Acupressure Mat: What is it and how do I use it?

While you've probably heard of nail mats before and may have even tried different ones, have you ever combined two nail mats together? If not, you're in for a real treat! In this article, we'll explain various nail mats use variations out, including the positions. Common benefits of nail mats include relief from muscle pain, headaches, and stress, as well as deeper sleep, increased energy, and improved circulation.

What is a nail mat?

Spike mats offer the same acupressure therapy benefits at home as those offered by specialist acupressure massage services. But what exactly is a spike mat?

Most mats are made of cotton or similar materials and typically have small plastic spikes that stimulate specific areas of the body, including acupressure points. They also stimulate your skin for added relaxation and health benefits. Acupressure mats are most commonly used on the floor, but can also be placed on surfaces such as an office chair or car seat.

Our customers who use an acupressure mat often find relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain, not to mention improved sleep quality and energy levels. One of the most sought-after benefits of an acupressure mat is stress reduction, and we think a mat session is perfect after a long day at work or before bed.

Because your weight is evenly distributed across the mat, the needles cannot actually pierce the skin, so you do not have to worry about pain or injury from this holistic method of healing and energy enhancement.

However, if you belong to the following groups of people or have any of these conditions, using an acupressure massage mat is not recommended:

Pregnant
nursing
Having a heart condition
Use of blood pressure medication
Have a skin infection
Have open wounds

How to Best Use an Acupressure Mat

First, relax and lie down on the mat. Try to position your back evenly across the mat. Feel free to shift or move your body as needed to find a comfortable position that works best for you. Lower back pain? No problem! Simply bend your knees or use a pillow to support them to add height and localize the muscle tension in this problem area.

At first, the acupressure peaks may not seem very comfortable. Just relax, breathe, and give your body time to adjust.

Once you start to feel comfortable, lie down on your mat for 20-40 minutes to achieve the ultimate results and wake up feeling calm, rejuvenated and relaxed.

Don't waste time watching the clock. The goal of this session is to relax. Set a timer in the kitchen or on your phone to track your time, and if possible, listen to meditation music.

When performing acupressure on the body, it's especially important to distribute your body evenly across the mat. Pinpoints are known to be unforgiving if not used correctly, so placing more pressure on one part of your body can cause damage or bruising to the skin.

What are the benefits of an acupressure mat?

There are quite a few benefits of an acupressure mat. From helping to relieve occasional pain to helping you find your zen, here are just a few of the great ways an acupressure mat can help you daily:

Helps provide temporary relief from neck and back pain
Helps relieve shoulder pain and occasional shoulder blade pain
Relieves stiff and sore muscles caused by overexertion
Provides feelings of stress and tension relief after a long day
Improves sleep quality
Relieves nausea caused by physical tightness and tension
Supports healthy blood circulation
Supports healthy breathing
Increases feelings of energy

Is there one benefit of an acupressure mat you're most looking forward to? With so many different ways this tool can help and provide relief, it's such a great addition to your daily routine.

While acupressure is known to offer a wealth of benefits, it should not be substituted for necessary medication or therapy prescribed by a doctor or chiropractor. Always work with a medical professional so they can properly treat and diagnose any issues.

Different needs require different functions

The positions and benefits of acupressure mats are wide and varied, so try yours in different ways and see what works best for you. Here are some of our favorite ideas for using an acupressure mat.

Back pain

Does your back occasionally ache from your busy daily activities? Here's how to use an acupressure mat for relief.

Simply place the mat on a firm, flat surface. Slowly sit down and lie completely on the mat. You'll feel warmth creeping across your upper back and entire body as the tiny needles begin to work their magic.

Experiencing lower back pain? Simply roll up a towel or blanket, or grab a pillow, and place it under your knees for extra elevation and better support.

If there is unwanted pain or tension in your shoulders, you can take the same towel or blanket and place it under the upper part of your back to target a different area.

Give it about 20 minutes, and you'll really start to feel some relief!

Neck pain

People with neck pain often turn to a pillow instead of a mat for additional pain relief. However, an acupressure mat can offer amazing benefits you'll never get with just a pillow.

If you choose to use an acupressure pillow, first lie down on a flat surface or find a high chair or sofa to sit on. Place your neck on the pillow and then adjust it to your comfort. You can use the pillow for about 20 minutes or until you feel a reduction in pain or discomfort.

If you're using an acupressure mat, slowly lower your body and place a rolled-up blanket or towel under your head. You can reposition it as needed and press on it for as long as the pillow. For maximum rejuvenation, you can do this for up to 40 minutes. Remember, do what feels right for you.

Feeling of restlessness or stress

The mat not only relaxes the body but also brings comfort and peace of mind. You can use the mat in a similar way for back pain. Make sure you lie in a comfortable position that distributes your weight evenly for optimal results.

For extra comfort, you can use the mat on both your bed and the sofa, as they are slightly softer than the floor.

Breathe deeply and relax. You can close your eyes to focus on your breathing. Playing music and participating in a guided meditation also helps. Twenty-five to 40 minutes is the ideal amount of time to reap the full healing benefits of the acupressure mat.

Energy boost

For an energy boost, do the opposite of the above in terms of time spent. The less time you spend on the mat, the more rejuvenated (rather than relaxed) you'll feel in the long run.

Lie down on your mat wherever you feel comfortable and set a timer for no longer than 20 to 25 minutes. Try keeping your mat on the floor rather than on your bed, especially if you're sleepy. The moment you get up, you'll feel that instant rejuvenation you've been longing for.

Best of all? It's all-natural energy! No need to grab a coffee or espresso! Try this method during your afternoon slump and experience the energy-boosting difference!

Sleep deeper

Need better sleep? The benefits of an acupressure mat can help. Be sure to stay on the mat for longer than 20 minutes. If you need more time, stay on the mat until it truly starts to induce the desired sleepiness.

Make sure the mat is removed eventually and that you don't sleep on it all night. Too much of a good thing has a tendency to do harm. Furthermore, if you move in the middle of the night and put too much pressure on one area, it can lead to unnecessary bruising or punctures in the skin.

Make this a relaxing part of your nighttime routine to improve your sleep.

Feet and reflexology

Working on your feet all day? Then this method is definitely for you! These mats are designed to relieve foot pain, especially if you've been wearing uncomfortable shoes or walking all day

Feel free to use the mat or cushion too! Either will work. Standing on the mat can even feel like a foot massage. And who doesn't love a good foot massage?