- What is the best acupressure mat or bed of nails?
- Video: How to use acupressure mat?
- The types of acupressure mats for pain relief you should know about
- According to science, how can acupressure therapy improve our health?
- What is a "bed of nails" and what are the benefits of its regular use?
- What should you consider before buying the best acupressure mat?
- How do I use an acupressure mat to relieve muscle pain?
- Tips on how to care for your acupressure mat and maximize its lifespan
Lotus flower mats or nail beds are one of the most practical ways to practice acupressure, but they have become so popular today that it is difficult to find the ideal mat among so many brands that often do not deliver what they promise in terms of quality.
That's why today we're going to guide you in the mission to find the best acupressure mat, so that you can take advantage of all the benefits of this age-old therapy that you can use to improve your lifestyle and feel recovered from all aches and pains.
What is the best acupressure mat or bed of nails?
- Size: Not specified
- Material: Cotton outer and high density foam padding
- Colors: Green
- Acupressure points: 6210 + 1782
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carry bag
- Perfect for beginners
- Effectively relieves tension
- Perfect for relaxation and regeneration
- Carrying bag included
- Too thin mat
- No measurements specified
You can use acupressure therapy to relax your body and mind and to achieve improved blood circulation, which will help relieve pain from muscle injuries. The lotus flower mat can be used at home for the back, hips or feet, as its effects are immediate. Please note that its padding can cause skin irritation in allergic people.
- Size: Not specified
- Material: Cotton and wheat, bergamot, lemongrass filling
- Colors: Black, Yellow
- Acupressure points: Not specified
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Lemongrass and bergamot aromatherapy
- Filled with natural wheat husks
- Does not specify measurements and points
Sleepless nights and headaches will be a thing of the past when you start using this organic linen mat, just relax and put your mind at ease to get the effects of acupressure. The spikes on each lotus flower will stimulate the blood circulation of your skin which will help you to have a restful sleep. It may happen that for treating primo myalgia symptoms, this therapeutic cushion may not produce sufficient healing effects.
- Sizes: Pillow: 15x12in - Mat: 29x18in
- Material: Cotton outer and coconut fiber filler
- Colors: 14 to choose from
- Acupressure points: 6534 + 1377
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Post-workout relaxation and regeneration
- Optimized acupressure points for stimulation
- Filled with natural coconut fibers
- Various models to choose from
- Edges and endings to be improved
- Difficult to clean
The 6534 points of the blanket and the 1377 acupressure points of the cushion generate a faster myofascial release, decreasing the hardness of the fascia that surrounds the tissues that cause pain. It is suitable for increasing blood circulation and lowering anxiety. It can be used by athletes to improve aerobic capacity, but be aware that, in some cases, the lotus flower may detach during use.
- Size: Not specified
- Material: Linen and Cotton Outer
- Colors: Beige, Black
- Acupressure points: 7000
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Perfect for lowering blood pressure
- Designed for neck pain
- Chemical free
- Optimized acupressure tips for good stimulation
- Hand wash only
- Does not specify measurements and padding
The treatment can be applied as many times as you want, but if you want to get a faster restorative effect you should apply acupressure for 20 minutes daily. Just lie down and place the pillow on your neck and back on the mat to release energy and relieve pain. It is composed of flax, cotton and coconut, which is suitable against insomnia, although you should know that, in some people this benefit was not achieved.
- Size: Not specified
- Material: Cotton exterior and ecological foam filling
- Colors: Ocean Blue, Sky Blue, Pink
- Acupressure points: 7000
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Perfect for lowering blood pressure
- Designed for neck pain
- Chemical free
- Optimized acupressure tips for good stimulation
- Low padding making the mat thin
- No measurements specified
If you are looking for emotional balance to reduce stress, this 100% cotton mat with eco-friendly foam will help you achieve your goal. The offer includes a tote bag so you can take this self-massage system anywhere you go. More than 7000 spikes will do their job to improve aerobic capacity and decrease anxiety. Please note that its size may be small for some people's back.
- Size: Pillow: 12,9x11in - Pillow: 29,1x17,375x61in
- Material: Cotton Exterior
- Colors: Blue, Pink
- Acupressure points: 6930 + 1452
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Perfect for lowering blood pressure
- Designed for neck pain
- No padding specified
The blanket is covered with lotus flower that includes 6930 medical spikes to stimulate the elimination of toxins, while the pillow has 1452 acupressure points that serve in muscle relaxation. It is made of cotton and recyclable ABS plastic, so keep in mind that this product may cause skin irritation if the person is allergic to this material.
