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 title 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 will probably’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 ultimately 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.

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Picture by Michelle Nash

The Viral Acupuncture Mat, Examined and Reviewed

The turning level got here after noticing a specific acupressure mat, the ProsourceFit set (with again mat and neck pillow), pop up for the umpteenth time on a vacation reward information. Priced at slightly below $30 on Amazon, the bestseller has garnered 1000’s of 5-star opinions to the tune of “it appears loopy but it surely 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. (Notice: the spikes are plastic and the mat is made with 100% cotton.)

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Our first encounter collectively didn’t go effectively. I slowly lied down with largely naked pores and skin because the ProSource Match web site recommends. (On reflection, I’d advocate 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 way more palatable. The following time, it felt even higher, particularly when you already know 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 rigidity. Afterward, my again was crimson and coated in tiny indentations, but it surely felt wonderful.

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

So I tapped Dr. Janine Mahon, a health care provider 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.

woman pushing back curtains, acupuncture mat — *Picture by Jenn Rose Smith*

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 circulation of Qi (vitality), blood, and physique fluids. The spikes aren’t 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, nevertheless, don’t stimulate particular factors like those chosen by your acupuncturist however as a substitute supply a common remedy to the entire physique with out penetrating the pores and skin.

woman in nature, acupuncture mat — Picture *by Riley Reed*

What are some advantages of an acupressure mat?

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

How lengthy do you have to 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 isn’t the identical as a gaggle of acupuncture factors particularly chosen by your acupuncturist to handle your particular person wants. Nonetheless, it could actually nonetheless be very useful.

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

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

Dr. Mahon’s Choose for the Finest Acupressure Mat

Personally, I like to recommend the Shakti mat. Not solely is it made with natural cotton and dyes which can be protected for the pores and skin and for our planet however in addition they give again to the neighborhood of individuals making the mats for our use.