Often called ‘beds of nails’, acupressure mats are said to relieve stress, revive energy and aid muscle recovery. But does their mix of pain and pleasure really work?
SHOULD I TRY
Imagine there was a way to ease anxiety, solve sleep issues and magic away muscle pain without doing anything more complicated than simply lying down. Well, fans of acupressure mats claim they can do just that – along with providing a wealth of other perks.
Also known as ‘beds of nails’, they resemble ordinary yoga mats from a distance, but are studded with up to 8000 small plastic spikes, designed to stimulate acupressure points across your body. They’ve been popping up all over Instagram lately, with images of the rash-like imprints they leave on skin considered a badge of honour. Popular brands include the Shakti Mat, Bed of Nails and Pranamat. (At time of writing, even Aldi was selling a budget version for £14.99.)
Positive reports relating to practically every modern complaint – stress, back pain, fatigue – suggest they might be more than just another impulse pandemic purchase destined to gather dust under the bed.
What’s involved?
Unlike acupuncture, acupressure is non-invasive so the ‘needles’ won’t pierce your skin. According to mat-makers, to see the benefits you should lie down for 20 minutes per session with clothing removed – but wear a thin T-shirt or lay down a pillowcase if the spikiness feels too intense.
The majority of acupressure mat users report that any discomfort quickly disappears, to be replaced by warm, relaxing sensations similar to those felt during a massage. Any pain you feel is usually the pleasurable kind, as when a therapist works a particularly stubborn knot.
You can use your mat for yoga poses, or even stand on it – which might sound like navigating a roomful of Lego barefoot, but is reputed to ease plantar fasciitis (pain in the heel and arch of the foot).
What are the benefits?
Acupressure mats are thought to relax tense muscles, help back pain and halt headaches, as well as stimulate blood circulation – which might relieve inflammation, boost energy, and some say, improve the appearance of cellulite. They’re also said to loosen ‘fascia’ – the connective tissue surrounding muscles – a bit like a foam roller. Some users report reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety, and better sleep quality, which might be down to the release of endorphins (‘feel-good’ chemicals produced in the body that are known to inhibit our response to pain).
Although we’re firmly in the realms of anecdote and speculation, this is an easy-to-use