- Size: Mat: 74x44cm - 29,1x17,3in
- Material: Cotton Exterior
- Colors: Indian Design
- Acupressure points: 4000
- Pack: Massage mat
- Handcrafted design
- Optimized acupressure tips for good stimulation
- No padding specified
It is designed so that anyone can get the most out of its 4000 spikes strategically placed throughout the mat. Its lotus flower design adapts better to the back, neck and foot of the person, so it is possible to achieve the desired intensity to stimulate blood circulation. It does not include a pillow, which may limit its use in cervicalgia.
- Measurements: 69x24in
- Material: Cotton Exterior
- Colors: Purple
- Acupressure points: 7800
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow, 2 balls and carrying bag
- Effectively relieves tension
- Perfect for relaxation and post-workout regeneration
- No padding specified
Look no further and choose this acupressure mat that includes, as a gift, two balls for foot massage and reflexology. The cotton cover is covered with soft foam and keeps the body relaxed thanks to the 230 lotus flowers, while the pillow contributes to a better blood circulation thanks to its 59 strategically placed nails. In some cases the quality of the material may cause skin allergies.
- Measurements: 71x43x2,5cm - 28x17x1in
- Material: Cotton outer and coconut fiber filling
- Colors: White
- Acupressure points: Not specified
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Ergonomic pillow
- Designed for neck pain
- Chemical free
- Does not specify number of acupressure tips
- Too small for some people
Its cotton and linen fabric generates the ideal surface to increase the time of use, while its natural coconut fiber filling promotes air, thus improving the user's comfort. Achieve the soothing effects of myofascial release just by using this acupressure blanket for 20 minutes per day. Please note that its carrying bag and pad stitching may tear after a while.
- Size: Not specified
- Material: Cotton outer and high density foam padding
- Colors: White, Gray, Purple, Red
- Acupressure points: Not specified
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Effectively relieves tension
- Post-workout relaxation and regeneration
- Not specify measurements and acupressure points
It comes with two practical massage balls with tip to be used on the foot or any other place where you want to eliminate toxins lodged in the tissues. It also comes with a handy carrying bag, which benefits its use anywhere, whether at work, at home or outdoors. Please note that the natural healing of this mat may vary from patient to patient.
- Dimensions: Pillow: 15x5,75in - Mat: 25x16in
- Material: Cotton outer and eco-friendly foam filling
- Colors: White, Pink
- Acupressure points: 6210 + 1782
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Perfect for lowering blood pressure
- Designed for neck pain
- Chemical free
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Padding quality to be improved
- Soft lotus discs
But that's not all, also included is a cushion with 1782 spikes to relieve neck pain and a resistance band with which you can stretch and train your upper back. All this can be carried in its practical bag with a pocket for a cell phone. It is made of thick cotton and its padding is made of resistant foam, so be careful if you have skin that is sensitive to synthetic material.
- Measurements: Pillow: 8,6x11,2in - Mat: 28,7x16,5in
- Material: Cotton Exterior
- Colors: Black, Green
- Acupressure points: Pillow: 1782 - Mat: 6930
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow, 2 cushions and carry bag
- More complete than most
- Many acupressure points in any one unit
- No padding specified
Do not miss this opportunity because the almost 7000 spikes will act on your back to achieve a general wellness of your body. The mat we offer you is ideal for yoga, pilates and other sports where you need to interact with the floor. It stimulates your body to get endorphins and oxytocin, but keep in mind that in some cases the size is not enough to cover the entire back.
- Measurements: Mat: 73x43x2,5cm - 29x17x1in
- Material: Cotton outer and high density foam padding
- Colors: Yellow, Blue, Grey, Black, Black, Purple
- Acupressure points: 8820
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Latex free
- Carrying bag included
- Perfect for lowering blood pressure
- Chemical free
- Does not specify cushion measurements
- Too soft for some people
Choose this acupressure mat with its pillow and carrying bag to take it to the gym and recover faster from demanding activities. Its cotton fabric material is skin-friendly, but be aware that the high-density foam padding may cause irritation to the body because it does not evaporate body moisture.
- Measurements: Pillow: 13x5,9in - Pillow: 26,8x16,5in
- Material: Not specified
- Colors: Various Colors
- Acupressure points: 7800
- Pack: Massage mat, 2 spiked balls, carry bag
- Includes spiked massage balls
- Various models to choose from
- Perfect for lowering blood pressure
- Lightweight and easy to use
- No material or padding specified
- Users report that the mat is too thin
To get more results you can use the two balls with tips that come as a gift. With them you will improve the blood vessel dilation system and reduce anxiety. You can use it outdoors or in the office because it will not take up space when stored in its carrying bag. The balls may not be very effective in certain types of shoulder and foot injuries.
