How to use an acupressure mat work for pain relief? (UK)

The multiple benefits of the acupressure mat are inspired by the ancient technique of acupuncture, which uses the stimulation of strategic points on the body to target pain receptors and bring about total relaxation. Instead of needles, the mat uses hypoallergenic plastic lotus flowers that have the same effect.

Pain is a consequence of ailments such as contractures, strains and fatigue that can be treated from the first session of routines and breaks with the acupressure mat. Check out everything you need to know about this product.

What are the benefits of using an acupressure mat?

• Decompresses nerves: this is a common cause of pain in the back, buttocks and legs.
• Regulates body temperature: this is a way of keeping the connective tissues and fascia active.
• Relaxes the musculature: muscle tension is one of the ailments that can be treated with the mat.
• Protects the fascia: the mat treats the knots that the fascia has when there is a lot of tension in it.
• Increases blood circulation: more oxygen and nutrients reach the tissues.
• Relieves stress: having a busy schedule and worries causes the muscles to tighten.
• Reduces stiffness: this symptom appears when there are muscle contractions.
• Treats ailments such as lumbago: the whole back receives stimulation to reduce the generalised pain that occurs in these cases.
• It serves as a support in yoga and pilates: it helps to make the exercises in these practices more effective.
• It distributes the accumulated energy loads: like an acupuncture session, the mat eliminates the unnecessary accumulation of tension.

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How to use the acupressure mat to relieve pain anywhere in the body?

Acupressure mats are designed to stimulate the upper and lower back, buttocks and legs, so most routines concentrate on these parts of the body.

On the neck

Almost all mats come with an acupressure pad that will be very useful for treating ailments in the neck:

• You can lie on the floor, bed or a couch where you are comfortable.
• Place the pad under your head, preferably treating your entire neck.
• Relax and breathe gently.
• Rotate your head to the left side and hold that position for a few seconds.
• Now rotate your head to the right side and hold that position again.
• Straighten your head so that it faces upwards and hold that position for several seconds.
• This cycle can be done six times before taking a break.
• The whole session can last 10 minutes.

If you don't have a pad, no problem, just place part of the mat on top of a regular cushion and you will have the same benefits.

On the back

These are super simple exercises that you can do at home with your acupressure mat, start with leg movements:

• Place the stimulation mat on the floor.
• Lie on your back and breathe slowly.
• Place your hands behind you in an outstretched position.
• Bend both knees.
• Gently rotate your hips sideways.
• Hold each rotation for a few seconds.
• After a short rest, you will lift your bent legs.
• Try to bring your knees to your abdomen.
• Hold this position for 10 seconds.
• Stretch your legs back to the floor.
• The whole session can last 10 minutes.

Take the opportunity to do a gentle stimulation on the buttocks, which are also important to have a good functioning of the lumbar area.

• Sit on the mat.
• Put your legs in butterfly position.
• Gently move your body forward and backward.
• Now move your body sideways, thus massaging the entire buttock.
• This cycle can be done for five minutes with a few breaks.

On the legs

To stimulate the legs correctly, three basic positions should be made and maintained. With the sides of the thighs:

• Place the mat on the floor.
• Lie on your side on the mat, your whole thigh should be in contact with the mat.
• Hold this position for 10 to 15 minutes if there is no discomfort.
• Gently switch sides.
• Repeat the previous steps, the whole thigh should be stimulated.
• The duration of the cycle is 10 to 15 minutes on each leg.

To work the quadriceps you should also do this on the floor.

• Place your body face down.
• The mat should make contact with the thighs from the end of the hips without touching the knees.
• Hold this position for 10 to 15 minutes if there is no discomfort
• No additional movements are required.
• Remember to breathe slowly.

It's time to stimulate the hamstrings, for that you need a chair with a flat and hard support.

• Position the mat so that it has contact with your back and thighs.
• Sit on the mat.
• The back of your thighs should be in full contact.
• Breathe gently.
• Hold this position for 15 to 20 minutes as long as you feel comfortable.

How regularly should I use the acupressure mat to relieve body conditions?

The use of the mat will depend on two time factors: the first is the length of time you use the mat for each routine and movement cycle. Most routines should last no longer than 10 to 20 repetitions with a rest in between.

A single session, which includes several routines, should not exceed 15 to 20 minutes because there may be disturbances in the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic system. In addition, it will take longer for the skin to recover from the marks and redness that the mat can sometimes leave.

You can use this product every day, as long as you alternate your exercise routines. A leg relaxation session can be done twice a day, for example, but you can add back and neck work to that.

What are the best alternatives to the acupressure mat for natural pain relief?

While the acupressure mat is great for regulating blood pressure and body temperature, there are other options you can use that we show you below that can go a long way towards improving your health.

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