Does it really work?
Torture tool or stress saviour? One writer gets straight to the point
A few years ago, I had a bad fall, which resulted in whiplash. I still get back and neck pain now, which has only increased since I started working from home. So, the promises made by the Shakti Mat (a specific brand of acupressure mat), made my ears prick up.
The concept has been around for over a decade, but has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Akin to an acupuncture session, the mats are designed to hit pressure points, with the multiple spikes putting pressure on your back in the most relaxing way. And if ‘multiple spikes’ and ‘relaxing’ don’t sound like natural bedfellows, bear with me.
‘Acupuncture is puncturing the skin with needles; acupressure is applying enough pressure on an acupuncture point to stimulate it,’ explains Sahar Hooti, acupuncturist and founder of AcuCare Clinic. This stimulation can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost energy, relieve muscle tension and ease pain.
But how does it all work? Well, the needles help to regulate levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. ‘While it’s natural to produce some cortisol, the stresses of modern life can cause excess production,’ says Hooti. ‘The needles stimulate a nerve response that triggers the brain region that produces endorphins and serotonin, which are natural painkillers and Under acupressure help balance cortisol levels. This causes your anxiety levels to go down and your sleep to improve,’ she adds. The mat isn’t exactly a targeted approach, but provided you can use it safely (several medical conditions