- Dimensions: Mat: 73,6x41,9cm - 29x16,5in
- Material: Linen outer and coconut fiber filling
- Colors: Natural, Black, Purple
- Acupressure points: Not specified
- Pack: Massage mat with pillow and carrying bag
- Carrying bag included
- Filled with natural coconut fibers
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Chemical free
- Does not provide cushion measurements
- Does not specify acupressure points
Just lie down and wait a few minutes until the skin begins to receive a greater blood flow, thanks to this action you will obtain an emotional and mental balance that will serve to combat injuries in any part of the body. When you lie down, place the pillow in an aligned position to relieve neck pain. Keep in mind that the size may be small for some people.
Video: How to use acupressure mat?
The types of acupressure mats for pain relief you should know about
According to science, how can acupressure therapy improve our health?
Acupressure therapy has become a favorite of patients and professionals for several years to lead a healthier, more relaxed and pain-free life. It originated thousands of years ago in Chinese culture, which also spread to the West, and focuses on stimulating the thousands of points that connect the meridians through which energy flows in the body.
It is often confused with acupuncture, as both basically treat the same points and have the same philosophy about them, but the most notable difference between them is the way they are stimulated: While acupuncture uses needles, acupressure does so with the hands and fingertips.
Although traditional scientific medicine has not given so much importance to the study of acupuncture when it considered it, the few studies that have been done on it have been positive. Here are the most scientifically proven beneficial aspects of acupressure:
Stress Relief
Acupressure can regulate the flow of energy in the body, but it can also stimulate the flow of blood in the circulation and the muscles so that the brain produces more endorphins and oxytocin, which will greatly reduce the stress that is the culprit in so many other ailments in your health.
Limit the myelosuppression caused by chemotherapy
Bone marrow suppression is one of the worst side effects of chemotherapy. However, it can be reduced by practicing acupressure. This is proven by a study from the year 2017 by specialists Ya-Wen Shih, Shun-Fa Yang, Ming-Hsien Chien, Ching-Wen Chang, Vincent HS Chang and Hsiu-Ting Tsai.
In this study, acupressure was applied to 28 patients during their chemotherapeutic treatment for gynecologic cancer, and a significant increase in blood stem cells was found to counteract the effects of myelosuppression.
Improvement of aerobic capacity
Aerobic endurance is one of the most important characteristics in the athletic performance of any athlete. Although acupressure does not require effort on the part of the patient, it has been shown to have positive effects in this regard.
In 2018 Shahin Ahmedov and Baris Filiz a study was conducted on young, healthy male athletes who underwent acupressure, and the result was that they improved their aerobic endurance by more than 10%. Although it is not known exactly how this was possible, experts conclude that it could be due to the fact that they achieved a sufficient state of relaxation to reduce anxiety, which allowed them to better use their lung capacity.
Improves sleep and reduces fatigue
Sleep disorders are undoubtedly one of the worst misfortunes that can befall a person, as they trigger a chain reaction in which even more stress is created and the nervous system is damaged In 2016, a clinical study was conducted by Seyyed Abolfazl Vagharseyyedin, Mohaddeseh Salmabadi, Hamidreza Bahrami Taghanaki and Hamidreza Riyasi, in which theeffectiveness of acupressure in improving sleep in migraine patients was tested.
The study involved monitoring 76 patients who underwent targeted acupressure, and although the improvement in sleep quality was minimal, significant results were observed in terms of reducing fatigue.
What is a "bed of nails" and what are the benefits of its regular use?
It is a mat with a series of spikes that have the ability to activate the points and meridians through which energy flows in the body.
Its regular use can bring the following health benefits:
- Stress relief and anxiety reduction: using the mat for 10 to 20 minutes a day relieves tension in soft tissues and stimulates the release of endorphins and oxytocin, making you feel more relaxed and relieving tension and stress.
- Better sleep: as the studies mentioned above show, acupressure can contribute to better, undisturbed sleep and make it easier to get in tune so you no longer suffer from insomnia.
- Relax muscles and joints: The hundreds of nubs on the mat make it easier to release tension in the soft tissues. Muscles and joints are more relaxed and less prone to injury as a result.
- Relieve muscle pain: If you suffer from severe stiffness or DOMS after working out at the gym, you can relieve this and other discomfort caused by soft tissue injuries with a few minutes of regular lying on the acupressure mat.
- Reduce migraines: If you suffer from migraines on a regular basis, you'll be happy to know that using the acupressure mat will help you reduce migraines significantly by stimulating the release of endorphins, which have a powerful effect on preventing and relieving migraines.
