Benefits of acupressure mat
Everyone suffers from back pain or headaches from time to time.
We often try to mitigate them with painkillers, but there is a better option. An acupressure mat is an inexpensive and natural way to relieve pain. Scientists are providing more and more evidence on the benefits of using an acupressure mat. In this article, we take a closer look at the proper usage, side effects and benefits of acupressure mat
IN THIS ARTICLE
1. What is acupressure mat?
An acupressure mat is a cheap and easy-to-use tool for mitigating pain. On the internet, people refer to it as a spike mat or needle stimulation pad. It is a mat with hundreds of spikes on its surface, with each spike made of plastic, wood, or metal.
The idea for the acupressure mat originated from traditional Chinese medicine. In China, to relieve pain and stress, people use a massage therapy called acupressure. In this method, the therapist applies pressure to specific points on the body
Producers try to copy benefits from massage therapy like better blood circulation or relaxation. You can buy acupressure mat on internet or in wellness and sport shops. Their prices vary depending on the manufacturer, size, and materials use.
2. How to use acupressure mat?
You can use an acupressure mat on different parts of your body:
Back
Feet
Neck
Buttocks
Follow these steps to acheive benefits of acupressure mat
- Spread your mat on bed, floor or chair.
- Take off your clothes except from underwear.
- Carefully lie on mat. Try to distribute your mass equally to minimize initial pain. The first few minutes may be painful and unpleasant. After while you will feel more and more comfortable.
- Try to calm your thoughts and emotions. Focus on your breath to achieve deeper relaxation.
- Avoid moving too much. It can increase pain and disrupt relaxation state.
- Use the mat for 5-30 minutes. Longer usage is not recommended.
3. How often should you use spike mat?
Acupressure is a safe and non-invasive tool, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Everything in excess can be harmful. While there is no obstacle to use acupressure mat everyday.
You should avoid staying too long on the mat. The optimal time to achieve benefits of acupressure mat is between 5 to 30 minutes. Try not to fall asleep. It can damage your skin or worsen pain you want to get rid of.
4. Benefits of Acupressure mat
DOES ACUPRESSURE MAT REALLY WORKS?
Every year, more and more studies show benefits of acupressure mat. Scientists are researching influence of spike mat on back pain, sleep quality or relaxation. I will show you how acupressure mat can mitigate mild pain and help relax you after work. It is a tool that once bought, provides benefits for a lifetime
BOOST ENERGY
Everyone know the feeling when we are tired and need energy.
In these situations, we often turn to caffeine or sweets. They provide energy boost but only for short time. Find out how to reduce amount of sugar you eat. Moreover, after initial boost we often feel worse than before. Solution for this is the acupressure mat.
After a session with the acupressure mat body releases endorphins. These are natural hormones that mitigate pain, improve mood and enhance well-being. The body releases the neurotransmitters during activities like eating, sex and exercise. It is a main reason people feel better after using acupressure mat. [3]
What is more, when endorphins level are higer, the body produces other hormones. Growth hormone is one of them. It is one of the most important hormones, as it:
- regulates metabolism
- repairs and regenerates tissues
- supports immune system
- regulates other hormones
DECREASE PAIN
Back pain is one of the most common problems in developed countries. Almost 40% of population complain about it.
There are several reasons why so many people suffer from back and
neck pain:
Sedementary lifestyle
Lack of physical activity
No stretching exercises
Stress
BENEFITS OF ACUPRESSURE MAT ON BACK PAIN
In one study people who suffered from back pain use acupressure mat for three months. After that time, scientists found that participants experienced immediate pain relief. They also use less medication than before study. [1]
In second study participants had to make rehabilitation exercise and use mat for 60 minutes everyday. People said that treatment:
Decreased back pain
Improved life quality
Helped to relax better [2]
Scientists believe that regular trening, stretching and mat usage is
the best combination for back pain. This combination strenghtens
and relaxes the back muscles. It also helps to make spine cord
more flexible. Acupressure mat increases blood circulation which provide more oxygen. This oxygen supply regenerates muscles quicker.
IMPROVE SLEEP
One of the benefits of accupressure mat is sleep improvement.
After using spike mat people report better sleep quality.
It is common for people to fall asleep while lying on mat.
It isn’t suprising because the accupressure mat relaxes both
the body and the mind. [1,2,3]
RELAXATION
An acupressure mat may help with stress reduction. Studies show that regular use of the mat reduce stress, improve sleep and well-being.
It may help with mental illnesses. Lower stress and anxiety level can alleviate symptoms of mild depression. Acupressure mat raises happiness level to participants of different studies. [4]
CONCLUSION
The evidence supporting benefits of acupressure mat aren’t strong enough. However, more and more studies show beneficial aspects of using it. Spike mat is cheap and non-invasie device. It can help you for many issues like back pain, stress or sleep deprivation. What is more important it won’t harm you if used correctly.
5. Side effects of acupressure mat
In most studies, scientists observe side effects of using spike mat like:
intial pain
itching
red skin
discomfort
skin irritation after prolonged use
All side effecs are temporary. They resolve over a time especialy intial pain and discomfort. It is important not to spend too much time on mat. It can cause skin irritation or redness.
To minimize initial pain and discomfort, remember to distribute weight equally. To enjoy benefits of acupressure mat use it in safe way.
6. How to choose acupressure mat?
Acupressure mat are becoming increasingly popular. Producers encourage you to buy mat with appealing slogans. Most mats are similar, differing in details like size, material or price. My goal is to show you that there is no superior mat in terms of health benefits. Benefits of acupressure mat are the same regardless of manufacturer.
WHAT DOES DIFFER MATS?
Purpose– Market offers mats for back, feet or neck. It is common for producers to sell sets that include both neck and back mats. It is the best option because you can use it for back, neck and feet. You don’t need to buy 3 separate mats.
Size– Mats come in various sizes, differing in length and width. Check the size of mat before you buy it. Suit size to your height.
Material– Most mats are made from cotton, linen or rubber. Manufacturers use foam and cocoa fiber for filling. I recommend to buy mats made with natural materials like linen which are soft and airy.
Spikes– While most producers use plastic spikes, you may also find wooden or metal ones. My only recommendation is to choose mat with higher number of spikes for better effectiveness.
Price– Avoid spending too much money on a mat. All mats offer the same benefits.
7. Alternatives for acupressure mat
Acupressure mat is great device for alleviating mild back pain or relaxation but it has drawback. It probably won’t cure you from chronic back pain. Chronic pain is often multi-level problem that requires complex approach. It is common to combines several therapies to release chronic pain. Here are few alternatives that can help:
Physiotherapist- A physiotherapist can show you set of exercises to relax and strenghten back muscles
Massage therapy is an effective way to reduce back pain. In studies people felt 62% less pain after massage therapy. [5]
Acupuncture use needle to reduce pain of different body parts
Wet cupping
8. Summary
Acupressure mat is a cheap and convinient device for alleviating back or neck pain. It can be for both office workers or laborers. Every person who suffer from back pain find it helpful.
What is more, it can help you with stress, sleep deprivation or just improve your relaxation. It doesn’t cause serious side effects except from initial pain and skin redness. Change chemical drugs for natural therapy to release pain.
Find out more about methods to reduce pain like cold water swimming