Use acupressure mat

Acupressure mats, sometimes called acupuncture mats, Flower Field or Lotus Flower mats are widely available alternative medicine tools that give the user the benefits of acupressure at home. Most of these mats are made of cotton or similar materials, with plastic acupuncture points that stimulate specific areas of the body to relieve pain or help solve other problems. The density of these acupressure points is very high, which is why some people call them nail bed mats or fakir mats. Although these mats are convenient and simple to use, people new to acupressure mats may wonder how to use them.

Some people may be afraid of puncturing their skin or having pain on such mats, others may be wary of acupuncture. With an acupressure mat, the skin is simply stimulated. As your body weight is distributed over the many peaks of the mat (or flowers), you enjoy the benefits of acupuncture without the flowers hurting you. Acupressure mats can be used on almost any part of your body and even on your hands and feet for reflexology.

In this article we will cover the basics of using acupressure mats and how to use them for specific problems.

Remember to consult your doctor about any medical problems you have and treatments you are trying. An acupressure mat is contraindicated if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have heart disease, are taking high blood pressure medication, or have a skin infection or open sores.

 

How do acupressure mats work?

Acupressure mats use the same principles as acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology. There are two schools of thought that each have their own opinion on acupressure mats.

Details of the lotus flower peaks of an acupressure matThe first school believes that using a mat with so many peaks (most mats have more than 6000 points), increases the chances that a novice will stimulate the 100+ acupressure points in his back (called meridians). This can provide almost the same benefits as professional acupressure or acupuncture sessions. The main difference is that acupressure mats are not able to target specific problems or points.

The second school of thought considers that the benefits of acupressure mats come from the increased blood flow due to the stimulation provided by the pins. The first time you use the mat, you may feel a little uncomfortable seeing these thousands of points sink into your skin. This pressure increases blood flow to the areas it stimulates. Give yourself time. After a few minutes, you'll feel your back (or other parts of your body) warm, which will relax your muscles. This increased blood flow is considered healing as well as relaxing.

 

 

 

Advantages of the acupressure mat

The biggest advantage of acupressure mats is that anyone can use them. Unlike traditional therapeutic acupressure, there is no training or specialized knowledge required to achieve beneficial results. Since many acupressure mats are affordable, it is a less expensive option that allows people to get daily treatment without paying a professional for frequent appointments. These mats can be used alone or in addition to an acupressure or acupuncture appointment.

People who use acupressure mats say that they gain many impressive health benefits. Because the mat relaxes the muscles, it helps the whole body to relax. By releasing this tension, it can help reduce and relieve muscle pain. Many people use acupressure mats for the relief of back and neck pain, but they can also help relieve pain in other parts of the body.

If you use the treadmill for a long period of time, your entire body will relax after stimulation. This relaxation is good for relieving stress or anxiety and helping to release the tensions of the day to get a good night's sleep. If you find your acupressure mat relaxing, you may want to meditate while using it.

Pressure at specific points also helps to release endorphins and oxytocin, which make you feel good, so using the mat can also help boost your mood. As with meditation or yoga, it is by using your acupressure mat regularly that you will get the most benefit.

 

Benefits of using an acupressure mat

Although you can target specific problems and parts of your body, you will benefit from these advantages with each use, one more reason to use your acupressure mat daily!

• Relieves stress and anxiety
• Increases blood circulation
• Improves oxygen levels
• Reduces muscle tension
• Stimulates the production of endorphins to improve mood and helps eliminate depression
• Promotes restful sleep and reduces insomnia
• Energizes the body

 

 

What are the different ways to use your acupressure mat?

If this is the very first time you are using an acupressure mat, we strongly recommend that you wear a t-shirt or place a towel or sheet on the mat to reduce the intensity of the acupressure points. As you get used to it, you will be able to use the mat directly on your bare skin (which is the recommended method).

As a general rule, the mat is placed on a flat surface. This can be on your bed, on the couch or on the floor. To make yourself comfortable if you use the mat on the floor, you can place a yoga mat or another mat underneath the acupressure mat. Feel free to use accessories such as bolsters or yoga pillows to support your head or legs.

Lie down on the mat, positioning your back evenly on the peaks. Feel free to move your body as needed to find a comfortable position. If you want to target your lower back, bend your knees or support them on a pillow.

Note: Make sure your body weight is evenly distributed on the mat. The spikes are sharp and you could damage or puncture your skin if you concentrate the pressure on a small area (as if you were putting your entire body weight on the tip of a finger by pressing on a spike).

This technique is generally used for back pain, for relaxation or to facilitate the coming to sleep. Now that you know how to use an acupressure mat, we will go into the techniques for more specific topics below.

 

Acupressure for back pain

The most common use of acupressure mats is to relieve back pain. Increasing blood flow helps heal muscles and allows you to relax to relieve pain and tension.

Place the mat on a flat surface. Sit at the base of the mat and slowly lay your back down until you are lying on the mat. The acupressure will bring immediate healing heat to your back as blood circulation increases through the spikes or flowers.

If your lower back hurts, you can roll up a towel and place it under the mat to create a curve to squeeze against your spine. Another option is to bend your knees or place your knees on a pillow or rolled up blanket, which will press your lower back onto the mat.

