Acupressure Mat Benefits: 14 Reasons to Roll out Your Mat!

1: Natural Pain Relief

One of the key benefits of an acupressure mat is that it’s a natural form of pain relief.

With chronic pain statistics showing increasing numbers of people living with daily pain, anything that can help manage it in a natural way is sure to be desirable.

A major systematic review in 2014 looked at all the research surrounding acupressure and pain.[1]

Findings were overwhelmingly positive and showed that acupressure was effective for a variety of different types of pain.

The study concluded that health professionals should consider the use of acupressure as a complementary therapy for managing the pain associated with many conditions.

Pilot studies in 2012 looked at the impact of an acupressure mat specifically on chronic pain.[2]

Referred to in the study as a ‘mechanical needle stimulation pad’, 82 patients in total used the mat, with plastic points, for a 14 week period.

Pain was shown to be reduced significantly, with researchers recognizing the effects the mat had on the pain processing system.

4: Improves Sleep

The number of people suffering from sleep problems is rising at an alarming rate according to the latest sleep stats — thankfully there are one or two things you can try, including acupressure!

A study in 2015 looked at the sleep of menopausal women and found that it was improved significantly following acupressure treatment.[8]

More recently, researches reviewed the use of self-administered acupressure for treating symptoms of insomnia.[9]

Respondents were taught how to administer acupressure then monitored and asked to keep a diary to record the quality of their sleep.

It found that if individuals were shown how to apply the treatment correctly this could be used as a tool for treating the symptoms of insomnia.

6: Lowers High Blood Pressure

Clinical trials conducted in Taiwan looked at the impact of acupressure on patients with hypertension.[12]

During the trial it was found that blood pressure was lowered for a period of at least 30 minutes.

More research is needed to see the extent to which acupressure can reduce blood pressure on a long term basis, however the project proved it to be effective as a short term solution.

7: Aids with Sports Injuries

For those suffering from sports injuries, results of a study conducted at the University of Otago revealed promising findings.

Acupressure decreased the reported pain scores in athletes with acute injuries but not anxiety levels.

The conclusion was that acupressure could be effective in a sports setting, especially if there is limited access to medical care.[13]

8: Improves Circulation

When you’re shopping around for an acupressure mat, you’ll notice that many manufacturers claim their mat will help to improve your circulation.

Research has also backed up this observation.[14]

In 2007 it was found that acupressure significantly increased lower limb blood flow in patients with Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Diseases.

10: Increases Energy Levels

Acupressure has been shown to help with fatigue and to increase energy levels.

An experimental study at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan focused on patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.[15]

Findings proved that acupressure can improve fatigue, and it was recommended that educational guides should be created to help patients take advantage of the therapy.

11: Helps with Weight Management

Lying back on a spiky mat, might seem like an odd technique for weight management.

However, one study in 2010 found that acupressure, specifically ear acupressure, had a positive impact on weight loss.[16]

In fact, it was shown over the course of eight weeks to reduce BMI.

There is little other evidence to prove or disprove the claim, however many manufacturers highlight it as a feature of the mat.

12: Better Digestion

It might seem like an unlikely benefit, but acupressure has been shown to improve the quality of life for those suffering from digestion problems.

A 2015 research project looked at perineal self-acupressure which aided in the movement of bowel function.[17]

Generally it was found to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those suffering from constipation.

14: Little or No Side Effects

Use of an acupressure mat is found to have little or no side effects, even when used long term.

Research that looked at pain severity in female nurses with chronic back pain, determined that acupressure was effective in reducing pain but also that it was an easy therapy with no side effects.[19]

However there are a number of people who should avoid acupressure including those with fractures for example.[20]