Acupressure Massage Mat Review

When you think of relaxation, you might think about having your toes in the sand at a beach. Or maybe your favorite form of relaxation is snuggling up in a blanket and a good book.

I recently discovered a new way to relax, but you’ll need to be a bit open-minded – it’s using an Active 365 acupressure massage mat.

Any product that helps with muscle tension relief or relaxation is one that I’m happy to try out. So when asked to review this acupressure massage mat, I was happy to give it a thorough try and provide my honest review.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

↓ Click the image to view the acupressure massage mat on Amazon ↓

 

Difference Between Acupuncture and Acupressure

First, let met clarify that this massage mat is NOT acupuncture.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic acupoints on your body. Acupuncture is usually done to treat pain, but it’s becoming more common to use acupuncture for overall wellness, including stress management.

This is an acupressure massage mat that, as the name implies, is acupressure. It does not puncture the skin. Rather, acupressure uses a firm pressure to massage acupoints on your body.

Acupressure has been a traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years, and the fact that it is still used today is a good indication of its effectiveness.

Active 365 Acupressure Massage Mat Review

What is an acupressure massage mat?

Don’t be frightened, but the mat is a thin pad (a little larger than an average person’s back) that has lots of sharp spikes – 5,250 to be exact. Although all those spikes are very sharp, they do NOT puncture your skin.

The reason you can comfortably (or at least quasi-comfortably) lay on the pad filled with sharp spikes is because the weight of your back is evenly supported by hundreds of these spikes, not just one spike.  If you put lots of pressure on just one of those spikes, let’s just say it would not feel good.

It’s a physics thing related to pressure and the force per unit area.

The mat comes with an instructions guide that gives good tips on how to use the mat for various pains such as back pain, anxiety & stress, and feet & reflexology.

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Why do people use acupressure massage mats?

The 6 benefits of using an acupressure massage mat (as stated in the product description) are:

1. Improve blood circulation

2. Relax muscles and reduce anxiety & stress 

3. Stimulate the production of endorphins which reduce our perception of pain.

4. Improve sleep duration and quality. 

5. Boost immune system, increase metabolism, and rejuvenate skin cells.

6. Helps people suffering from chronic back pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and spinal disc issues  

My experience With the Active 365 acupressure massage mat.

Start by watching my video demo of the 365 acupressure massage mat. It’s just over 2 1/2 minutes, and will give you a clear understanding of what it is and how to use it.

On my first try on the mat with a bare back, the term “bed of nails” immediately jumped into my head. It was not unbearable pain, but it wasn’t something I’d call enjoyable. However, after waiting it out for 2-3 minutes, that pain subsided and it actually became very relaxing!

I can’t explain why it’s relaxing, but it is. That’s why I tend to use it to help me relax just before going to sleep. I’ve been very diligent about using it every night for consistency, and I do believe it is helping me sleep better. I even fell asleep on it once.

I’ve also started using the mat on my calf of my leg and also my feet because I have plantar fasciitis (foot pain) that stems from muscle issues in the calf. I’ve dealt with plantar fasciitis for well over a year, and I have gotten it somewhat under control. However, recently it flared up again so I thought I’d give the acupressure a try.

I do believe the mat has helped relieve some of  my foot pain. There are other factors that may weigh in, so I can’t say the mat 100% calmed my plantar fasciitis pain. I do think it is a good choice to add to other methods of healing the muscle issue.

Standing on the mat with socks on feels awesome! It doesn’t hurt at all and it helps tired, achy feet feel better almost instantly. I’ll work my way up to standing on it with bare feet.

Other than the first 2-3 minutes of acclamation on the acupressure mat, the other challenge is getting on and off. Remember the physics thing I attempted to explain above? While getting on and off, the pressure is not evenly spread across your back.

So momentarily, a small part of your back gets lots of pressure on a small area of spikes. However, it’s quick and you just need to focus on the benefits. I find that rolling from the side is the best way to get on and off the mat. Or, hold your body above the mat with your elbows, and then lower and raise yourself with one move.

You’ll have small red dots on the area that was on the mat, but they disappear quickly.

Is an Acupressure Massage Mat for Everyone?

As stated on the medical disclaimer that comes with the Active 365 acupressure massage mat, you should consult your doctor if you have any doubts in using the product.  I would especially recommend you consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have thin skin (most common in elderly people). You can read more about the medical disclaimer in the product description.

The Active 365 acupressure massage mat is a pretty different method of massage, so you need to be open to trying something  new. If you’re looking for  a natural way to relieve pain, you should definitely give the acupressure mat a try. 

We all have different levels of pain tolerance. You’ll need to be open to the acupressure mat not feeling enjoyable at first. Throughout the good week that I’ve used the mat, I’ve become more used to it and it really doesn’t bother me anymore.

You can wear a thin shirt to get used to the spikes during your first few uses. You can also use it on a soft surface such as a bed or couch to gradually get used to the pressure before lying directly on the hard floor.

Drop me a comment and let me know what you thing of an acupressure massage mat. Have you ever tried acupressure? Is it something you’d be interested in trying?

Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary product in exchange for a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

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