Do Acupressure Mat Actually benefits in Relieving back pain
Acupressure mats for back pain have become a natural alternative to pain relief, relaxation, and stress reduction. For centuries, the principles of acupressure have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate the pressure points through which the body can be healed and balanced. Acupressure mats provide a modern-day solution to this age-old practice of medicine in the comfort of one’s home. However, with acupressure mats creating a significant buzz in today’s time, the key question is, do acupressure mats work?
This informative article aims to provide a holistic approach to discussing how acupressure mats function, their proven and potential benefits, their associated risks or side effects, and who can benefit the most from using the mats. The article will also explore how one can incorporate the mats within one’s lifestyle and whether or not acupressure mats are a good buy to enhance one’s overall health. This article will provide a complete guide to acupressure mats and their purpose and help you find out whether they also work.
What is an Acupressure Mat?
An acupressure mat is a type of health gear that contains hundreds or even thousands of tiny sharp plastic points or spikes. These spikes are spread across the mat’s surface to align with some points on a person’s body. The moment a person lies down or puts some parts of their body with acupressure mats on the said points, the points press and stimulate a person’s skin, muscles, and connective tissues. As a person would undoubtedly imagine, this is pressure similar to that applied through acupuncture, only this time, it is done without the application of the needle but with plastic spikes. This added pressure activates the body’s own processes and helps heal itself, consequently improving blood flow and increasing the release of endorphins, the body ‘s natural painkillers.
The acupressure mat is usually covered or made of foam or cotton overlay. The material used is often safe and relatively comfortable on a person’s skin. An acupressure mat is also designed to come as a twin set, wherein it will be accompanied by a pillow for the neck and head. “Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set” is also commonly used by people who want their entire bodies relieved. It does so by aligning the principles of acupressure on many parts of the body that are cushioned by the mat. Acupressure mats are used mostly on a person’s back but are also designed to help other parts like the feet, the neck, and even the stomach.
How Do Acupressure Mats Work?
Acupressure mats touch the skin, stimulate pressure points, and enhance blood and nutrient circulation. Notably, when the skin touches the spikes, pressure will be felt, activating certain nerve endings on the skin and the whole body. Also, the process of the skin feeling the spikes stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
This process will result in the release of endorphins, which act as hormones in the body and help decrease pain. Decreasing the pain will affect the whole body, leading the individual to feel relaxed and at ease.
The use of an acupressure mat is similar to the feeling one may get after a deep tissue massage. Inside the skin, there are muscle points and pressure points that might be hard to access. Those who have tight or sore muscles and generally feel uncomfortable choose to use the acupressure mat to aid in solving their problems.
When the acupressure process is applied through the mat, it does apply pressure on the muscles, which then relaxes. Generally, applying acupressure pressure is easy and applied lightly to the muscles; the spikes when touching the clothes are used with less intensity. Blood flow is gradually encouraged, and this can also be useful in recovering and reducing the healing time of muscles, such as after strenuous activities or exercise.
After a while, using an acupressure mat makes the body slightly resistant to stress agents; pain becomes less sensitive, which can affect mental quota. Like any other therapy, frequent use will result in more benefits.
Benefits of Acupressure Mats for back pain
Acupressure mats have become increasingly popular due to the multitude of potential health benefits they can offer. Although studies into the effects of acupressure mats are ongoing, numerous user reviews and personal accounts suggest they can help address several health problems. Among the most prominent benefits of an acupressure mat one can mention the increased relaxation of muscles
1. Eases Muscle Tension and Promotes Relaxation
Individuals often decide to try acupressure mats to relax their muscles. Relieving the pain that results from intense physical strain can be quite difficult for a sore back. However, an acupressure mat can help relax the muscles and undo the knots created during exercise.
The pressure causes blood to flow to the affected area through the small blood vessels, successfully flushing out the toxins. Consequently, the muscles can relax, loosen up, and the tension disappears. Muscle relaxation becomes much more visible when the acupressure mat is used for 10 to 20 minutes daily.
2. Relieves Chronic Neck, Back, and Foot Pain
Chronic pain, particularly in the neck, back, and feet, can be debilitating and hard to manage. Acupressure mats are commonly used for pain relief, particularly in these areas. The mat has spikes that target the pressure points corresponding to pain receptors. Endorphins are released when these points are activated, and the general pain discomfort is reduced.
