An acupressure mat sounds tempting because it is said to have true miracles. BRIGITTE tells you what’s behind it and how to use it correctly.
Stress reduction, tension relief, pain relief, improved sleep – what more could you want from a product that doesn’t even have to be taken or applied? An acupressure mat is supposed to do exactly that. The fine plastic tips of the foam mat ensure a massaging effect and should therefore be sustainable Increase well-being. But what’s behind the hype? What types of mats are there, how much do they cost and what do I use them for? We give answers to these and other questions!
Where does the acupressure mat come from and how does it work?
The origin of the acupressure mat – also known as fakir, yantra, nail, needle, vitality and massage mat – lies in the Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM for short. This assumes that your body is… different meridians is passed through. As soon as these are blocked, your body is more prone to pain or even illnesses. A Yantra mat is supposed to help, because nail boards were already used in India to free people from their blockages. The weaker version of a nail board is the acupressure mat as we know it today.
The effect of a fakir mat is wide-ranging. So can various complaints treated with it – these include, among other things, headaches, neck pain, tension, sleep disorders, anxiety and stress. We will reveal below what the correct treatment is for individual complaints. It is important to know: Thanks to their plastic tips, they relax the muscles, improve blood circulation and thus help you gain new energy. An acupressure mat is particularly helpful in cases of anxiety and stress to release blockages through targeted acupressure.
The best acupressure mats for effective effects
A standardized mat has a length of up to 75 centimeters and a width of up to 46 centimeters and varies in price. There are massage mats that can be purchased for as little as 20 euros, while others cost around 100 euros. We have selected the best models for you.
The bestseller from ShaktiMat (77 x 42.5 cm)
The ShaktiMat is an absolute bestseller. With this product you are promised pure relaxation, improved well-being and fair production. Your sleep should improve and pain should be relieved – even after just 20 minutes of daily use. The customer service is also impressive, based in Germany, while the mats are made in a women’s workshop in India. Natural organic cotton and recycled foam are used.
The thermal mat from Thermo Mysa Duo (110 x 48 cm)
There is a small upgrade with this massage mat, because the heat function also ensures cozy, warm relaxation. The Mat from Thermo Mysa Comes with a pillow, which is also an excellent way to combat neck pain. The mat itself is filled with plant fibers and has more than 10,000 studs.
The extra long one from Lixada (120 x 42 cm)
The XL version of the Acupressure mat is available from Lixada. In addition to a pillow, the package also includes two massage balls and a carrying bag. It also impresses with its skin-friendly cotton fabric, making it hypoallergenic. Toxic substances were also avoided in the balls. Due to the included carrying bag, the mat can also be used ideally for travel. So you don’t have to miss out on the effect when you’re on the move – because long-distance flights by plane in particular mean a lot of stress for some people, which causes them to tense up. In addition to headaches, stress and tension, the mat also helps with mild and chronic sciatica.
The price values of TOMSHOO+ (15 x 42 cm)
If you initially want to spend a little less on your first acupressure mat, this is the option TOMSHOO+ Mat a good choice. It also comes with a pillow, a carrying bag and two massage balls, but only costs 22 euros. The brand’s acupressure set was developed by health therapists and features more than 325 plastic knobs that are designed to act like acupuncture. Toxic-free and recycled ABS plastic was used for the tips.
The Excellent from Wellax (74 x 44 cm)
The Product from Wellax is 100% filled with coconut fibers and promises a perfect all-round feel-good experience. Your body and mind should be able to relax in no time, which is especially important after a long day at work or a hard workout. Another plus point of the excellent massage mat is the money-back guarantee of up to three years after purchase if you are not satisfied.
The sustainable one from Backlaxx (65 x 38 cm)
The idea of sustainability is at the forefront Mat from Backlaxx clearly the focus. It is manufactured in an environmentally friendly way, is durable, antibacterial and consists of raw materials such as natural coconut fibers, kapok fibers and half-linen. The mat also includes a pillow, a cloth and a bag. There are also two audio books with 110 minutes of relaxation and an eBook that you can download for free.
What is the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?
Both are popular healing methods for the same health problems. With acupuncture you will sharp needles placed in the skin – an unpleasant feeling for some. Acupressure, on the other hand, “only” deals with that Massaging these blockages, as the name suggests – instead of puncturing, it is pressed. The nerve cells beneath the skin are stimulated and relaxation sets in.
How do I use it to make it work?
You bought the Yantra mat and you don’t yet know exactly how to use it correctly? No problem, we have the solution. The fact is, how you use them depends on what you want to treat. In general, you can place the foam mat on the floor, the sofa or your bed – depending on how you are most comfortable. Because using an acupressure mat is primarily about one thing: relaxation.
Lay down backwards onto the mat and slowly get used to the plastic tips. The feeling may be a little unusual at first, but that goes away after the first few times as soon as you distribute your weight across the entire mat: after the tingling feeling has subsided, a warm sensation awaits you. A notice: Your back may be red after the first few uses. This is absolutely normal and is not a sign that you cannot tolerate the vital mat. This should go away after a few weeks.
You can use clothing for the first few applications and also later; a normal T-shirt and training pants are sufficient. To make the experience a little more intense and thus stimulate blood circulation even more, you can also use the mat without clothing.
How often can I use a massage mat?
To have an effect, you should use the mat, according to experts about 20 minutes daily use – this is also the average time of previous users. However, there are also acupressure fans who sleep on a massage mat or use it for several hours, for example while watching a documentary or listening to music. Whatever you decide, using a mat for a long time won’t hurt you.
Acupressure mat for various complaints
Acupressure is one of the most natural ways to treat certain ailments. However, a distinction must be made here between classic acupressure and the use of a vital mat. While back, neck and headaches as well as stress and anxiety can be treated by simply lying on the mat, it looks for colds and flu something different. This is where you work best with your hands. Press the point between your eyebrows for ten seconds. This is followed by building up pressure on the bridge of your nose using your thumb and index finger.
The following complaints can be alleviated by simply lying on the Yantra mat:
- Headache
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Herniated disc (the muscles hardened by the herniated disc can thus be loosened)
- high blood pressure
- Fear
- stress
Areas where light training and changing positions on the mat can help:
- Cellulite
- Fibromyalgia (Using a Fakir mat is not comfortable for everyone suffering from fibromyalgia)
- After the sport
General remark: The effectiveness of acupressure mats has not been scientifically proven. If you are unsure whether you can use a vital mat for your symptoms, talk to your doctor first.
By the way, you can find a detailed comparison of 10 selected mats here.
The following utensils can also help you with tension:
Sources used: hnl.physio, shaktimat.de, onmeda.de