7 Acupressure Mat Benefits
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Here is everything you need to know about the benefits of acupressure.
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Acupressure Mat Benefits
A current popular wellness trend, acupressure mats promise to deliver a variety of benefits. From increasing circulation to promoting relaxation and encouraging better quality sleep, there are many ways that these mats can benefit your body and mind.
Read on to learn how acupressure mats work, the benefits they can have and how they should be used.
What Is an Acupressure Mat?
A modern take on an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years, acupressure mats were created as a way to make this type of therapy more accessible.
The mats themselves look a bit like yoga mats, that are cushioned with foam and contain thousands of tiny spikes. The idea is that the spikes stimulate pressure points to provide a variety of benefits that include feelings of relaxation and reduced pain.
How Do Acupressure Mats Work?
Acupressure mats can improve your wellbeing in a variety of ways.
They Stimulate nerve endings in the skin
This can help to calm the nervous system and increase feelings of relaxation.
Increasing blood flow to targeted areas
The pressure from the spikes encourages the body to increase blood flow to the areas in contact with the mat.
Triggering a release of endorphins
The feeling of the spikes pressing into, but not piercing, the skin causes a release of endorphins. This helps to increase relaxation and reduce pain.
Are Acupressure Mats Effective?
Although there are few scientific studies that look at the benefits of acupressure mats, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence to support their use.
You only have to look online to see the rave reviews explaining how acupressure mats have improved people’s lives. From encouraging sleep to reducing back pain and lowering feelings of stress, the testimonials from those who use these mats are compelling.
I was recently sent a Shakti Mat to review and have really enjoyed using it. I was initially interested in trying acupressure at home, as I love a deep tissue back massage but can’t afford to have them regularly.
I found that the Shakti Mat makes a great replacement, as it helps me to feel relaxed and stimulates those pressure points that I usually need a massage for. It’s a great way to wind down and for me to take some time for myself.
Despite this, acupressure mats aren’t suitable for everyone. This includes people who are pregnant, or suffering from a serious illness or injury. Make sure you speak to a doctor before using if you are unsure.
What Are The Benefits Of Acupressure Mats?
These mats can have a wide variety of benefits - here are some examples.
Relieving back and neck tension
The feeling of the spikes stimulating your acupressure points can help to relax your back and neck, helping with tiredness or pain. This is particularly helpful for people who spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or working in a sedentary job.
Reducing stress and Promoting relaxation
Life is busy, and it can be difficult to find the time to properly relax. Using an acupressure mat is a great excuse to take some time for yourself and focus on your breathing, while you let the spikes do their thing.
Causing a Release of Endorphins
There are lots of healthy ways to release endorphins, and using an acupressure mat is a quick and easy way to experience those natural feel good chemicals.
Improving Sleep Quality
Many people who use acupressure mats find that they sleep better as a result. Try using one before bed and let it calm your body and mind for a better night’s sleep.
Reducing Muscle Soreness and Recovery After Exercise
Lying on an acupressure mat can be a great way to finish a workout and soothe your muscles after exercising. It also makes a great post-workout treat to look forward to!
Promoting Circulation
The pressure of the tiny spikes against the skin encourages blood to flow to the areas that are in contact with the mat.
Supporting Your Daily Relaxation Routine
Whether you’re carving time out of a busy schedule or adding another component to an established routine, acupressure is an easy way to relax regardless of how much time you have.
How To Use An Acupressure Mat
Using an acupressure mat is simple, and involves following some easy steps.
1) Lay the mat on a flat surface
Try to find somewhere that is quiet and you feel able to relax. Think about the type of surface that you use; laying the mat on carpet can increase the pressure, while laying the mat on a bed allows it to curve to the shape of your body.
2) Slowly Lower yourself onto the Mat
The feeling of the spikes coming into contact with your skin can be uncomfortable at first, but they won’t cause any damage. If the feeling is too intense, you might want to try wearing a thin t-shirt to make it more bearable.
3) Relax for between 5 and 20 minutes
This pairs well with some breathing exercises or a guided meditation that can help you to switch off. If you’re finding the sensation difficult, then start by using the mat for short periods and increasing it over time.
4) Slowly remove yourself from the mat
It might feel prickly as you remove your back from the spikes, so take it slowly.
5) Repeat!
The best results are seen when the mat is used regularly, whether that’s every day or several times a week.
Try a acupressure for yourself by purchasing a Shakti Mat, and get 10% off your entire order using my code JULIA10.
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