I Tried the $30 ‘Mattress of Nails’ Acupressure Mat, and I Can’t Suggest It Sufficient

I contemplate myself an individual who would attempt something within the identify of wellness. I’ve thrown again many a shot of apple cider vinegar, aligned my chakras on a crystal mattress, and stimulated my vagus nerve in a Magnesphere. It could possibly’t damage, proper? However when it got here to a wellness development that concerned a literal “mattress of nails,” I resisted. (That one, it appeared, really might damage.) However I’m grateful that I finally modified my tune, as a result of, not like these experiences above, the acupuncture mat and its pain-relieving wonders are one thing I can simply—and gladly—incorporate into my common wellness routine.  

Featured picture by Riley Reed.

The Viral Acupuncture Mat, Examined and Reviewed

The turning level got here after noticing a selected acupressure mat, the ProsourceFit set (with again mat and neck pillow), pop up for the umpteenth time on a vacation present information. Priced at slightly below $30 on Amazon, the bestseller has garnered hundreds of 5-star critiques to the tune of “it appears loopy nevertheless it works!” My curiosity was piqued and my perpetual neck ache was prepared. My acupressure mat confirmed up promptly at my door in a feather-light field. (Observe: the spikes are plastic and the mat is made with 100% cotton.)

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Our first encounter collectively didn’t go nicely. I slowly lied down with principally naked pores and skin because the ProSource Match web site recommends. (Looking back, I might suggest a lightweight blanket or towel as a barrier for the primary go round.) In reality, I might barely deal with it. I pressured my boyfriend to attempt it too, however he lasted all of two minutes earlier than asking why somebody would willingly do that to their physique. I tucked the light-weight mat away and chalked it as much as one other bizarre wellness development.

However then I remembered that soothing heat the Amazon reviewers promised and determined to attempt once more a number of days later. With my thoughts higher prepped for what to anticipate, the expertise was rather more palatable. The following time, it felt even higher, particularly when that about one minute in, your physique will calm down and that wave of heat actually does roll throughout your physique, melting away muscle ache and pressure. Afterward, my again was purple and coated in tiny indentations, nevertheless it felt wonderful.

My expertise made me a believer, however I nonetheless didn’t completely perceive what made the acupressure mat really feel, as one good Amazon reviewer put it, “kind of like curling up with a hedgehog and discovering it surprisingly tolerable… after which snug.”

So I tapped Dr. Janine Mahon, a physician of Chinese language medication and proprietor of an eponymous line of intimate wellness formulation, for extra perception into the mattress of nails’ tension-relieving magic.

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How do acupressure mats work? 

Acupressure mats have little spikes that stimulate acupressure factors on the floor of the pores and skin. These factors on the physique, if correctly stimulated, can regulate the move of Qi (power), blood, and physique fluids. The spikes will not be painful and don’t penetrate the pores and skin.

Chinese language natural remedy is an inner manifestation of this medication, including to what the physique already has. Acupressure mats, nonetheless, don’t stimulate particular factors like those chosen by your acupuncturist however as an alternative supply a normal remedy to the entire physique with out penetrating the pores and skin. 

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What are some advantages of an acupressure mat?

Acupressure mats invigorate the move of Qi. When Qi is caught, we expertise a large number of points akin to ache, pressure, poor digestion, complications, menstrual cramps, and insomnia. The way it will have an effect on you is determined by the place your Qi is caught.

How lengthy must you lay on an acupressure mat?

Laying in your again for quarter-hour will launch the channels that run down your again, boosting your immunity whereas relieving ache.

It’s not the identical as a gaggle of acupuncture factors particularly chosen by your acupuncturist to handle your particular person wants. Nonetheless, it could possibly nonetheless be very useful.

Is there anybody who shouldn’t attempt an acupressure mat? 

Anybody with damaged or infected pores and skin shouldn’t use an acupressure mat. Individuals which are pregnant or who could grow to be pregnant ought to examine with their acupuncturist first to search out out what areas they need to keep away from stimulating. It takes Qi a bit of over 28 minutes to flow into by all of the meridians, which is why throughout an acupuncture remedy your practitioner will go away the needles in for round half-hour to ensure the circuit is full.

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Dr. Mahon’s Decide for the Finest Acupressure Mat

Personally, I like to recommend the Shakti mat. Not solely is it made with natural cotton and dyes which are secure for the pores and skin and for our planet however additionally they give again to the group of individuals making the mats for our use.