Acupressure Mat
Neo Sports Lab makes the most effective acupressure mat, which has the largest amount of flower shape acupressure needles per square foot. The “needles” are at different length and can touch or stimulate all the acupressure points under skin. We provide different sizes and patterns acupressure mats and pillows.
What is Acupressure Mat? How does it work?
Acupressure mat – which is covered in shallow plastic spikes that are designed to stimulate acupressure points – as they’re called, work on contact — when you walk, stand, or lie down on them, the spikes exert pressure on your acu-points (commonly known as the “bed of nails” method).
Unlike acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles at various acu-points on the body, acupressure is noninvasive and relieves aches and pains by diffusing your energy, or “chi” — as it’s traditionally known in Chinese medicine — through touch and pressure.
Dr. Shah, who trained in medical acupuncture at Harvard, explained that acupressure points are located all over our bodies, and that they “follow ‘meridians’ or energy channels of the body,” which some scientists think may be linked to the myofascial tissue around our muscles.
When you stimulate certain acupressure points, you may feel relief in other areas of the body. This is why during an acupuncture treatment, you may have needles placed in your calves that can release tension held in your back or shoulders. However, Dr. Shah clarified that the acupressure mat “does not stimulate acupressure points specifically, but rather stimulates many points at once.”
The gate control theory of pain may explain how these mats may help some pain syndromes. Basically, a non-painful stimulus (such as the mat) may prevent painful sensations from traveling to the central nervous system, thus suppressing pain. For example, if you rub your elbow after your bang it, you stimulate normal somatosensory input to certain neurons — this closes the gate of other neurons and reduces the perception of pain. These mats also may stimulate endogenous endorphin release from your brain, helping to alleviate pain transiently.
How To Use Acupressure Mats and Pillows
The best part about acupressure mat is that there are so many ways to use it. The most effective way is to use the Acupressure Mat shirtless so that your back gets the most stimulation possible.
Beginners can start by propping the mat against a chair or sofa for 10-15 minutes to get used to the feeling of the acupressure points, while still enjoying the benefits. This is a great way for beginners to experience the acupressure mat and get accustomed to the feeling of acupressure’s positive effect on the body.
Intermediate users can start using the acupressure mat and pillow on the couch or bed. Using the mat and pillow this way provides a cushioning of sorts for your back and lets you get adjusted to using your mat without putting the maximum amount of pressure on your back. Recommended time for using the mat this way is 20-45 minutes. After the first 5 minutes you will feel warm, relaxing sensations in your back and neck as the body gets warm from the increased blood flow to the areas.
Advanced users can place the mat on a hard floor and lie directly on top while spreading your bodyweight evenly across the mat. Since the hard surface of the floor provides no cushioning effect, there is more direct acupressure point stimulation for your back causing a larger increase in circulation to the area for immediate stress and pain relief while promoting healing within the body. Suggested time for using the mat for advanced users is 45 minutes and up. The advanced method is great for users in need of relief from chronic pain.
* Using the Acupressure Mat and Pillow in the evening relaxes the body while promoting stress relief after a long day and prepares the body and mind for sleep. It is not recommended to sleep on the mat.