Acupressure mat: what is it and what are the benefits?
In a society where we are constantly switched on, finding deep relaxation is sometimes a challenge. That is why more and more people are discovering the spike mat, also known as an acupressure mat in the Western world. Although the thousands of sharp plastic points might look uncomfortable at first glance, there is an ancient, effective method behind it. The mat is based on traditional Chinese medicine and stimulates specific energy pathways and pressure points in the body.
Integrating an acupressure session into your daily routine can have a major impact on your physical and mental well-being. In this article, we dive deep into how it works, the scientific background, and the specific benefits of an acupressure mat.
What are nail mats good for?
The primary function of an acupressure system is to activate the body's self-healing capacity. By resting your body weight on the spikes, you simultaneously apply pressure to thousands of receptors in the skin. This process triggers various physiological responses.
Stimulation of blood circulation
Within a few minutes of lying down on the mat, you will notice that your skin feels warm and turns red. This is a direct sign that local blood circulation is being intensely stimulated. Improved blood flow ensures that oxygen and essential nutrients reach the muscles faster. At the same time, it helps to remove accumulated waste products, such as lactic acid, more effectively. This makes the mat particularly effective for recovery after an intense workout or a long workday in front of a computer screen.
Production of happiness hormones
The initial stimulation from the sharp points is registered by the nervous system as a mild form of stress. In response, the brain immediately begins to produce neurotransmitters, including endorphin and oxytocin. Endorphin is known as our body's natural painkiller; it alleviates pain and creates a feeling of mild euphoria. Oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone, lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), slows the heart rate, and brings the nervous system into a state of deep relaxation.
Relief of chronic muscle tension
Many people unconsciously hold stress in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The constant pressure from the spikes helps to gradually massage away these stubborn muscle knots (trigger points). As a result, stiffness decreases and the flexibility of the spine improves.
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The benefits of an acupressure mat at a glance
When you use the mat regularly, you can experience a wide range of positive effects. The most frequently mentioned benefits are:
- Reduction of pain symptoms: Effective for the relief of chronic back pain, neck complaints, tension headaches, and migraines.
- Improvement of nighttime rest: By using the mat twenty minutes before going to sleep, the body switches to rest mode faster, leading to a deeper and uninterrupted sleep.
- Relief of restless legs: Stimulating the nerves in the feet and lower legs reduces the restless feeling that often occurs in the evening.
- Mental peace: Because the intense sensation of the spikes draws your attention completely to the physical body, the session functions as a form of mindfulness, causing worrying thoughts to fade into the background.
Scientific insights into acupressure
Although user experiences are predominantly positive, it is also valuable to look at what science says about this phenomenon. Clinical studies into the direct effects of consumer acupressure mats are still in full development, but the existing results are promising.
A qualitative study from 2021 demonstrated that the use of an acupressure mat can significantly improve overall quality of life and daily comfort for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. This aligned with earlier findings from a larger study in 2012, which concluded that chronic neck and lower back pain was effectively alleviated by regular exposure to acupressure points. Finally, a clinical experiment from 2011 indicated that subjects showed a significant decrease in their stress levels after a twenty-minute session, which directly translated into improved sleep patterns.
Compare spike mats from our range
Not every acupressure mat is the same. The intensity, the materials used, and the design vary by model. In our webshop, we have made a careful selection of high-quality brands that meet the strictest quality requirements. We compare the two most popular options below.
Flowee acupressure mats
Flowee is a Dutch brand known for its focus on sustainability and ergonomics. The brand's classic mats are equipped with 210 octagonal spikes, each featuring 42 sharp ends. This brings the total number of unique pressure points to over 8,820. Read more about this here Flowee nail mat.
The filling of the Flowee mats consists of a firm foam that provides good counter-pressure, ensuring an even distribution of weight. Additionally, this brand offers an eco-friendly eco-line and compact variants specifically designed for travel or local use underfoot.
Shakti mats
The brand Shakti has put the acupressure mat on the map worldwide. The Shakti nail mats They are ethically produced by hand in India and use certified organic cotton and high-quality, recyclable plastic spikes. A unique feature of this brand is that they work with different intensity levels, allowing you to tailor the mat exactly to your experience and sensitivity.
| Make and model | Number of pressure points | Intensity level | Most suitable for |
| Flowee Classic | More than 8,820 | Average / Accessible | All-round use, muscle recovery and relaxation |
| Shakti Mat Light | Approximately 8000 | Mild | Beginners, sensitive people, and seniors |
| Shakti Mat Original | Approximately 6,000 | Challenging / Intensive | Regular users seeking deep tissue stimulation |
| Shakti Mat Advanced | Approximately 4000 | Very intensive | Experienced practitioners who desire maximum stimulation |
Pay attention to the interpretation: regarding the Shakti nail mats A lower number of spikes means that body weight is distributed over fewer points, causing the pressure per spike to be greater and the sensation therefore more intense.
How do you build up the use of an acupressure mat?
As a beginner, it is perfectly normal for the first session to feel intense. Your body needs time to get used to the acupressure. With the right build-up, you will soon transform the initial sharpness into a soothing warmth.
The first steps
For the first few times, place the mat on a relatively soft surface, such as a mattress or a sofa. This reduces direct pressure. If the spikes feel too sharp against bare skin, wear a thin T-shirt. Breathe calmly and deeply into your belly; this helps the nervous system release resistance.
After a few minutes, you will notice that the initial tingling disappears and gives way to an intense flow of heat. Once you are used to this, you can place the mat on a hard floor and use it on bare skin for maximum effect. Ideally, a session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about the benefits of an acupressure mat
Do you have any more questions about acupressure mats? Perhaps your question is already answered below.
Are there situations where it is better not to use the mat?
Yes, there are some contraindications. Use is not recommended during pregnancy (due to the stimulation of certain pressure points that can induce contractions), with open wounds or skin infections on the back, with severe cardiovascular disease, or if you are taking blood thinners. If in doubt, always consult a medical specialist first.
How do I clean my acupressure mat?
The fabric outer cover can be removed from most models. Always wash the cover by hand in lukewarm water with a drop of mild detergent. This prevents the plastic spikes from being damaged or coming loose. Then let the cover air dry. The inner filling must not get wet.
Why is an acupressure mat cushion a good addition?
A standard mat is flat and therefore does not perfectly conform to the natural curve of the neck and lower back. An ergonomically shaped acupressure mat pillow fills these spaces perfectly, ensuring that the nerves in the neck region and the base of the skull are targeted. This is particularly effective in combating tension headaches.
Where can I buy acupressure mats in the Netherlands?
You can buy high-quality acupressure mats at online webshops like Yoga-Pilatesshop. At Yoga-Pilatesshop, you never pay too much and you can buy top brands such as Flowee and Shakti. Always delivered within 3 working days!