How Do Acupressure Mats Work?

Acupressure mats use the same principals at acupuncture, acupressure, and reflexology. There are two schools of thought on what makes the mat work.

How do acupressure mats work?The first thought is that using a mat with so many “pins” on them (most mats have over 6000 points), increases the chance of a novice stimulating the 100+ acupressure points on their back (known as meridians). This can give some of the same benefits as a professional acupressure or acupuncture sessions. The main difference is the acupressure mats are not able to target specific issues or points.

The second thought is that the benefits come from the increase of blood flow the mat stimulates. The first time you use the mat it may feel a little uncomfortable to have those thousands of points digging into your skin. That pressure increases blood flow to the areas it stimulates. Give it time. After a few minutes, you will feel your back (or other body parts) getting warmer, which causes the muscles to relax. That increased circulation is thought to be healing in addition to relaxing.