Therefore, it can eliminate the soreness and stiffness of the back or neck or even muscle spasms. In addition, when you stand or walk on the mat, the foot reflexology points are activated, and the pain in the foot or feet is reduced, for example, plantar fasciitis.
3. Reduces Menstrual Pain
Many women experience menstrual cramps or pain, and therefore, it is vital to find natural ways to ease the pain. Acupressure mats can reduce menstrual pain in women by targeting the abdomen, lower back, and hips.
Lying on the mat during menstruation helps relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the pelvis, which may alleviate pain significantly. The mat can also relax and ease the bloating and discomfort normally associated with menstruation.
4. Alleviates Chronic Headaches
Most people live under time constrictions and have too much workload, which can cause chronic headaches. The most crucial leverage of acupressure mats is reducing neck, shoulders, and upper back tension. For instance, the Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set is the best for this usage. The pillow can also activate the pressure points on the neck and scalp, reducing the frequency of headaches by reducing intensity.
5. Helps Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
In our fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and even depression have become more and more common. Acupressure mats are often mentioned for their ability to lower stress and aid relaxation. The mat helps the body become calm by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing feelings of anxiety.
In the long term, consistent use of the mat may improve mental state, providing a natural tool for coping with stress and mild depression. Acupressure mats are not a substitute for professional mental health care but can be used in an overall wellness regimen.
6. Boosts Your Energy Levels
Many users have reported that an acupressure mat helps their mind and body wake up. The improved circulation and blood flow lead to a more energized and alert state. As a result, they are a perfect addition to the morning routine as users are guaranteed a boost to start the day. The gentle massaging of pressure points allows the body and its systems to ‘wake up.’ It is comparable to stretching or even light exercise.
Acupressure Mat for Feet Benefits
Relief from foot pain:
Standing or walking on the mat helps alleviate foot pain and makes the soles of one’s feet feel less tired and sore. This can be especially advantageous for individuals who suffer from conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Improved circulation:
Pressure from the spikes aids in better circulation, so more blood flows to the feet and the legs. This can contribute to decreased swelling and generally healthier feet.
Reflexology benefits:
From the reflexology perspective, triggering the pressure points on the soles of one’s feet positively affects the remaining body areas.
How to Use an Acupressure Mat for back,neck and foot pain
Using an acupressure mat is quite simple, but it’s still important to use it correctly to get the benefits and avoid any discomfort. Below are the approximate guidelines on how effectively to use an acupressure mat:
- Back: Place the mat on a flat surface, such as a floor or bed, and lie down. Ensure the spikes target your back area and let your body go deeply into the mat. If you try acupressure for the first time, you can wear clothes to lower the spikes’ density.
- Neck: If you want to apply pressure on the key points of the cervical area, you can use the pillow, which usually comes with the Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set.
- Feet: Stand straight on the mat barefoot. The spikes stimulate the pressure points of the soles of your feet. They can be quite sharp, too, so initially stand only for several minutes and then increase the time load as soon as you feel no discomfort.
How Long to Lay on Acupressure Mat?
For the best results, it is recommended that you lay on the acupressure mat for 20 to 40 minutes per session. Beginners can start by lying on the mat for 10 to 15 minutes and increasing the time as they become comfortable. Regular usage helps reduce back pain and enhance relaxation. However, individuals must listen to their bodies and adjust the time according to their comfort.
Side Effects of Acupressure Mat
Though acupressure mats are excellent in reducing pain, some individuals may experience mild adverse effects. Some people might develop temporary redness, discomfort, or slight bruising, especially initially. Therefore, people with sensitive skin or open wounds must be careful using the mat. If the adverse effects remain, stop using the mat and consult a physician for further guidance.
Conclusion:
Altogether, acupressure mat for back pain can be useful for sufferers. Triggering certain pressure points helps the body increase blood circulation, release endorphins, and relax muscles, all of which can help alleviate chronic back pain.
Being natural and non-invasive, such products offer a relatively cheap and convenient way to bring pain relief into your routine. It is essential, however, to observe how you use these mats to avoid unexpected consequences. If your back pain never seems to go away, then perhaps you should consider including an acupressure mat in your routine.