 

If your shoulders are sore, you can place a rolled towel under the top of the mat or use an acupressure pillow to increase the pressure on the neck and shoulders (we will discuss this in more detail in the next section).

Lie down on the mat for about 20 minutes to feel relaxed, refreshed and revitalized.

If you want to try acupressure for your back pain, check out the best acupressure mats for back pain.

 

Acupressure for cervical pain

Many people with chronic neck pain will use an acupressure pillow to specifically target their neck. Pillows come in many different shapes and designs. You will be able to find one that best suits your needs. You can also always relieve your neck pain by using a bath towel or a regular pillow that you place under your mat to make an acupressure pillow.

If you just want to use an acupressure pillow: lie down on a flat surface or find a high-backed chair or sofa to sit on. Place the pillow behind your neck so that it is comfortable. Use it for 20 minutes or until you feel less pain.

If you want to use a cervical pillow with an acupressure mat, place the mat on a flat surface. Slowly sit on the mat and place the pillow under your neck. Adjust your body and the pillow as needed until you are comfortable. Lie down for 20 to 40 minutes.

 

If you just want to use an acupressure mat, roll up a towel and place it at head level under the mat. Slowly place your back toward the bottom of the mat so that your neck rests on the pillow created by the towel. Adjust your body and the mat as needed. Do a 20-minute session to feel revitalized and up to 40 minutes to completely relax your body.

 

Acupressure for anxiety and stress

Lying on an acupressure mat not only relaxes your body, but it will also help you to relax your mind. Many people say that the use of acupressure mats helps them to relieve their daily stress and reduce their anxiety at the same time.

You should use the mat the same way you use it for back pain. You lie on the mat in a comfortable position. You can do this on your bed or sofa, as this surface will be a little softer than if you lie directly on the floor.

 

Once you lie down on the mat, when you feel comfortable, take a deep breath and relax. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. This may be a good time to listen to a guided meditation or repeat a mantra. Lie on the mat for at least 25 minutes and up to 40 minutes to completely relax your body and mind. This can be a very pleasant thing to do after work or when you are getting ready to go to sleep.

 

Acupressure for energy

If you limit the amount of time you use your acupressure mat, you will feel invigorated. It's a great way to use your mat in the morning to prepare for the day or in the afternoon when you're having a midday energy crisis.

I recommend that you use your mat on the floor (rather than a bed or couch that might make you sleepy or lethargic). You can also use it on a mat or yoga mat if your floor is hard or if you need an extra small cushion. Lie down on your mat and set a 20-minute timer. Make sure you're comfortable. Don't use your mat for more than 20 minutes, as it will trigger relaxation beyond that time.

When you get up, your body and mind should feel energized.

 

Acupressure for cellulite

It may sound a little too good to be true, but many people claim that regular use of an acupressure mat on certain parts of the body helps reduce the appearance or even eliminate cellulite. It is true that increasing blood flow to the treated area helps reduce cellulite.

Areas of the body that you can target with the use of an acupressure mat to reduce cellulite include the legs and thighs, buttocks and stomach. If you have a sedentary office job, you can place a mat on your desk chair and sit on it while you work while reaping the positive effects. It also has the side effect of helping to increase blood flow in the lower half of your body, which is good for your overall health and well-being.

 

Most people say that using an acupressure mat for 15 to 30 minutes on each area a day will greatly reduce the appearance of cellulite. Unfortunately, the effects are not permanent and you must continue the practice regularly. It is obvious that you also need to make sure that you make healthy choices in terms of diet and exercise to complement acupressure.

You can use any type of acupressure mat or pillow that works well for the body part you are targeting, or you can even purchase a cellulite massage mat specially designed for this purpose.

 

Acupressure for sleep and insomnia

Since using an acupressure mat helps to relax your body, many people say it is useful to help induce sleep and even cure insomnia.

The usual use of an acupressure mat in the afternoon or evening may be enough to improve your sleep. If you specifically use acupressure to treat insomnia or other sleep problems, I recommend that you use it immediately before going to bed.

How to Use an Acupressure Mat for Sleep and Insomnia - Do your usual bedtime ritual and once you are ready, spread out your acupressure mat. I recommend using it directly in bed, but some people prefer to use it on the floor. Lie down on the mat and close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing to help relax your mind.

Use the mat for at least 20 minutes, until you begin to fall asleep. Just make sure you remove the mat and don't spend the night on it.

If you make using the mat part of your regular bedtime routine, you may find it easier to fall asleep because it becomes a signal to your body that it's time to relax, let go and go to sleep.

 

Acupressure for the feet and reflexology

If you work standing all day or if you suffer from foot pain (for example, from uncomfortable shoes), acupressure mats can help relieve this pain. They are also useful for reflexology of the soles of the feet to relieve other health problems.

You can use a mat or a pillow, depending on your technique. Some people stand directly on the mat, which would have an energizing effect. Others use one foot at a time to apply pressure to different areas, as in a massage.

 

Standing on the mat can help relieve headaches and migraines, although some users say it's simply lying on the mat that helps them with their headaches.

If you find standing on an acupressure mat uncomfortable for your feet, there are many foot mats available that are more comfortable and feel like a massage.