An acupressure mat sounds tempting because it is said to be true miracles. BRIGITTE will tell you what is 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 just that. The fine plastic tips of the foam mat take care of you massaging effect and should therefore sustainably Increase wellbeing. 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 will give you an answer to these and other questions!
The best acupressure mats
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 alleviated – and that with just 20 minutes of daily use. The customer service, based in Germany, is also impressive, while the mats are manufactured in a women’s workshop in India. Natural organic cotton and recycled foam are used for this.
The thermal mat from Thermo Mysa Duo (110 x 48 cm)
There is a small upgrade for this massage mat, because with the warming function it also provides comfortably warm relaxation. the Thermo Mysa mat comes with a pillow, which is also a great way to combat neck pain. The mat itself is filled with plant fibers and has more than 10,000 knobs.
The extra length from Lixada (120 x 42 cm)
The XL version of the Acupressure mats are available from Lixada. In addition to a pillow, the package also includes two massage balls and a carrying bag. It also convinces with its skin-friendly cotton fabric, which makes it hypoallergenic. No toxic substances were used in the balls either. Due to the included carrying bag, the mat can also be used ideally for travel. So you don’t have to forego the effect when you are on the go – because long-distance travel by plane in particular means a lot of stress for some, which makes them tense. In addition to headaches, stress and tension, the mat also helps with mild and chronic sciatica.
The affordable ones from TOMSHOO + (68 x 42 cm)
If you want to spend a little less on your first acupressure mat at first, this is the TOMSHOO + Mat a good choice. It also comes with a pillow, a carrying bag and two massage balls, but costs only 30 euros. The brand’s acupressure set was developed by health therapists and has more than 7,800 plastic nubs that are supposed to act like acupuncture. Non-toxic and recycled ABS plastic was used for the tips.
The award-winning from Wellax (74 x 44 cm)
That Wellax product is 100% filled with coconut fibers and promises a perfect all-round feel-good experience. Body and mind should be able to relax in no time at all, which is especially important after a long day at work or hard training. 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 stands with the Mat from Backlaxx clearly in focus. It is produced 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 towel and a bag. There are also two audio books with 110 minutes of relaxation and an eBook for free download.
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. Here it is assumed that your body is made of different meridians is run through. Once these are blocked, your body is more prone to pain or even diseases. A yantra mat should help, because nail boards were already used in India to loosen people from their blockages. The toned down 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 treated various complaints with it – these include headaches, neck pain, tension, sleep disorders, anxiety and stress. We will reveal below how the correct treatment for the individual complaints looks like. It is important to know: Thanks to their plastic tips, they relax the muscles, improve blood circulation and thus also help to regain new energy. An acupressure mat is particularly helpful in the case of anxiety and stress in order to release blockages through targeted acupressure.
What is the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?
Both are popular healing methods for the same health problems. Be at acupuncture sharp needles set in the skin – an uncomfortable feeling for some. Acupressure, on the other hand, “only” deals with that Massaging these blockagesAs the name suggests – instead of dots, it is pressed. In this way, the nerve cells under the skin are stimulated and relaxation begins.
How do I use them correctly?
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 put the foam mat on the Floor, the sofa or your bed depending on how you are most comfortable. Because when using an acupressure mat, it’s all about one thing: relaxation.
Lie down on your back on the mat and slowly get used to the plastic tips. At the beginning the feeling may be a bit strange, but after the first few times it subsides as soon as you distribute your weight over the entire mat: After the tingling feeling has subsided, a warm feeling awaits you. Note: Your back may be reddened after the first few applications. This is absolutely normal and not a sign that you cannot tolerate the vital mat. After a few weeks that should go away.
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 use the mat without clothes.
How often can I use a massage mat?
According to experts, you should use the mat for an effect about 20 minutes a day use – this is also the average time of previous users. However, there are also acupressure fans who sleep on a massage mat or they spend several hours watching a documentary or listening to music, for example. Whichever you choose, using a mat for a long time won’t hurt you.
Acupressure mat for various ailments
Acupressure is one of the most natural ways to deal with certain ailments. Here, however, a distinction must be made 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 sees 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 the pressure build-up on the bridge of your nose with the help of 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
- anxiety
- stress
Areas where light training and changing positions on the mat can help:
- Cellulite
- Fibromyalgia (not every fibromyalgia sufferer can use a fakir mat)
- 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 beforehand.
Sources used: hnl.physio, shaktimat.de, onmeda.de