- Relieve chronic pain: Because it stimulates the production of endorphins and releases tension throughout the body, the acupressure mat is an important ally in relieving pain caused by chronic conditions or trigger points.
What should you consider before buying the best acupressure mat?
Now that you know how an acupressure mat can improve your quality of life, it is time for you to learn what aspects are most important when choosing the mat you want to buy.
Materials
The materials are important because they define both the quality of the product and the experience of using it. You should make sure that they are made of hypoallergenic textiles such as cotton and linen on the outside. As for the filling, it is best to have them filled with coconut or cotton fibers, as they keep their texture much longer.
When it comes to nail beds, you should make sure that they are made of a material that is strong enough to put an even pressure on your entire body when you use it, but not so strong that it hurts your skin. With this in mind, a HIPS plastic or high-strength polystyrene is ideal.
Dimensions
This is an aspect you should consider, as it will largely determine how much space the mat can cover on your body. In this sense, its width dimensions are the most important, especially if you are a tall person who may have a fairly wide back, and a mat that does not cover it completely will not give you the benefits you want.
Design of the "lotus flowers"
The way the lotus flowers are designed on a mat is crucial, as it will determine the quality and quantity of pressure on body points and meridians. Usually the teeth are grouped in circles or hexagons, which does not change much in the way they work, but what is crucial is how the teeth are distributed in these circles or hexagons.
Make sure that they are distributed similarly to a bed of nails seen from above, and not like a handful of points grouped in a perimeter. Otherwise, they do not exert harmonious pressure and do not stimulate the points and meridians properly.
Number of pressure points
The number of points on the acupressure mat is important because it determines the stimulation potential of the mat. You may think the more the better, but acupressure is not about size, it's about harmony. There can be hundreds of lotus flowers on a mat, but ideally there should be at least 15 to 20 nubs in a mat.
Cleaning
Cleanliness is essential for obvious reasons. Remember that this is an item that you will likely be exercising on, which means that dirt and sweat will accumulate, which over time will become a buildup of bacteria that is potentially harmful to your skin.
Therefore, make sure that the outside of the mat is removable and that the material of the nail bed is strong enough not to lose strength or come loose during washing. As for washing: even if it is indicated that you can use a washing machine, it is better to do it by hand to take care of the life of the product.
Additional accessories with or without cushion?
It is normal that the mat has its respective base and a cushion, which if it were not included would be a real reason not to buy it, but in some cases you can get a good deal to get a complete self-massage kit. This usually consists of a set of lacrosse massage balls and also a foam roller.
How do I use an acupressure mat to relieve muscle pain?
We will now shortly show you how to use a lotus flower mat to relieve muscle pain all over the body.
For this purpose, we will focus on the following aspects:
- How to lie down: Depending on the exercise you are doing, you will probably take many different positions, but in all of them it is most important that the part of the body you want to treat lies completely and evenly on the nail bed, so that the nails can activate and stimulate the points and meridians located there.
- Duration of the session: depending on the type of exercise you are doing, the time you spend on your mat may vary. If you lie down on the mat while reading or watching TV, it is ideal if you stay on it for more than 30 minutes. If you are doing yoga, meditation or other exercise, you should hold each position for at least 5 minutes.
- Regular sessions: Experts recommend that you make using it a regular habit and practice every day for at least 30 minutes in your free time. If you can't afford this luxury, it's also enough to enjoy a moment two or three times a week.
Tips on how to care for your acupressure mat and maximize its lifespan
Finally, we will give you a number of valuable tips on how to extend the life of your acupressure mat as much as possible so that you don't have to buy a new one soon.
- Always keep it in its case: Don't just leave it lying around anywhere after use. Keep it in its case as it is designed to keep out moisture, dirt and other external contaminants that affect its durability.
- Follow the cleaning instructions: You should always follow the washing instructions as this is the right way to avoid damaging the material during washing.
- Do not use directly on the floor: Do not place the rug directly on hard surfaces, because even though it is a rug, its materials can be easily damaged if you accidentally place it on a stone or a piece of another material that is on the floor at that time, so it is best to place an insulating material between the rug and the floor, such as a towel or a fabric rug.
- Do not over-fold: Mats should never actually be folded because when the tips come together, they lose both their strength and their tips, gradually losing their effectiveness. Therefore, always store it in the same condition it was in when you took it out of the case.
- Do not use a washing machine or bleach: even if the instructions state that you can use a gentle wash cycle, which is unlikely, it is best to wash the mat with your own hands and without bleach or other harsh detergents.