shifting your head from one direction to the other.
- Back and neck pain – for this process, you will need to place the acupressure mat on your bed. In case you find the sharp, plastic needles too spiky, you can wear a t-shirt then lie on it for about half an hour. Start by putting the mat on the floor, lie on it then pull your knees so that they reach up to your chest level. To treat neck pain, just fold up the mat and place it underneath your neck.
- Deep sleep treatment – after placing the acupressure mat on your bed, lie on it ensuring that your head is supported by a pillow. Take deep breaths and when you’re ready to sleep, put the mat aside.
- Abdomen relaxation – place the mat under your abdominal region and lie on it for about twenty-five minutes. This technique works best when combined with a facial massage treatment.
- Face treatment- an acupressure mat can also be used for face treatment. All you need to do is to position your face on the mat, making sure to lie on each side for 5 minutes. When doing this, keep your ears covered with a piece of cloth.
How Do You Choose the Best Acupressure Mat?
When you compare the different acupressure mats, it’s easy to assume that they are all the same except for pricing. In actual sense, these mats differ vastly in terms of design, construction and other aspects. Here are a few factors to look into when looking for an acupressure mat:
Material
For starters, the material used in making acupressure mats needs to be non-toxic and of premium quality. Secondly, the material should also be breathable. Ideally, the best material options are linen and natural cotton. While there are some acupressure mats made of synthetic fabrics, these are often not breathable. Furthermore, the spikes or discs ought to be crafted using non-toxic, ABS plastic. Avoid purchasing cheaply-priced acupressure mats that are made of toxic BPA materials.
Quality and Adhesives Used in the Mat
The quality of the materials used in making the acupressure mat is another aspect to consider. A manufacturer may have used cotton to make the mat, but if it’s low-quality cotton then it is no good. One way to know whether the mat is of high or low quality is to check the adhesives used in attaching the spikes. Mats that have glue attachments for the discs are a red flag.
Check the Foam
The majority of manufacturers opt for polyurethane foam to cushion acupressure mats. Others such as Heavenly brand utilizes a non-toxic foam rubber while Spock acupressure mat brand uses Eco-foam.
Warranty
You’ll want to go for a company that is confident in the acupressure mats they make. One way to determine this is to check the length of warranty offered. If a brand is offering a long warranty, odds are that their product is high-quality. Watch out for acupressure mat brands that only offer 1 to 2-months warranties.
Spikes
Acupressure mats recommended for back pain, migraine, sinus, constipation, sciatica, diabetes and other conditions are recommended for a reason. The primary reason is that they’re able to provide optimal stimulation thanks to the multiple spikes they’re fitted with. The ideal acupressure mat is one that has between 6000 and 8000 spikes. However, if you’re buying a small mat for meditation purposes, a mat with about 1000 spikes will serve you well.
Pillow
Some brands provide an acupressure pillow alongside the mat. The pillow helps in treating neck and head pains.
Massage Ball
A few manufacturers will also provide a spiky massage ball, which you can roll under your feet. You can also place it under your lower back or on any other area that is aching.
Size
Most acupressure mats are not big. It means that you shouldn’t expect them to fit your entire body. Ideally, these mats will only fit well under your upper back, head and neck since these are the most common areas vulnerable to pain. When choosing the size of the mat, first establish the specific area of your body that you want to treat.
Wrap Up
Acupressure mats are beneficial to men, women and kids. However, to get the best acupressure mat, remember to factor in its size, warranty, material and adhesives used in its construction. Take your time to research, so you can find the best mat that will treat your specific condition.