Real Relief or Trendy Torture Device? Are Acupressure Mats Worth the Spike?

Step onto the mat, they said. It’ll be relaxing, they promised. In the realm of wellness trends, where pain often meets pleasure, acupressure mats have rolled out as the latest must-have accessory.

Packed with promises of pain relief and zen-like relaxation, these modern-day beds of nails have caught our attention—but are they a breakthrough in holistic health or just another glorified gadget?

Buckle up as we tread lightly (very lightly!) into the spiky world of acupressure mats, with Danielle Yorgy, registered nurse and licensed acupuncturist, who practices in Denver.

At the end of a session, patients often ask me for any tips or tricks to “hold” their treatments longer.

There are dozens of ways to ease stress hormones, increase vagal tone, and keep the zen vibes flowing between sessions. One standout tool I use personally and recommend constantly to patients, friends and nearly everyone in my family, is the acupressure mat.

Before getting started, be warned, this tool is not for the faint of heart.

We place acupressure mats in the same category as cold plunges, high-intensity interval training, and bikini waxes. It’s generally not going to feel good at the moment, because no one cold plunges because they love how their skin feels in a bathtub of ice or laying on a bed of plastic spikes. But IF you can stick it out, prepare to be rewarded with serious relaxation and the kind of deep, restful sleep most of us dream of.

Acupressure Mat by Vie Healing, available in the Hey, Joni. Gift Shop

Benefits of acupressure mats

1. Headache relief

Place the mat on a foam roller and lay your head, neck and upper on the mat. The pressure on your occiput, or back of skull, can alleviate tension headaches, release tight trap muscles, and ease jaw tension

2. Muscle recovery

Hard workout day? Take an acupressure mat nap. Sore hamstrings? Grab your trusty foam roller or even a lacrosse ball and place those under the mat to find the perfect depth and location of pressure. Sore lats? Prop your mat on a pillow to release your side bodies.

3. Immune boost

Acupressure has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to boost immunity and increase vitality. In TCM, every organ in your system is accessible from key points along the spine, and a spiky acupressure mat can hit them all, and serve as a truly well-rounded addition to your personal wellness routine.

4. Reduced stress & improved rest.

Whether we like it or not, hormones are quietly running our life. Most folks don’t need to monitor daily cortisol or melatonin levels to know when our bodies are off-balance. Our bodies are intuitive in nature, and acupressure is a practice that can help your body find balance and adapt to what it needs in the moment. If your nervous system is out of whack, this can help cool the fire. If you’re wired and tired, an acupressure session before bed can help your body prepare for deep, restorative sleep. Trust the process, and trust your body’s intelligence to meet you where you are.

Who should skip the spikes?

While acupressure mats are generally safe for most people, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind. And always consult your trusted care team before implementing any new practices into your health and wellness routine.

If you’re pregnant.

Women who are pregnant should avoid using acupressure mats, as certain pressure points may stimulate uterine contractions. (Source.)

If you have sensitive skin.

The spikes can cause discomfort or skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s important to start with shorter sessions, and use a thin cloth barrier such as a T-shirt or tank top if needed.

Acupressure mats offer a convenient and non-invasive way to experience the benefits of acupressure from the comfort of home. While they may be suited for every individual, it’s important to approach them with realistic expectations and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns. As with any wellness tool, individual experiences may vary.

How to use an acupressure mat

1. Strip down and lay down. It’ll be intense to start. But what did you expect? Look at this thing! (Pro Tip: If you’re new and not too sure of the spikes, a thin T-shirt can make your first sessions more bearable.)

2. Take 25 deep, slow, intentional breaths to help overcome the first few minutes of initial discomfort. By the time you reach the third minute or so, the initial discomfort fades, and by eight minutes in, warmth arrives and bliss is rounding the corner. Let go. Let go. Let go!

3. Acknowledge the mind-body connection, and just try letting go. Similar to an acupuncture session, the more you can open up your mind to healing, the more capable you become. Use the time to reflect on where you can give yourself some compassionate attention. Play some mellow jams or meditations in the background. Close your eyes. And let yourself succumb to the spikes. You may even fall asleep. When this happens, your conscious mind steps out of the way and your innate, natural wisdom can step up and do the work of rebalancing while you rest.

Try working it into your self-care routine a few days a week, for about 20 minutes per session.

Pro tip: Follow with an epsom salt bath for the ultimate pre-bedtime ritual. And enjoy that well-earned deep, restful sleep most of us dream about.

Brave enough to give it a try. Grab your own acupressure mat from the Hey, Joni. Gift Shop, and let us know what you think.

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