I contemplate myself an individual who would strive something within the identify of wellness. I’ve thrown again many a shot of apple cider vinegar, aligned my chakras on a crystal mattress, and stimulated my vagus nerve in a Magnesphere. It could’t damage, proper? However when it got here to a wellness trend that concerned a literal “mattress of nails,” I resisted. (That one, it appeared, really may damage.) However I’m grateful that I ultimately modified my tune, as a result of, not like these experiences above, the acupuncture mat and its pain-relieving wonders are one thing I can simply—and gladly—incorporate into my common wellness routine.
Featured picture by Riley Reed.
The Viral Acupuncture Mat, Tested and Reviewed
The turning point came after noticing a particular acupressure mat, the ProsourceFit set (with back mat and neck pillow), pop up for the umpteenth time on a holiday gift guide. Priced at just under $30 on Amazon, the bestseller has garnered thousands of 5-star reviews to the tune of “it seems crazy but it works!” My interest was piqued and my perpetual neck pain was ready. My acupressure mat showed up promptly at my door in a feather-light box. (Note: the spikes are plastic and the mat is made with 100% cotton.)
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Our first encounter together did not go well. I slowly lied down with mostly bare skin as the ProSource Fit website recommends. (Looking back, I’d suggest a light-weight blanket or towel as a barrier for the primary go round.) In fact, I may barely deal with it. I pressured my boyfriend to strive it too, however he lasted all of two minutes earlier than asking why somebody would willingly do that to their physique. I tucked the light-weight mat away and chalked it as much as one other bizarre wellness pattern.
However then I remembered that soothing heat the Amazon reviewers promised and determined to strive once more a number of days later. With my thoughts higher prepped for what to anticipate, the expertise was way more palatable. The following time, it felt even higher, particularly when you already know that about one minute in, your physique will loosen up and that wave of heat actually does roll throughout your physique, melting away muscle ache and pressure. Afterward, my again was pink and lined in tiny indentations, nevertheless it felt superb.
My expertise made me a believer, however I nonetheless didn’t completely perceive what made the acupressure mat really feel, as one good Amazon reviewer put it, “form of like curling up with a hedgehog and discovering it surprisingly tolerable… after which comfy.”
So I tapped Dr. Janine Mahon, a health care provider of Chinese language drugs and proprietor of an eponymous line of intimate wellness formulation, for extra perception into the mattress of nails’ tension-relieving magic.
How do acupressure mats work?
Acupressure mats have little spikes that stimulate acupressure factors on the floor of the pores and skin. These factors on the physique, if correctly stimulated, can regulate the move of Qi (power), blood, and physique fluids. The spikes will not be painful and don’t penetrate the pores and skin.
Chinese language natural remedy is an inside manifestation of this drugs, including to what the physique already has. Acupressure mats, nevertheless, don’t stimulate particular factors like those chosen by your acupuncturist however as an alternative supply a common therapy to the entire physique with out penetrating the pores and skin.
What are some advantages of an acupressure mat?
Acupressure mats invigorate the move of Qi. When Qi is caught, we expertise a large number of points comparable to ache, pressure, poor digestion, complications, menstrual cramps, and insomnia. The way it will have an effect on you relies on the place your Qi is caught.
How lengthy must you lay on an acupressure mat?
Laying in your again for quarter-hour will launch the channels that run down your again, boosting your immunity whereas relieving ache.
It isn’t the identical as a bunch of acupuncture factors particularly chosen by your acupuncturist to deal with your particular person wants. Nonetheless, it may well nonetheless be very useful.
Is there anybody who shouldn’t strive an acupressure mat?
Anybody with damaged or infected pores and skin shouldn’t use an acupressure mat. Folks which might be pregnant or who might develop into pregnant ought to verify with their acupuncturist first to search out out what areas they need to keep away from stimulating. It takes Qi a little bit over 28 minutes to flow into by all of the meridians, which is why throughout an acupuncture therapy your practitioner will depart the needles in for round half-hour to verify the circuit is full.
Dr. Mahon’s Choose for the Finest Acupressure Mat
Personally, I like to recommend the Shakti mat. Not solely is it made with natural cotton and dyes which might be protected for the pores and skin and for our planet however in addition they give again to the group of individuals making the mats for our use.
