Acupressure Mats

This might seem like a weird one, but bear with me!

Acupressure mats are covered in small plastic spikes. You place them on the bed or the floor and lay down on them. Your back is lying flat on the spikes and at first it can be quite uncomfortable. The feeling soon changes from pain to warmth and then a beautiful relaxation floods the body.

Just like an acupressure or acupuncture treatment the pressure works with the body to slowly release tension from the whole body resulting in a very relaxing experience!

If you're interested in trying one out it is wise to wear a thin t-shirt to begin with and start with a few minutes. Be prepared for it to feel uncomfortable to start but it shouldn't hurt.

Once you start to get used to it try laying on it with your bare back on the mat. Start to up the amount of time you use it for. It's up to you how long you want to use it for but I wouldn't recommend sleeping on it over night!

Sleep like a baby on a spiky mat!

Speaking of sleeping, once you get used to your mat it's not uncommon to find it so relaxing that you fall into a deep sleep when you use it! You wake up very refreshed, but with an odd pattern of dots all over your back!

I use mine if I have neck or shoulder pain. In a few minutes I'm so relaxed that I fall fast sleep and when I wake up the pain has gone!

Some people use theirs to meditate on. The feeling of the spikes help to focus the mind (similar to keeping the focus on the breath). Other people like to stand on their mat, perhaps while practicing yoga or Qi Gong.

By standing on the mat we can give ourselves a bit of a reflexology session.

If you have sensitive or thin skin but are still interested in trying an acupressure mat I would suggest lying a thin towel or blanket over the mat to protect yourself.