This guide is for those of you who have either already acquired an acupressure mat, or who are considering acquiring one and would like to know more about the product prior to placing the order.
What to expect from this guide:
In the guide we will answer the most frequent questions (the use of the spiked mat, how long you can lay on the nail mat, the benefits/effects of the mat, etc.) as well as other and general info that may be relevant to you.
One thing we would like to state from the beginning:
… Just so that there is no reason for confusion as you will be making your way throughout our guide.
The acupressure mat is one of the products who have acquired (really) many names over time!
You will therefore find that in the guide we use the terms acupressure mat, spike mat, fakir mat, needle mat, nail mat and more. Simply consider all these words as being synonyms for one and the same thing.
The words nail mat and needle mat still hangs to this day, as the idea of an acupressure mat is inspired by old Indian wooden mats with nails, but we can assure you that today's acu mats are made of fabric, foam, plastic and are therefore completely safe to use.
Before using the spike mat
Wear comfortable clothes:
Before embarking on a home acupressure session with your acu mat, we recommend that you dress in comfortable clothes according to your own preferences, as you (especially in the beginner stage) will probably not find it very comfortable that your just skin comes in direct contact with the prickly spikes.
The spike mat usage:
- Take your acupressure mat and neck pillow out of the included carrying case, roll out the mat with the white plastic studs facing up and place it on a flat and sturdy surface (eg a wooden floor) with the neck pillow placed at the desired distance - preferably in a room, where you have space and the opportunity to maintain full focus while the session is on.
- Set a timer / alarm of approx. 10 minutes if you are a beginner or approx. 20 minutes if you are an experienced user of an acu mat (as an experienced user you can set a timer for up to 40 minutes)
- Then lie down gently on the spike mat with your back centered on the mat and try to distribute your weight evenly over the spikes (If you are a beginner or still in the start-up phase, you will most likely experience some discomfort for the first 3-5 minutes)
- Close your eyes and keep your body relaxed while you breathe deeply into your stomach - try to lie completely still for the first few minutes (even if it stings, some places maybe more than others).
In this process, you should especially try to take over your body mentally, as your brain is automatically in control of the pain you are experiencing.
Not 2 people have the same pain threshold, and particular health conditions can make us more pain sensitive than we normally are. However, an acupressure mat can be used by even really pain-sensitive people and you can, if the pain should be too intense, put a thin piece of fabric over the spikes (a sheet or similar).
However, you will achieve the optimal utilization of the spike mat without the use of this method.
- When the timer goes out / the alarm rings, gently lift yourself up from the mat.
Basic positions:
An acu mat can be used in several different ways. Different positions can help target your acupressure session so that you get the benefits that you and your body need.
However, there are some basic positions that we will describe for you below.
Basic position 1 (for back):
This basic position is the most common and actually corresponds to the description under 'Nail mat use'; we describe the position briefly below:
Place your acupressure mat on a flat surface and lie on your back. Either use the included neck pillow or place another pillow under the neck.
This basic position stimulates the acupressure points at the spine and relieves back problems.
Basic position 2 (for the stomach):
Lay your fakir mat on a flat surface and lie on your stomach (fold your arms so that your head rests on the backs of your hands - arms and face should not be in contact with the mat; these should be placed above the mat, on the smooth surface)
This basic position helps to improve your metabolism and can i.a. have a relaxing effect on the diaphragm and the respiratory muscles.
Basic position 3 (for the jaw):
Fold your acu mat so that it has a suitable height and then lie gently on the side of it on a smooth surface with the cheek against the mat (if this position is uncomfortable, you can advantageously get a thin sheet over the spikes)
This basic position helps you to release tension in your jaw and neck.
Basic position 4 (for the rear):
Lay your acu mat on a chair so that the mat acupressure mat is distributed over the way seat and backrest, and sit gently with your back straight and in close contact with the mat on both joints.
This basic position helps you to loosen tension in the lower back.
Ideas for other positions:
As we stated above, there is not just one correct way to use a spiked mat; Below we have described 2 more popular positions (there are also a myriad of other positions that you can try - just do a search online to see and read more about these)
For example, if you have pain in your lower back, you can (while lying on your back) bring your knees up in a 90 degree position to target the spikes towards the lower back.
If your daily life is characterized by standing on your feet a lot, you can also place your bare feet on the spike mat while sitting on a chair or standing upright on the mat. Depending on the pain / comfort level, you can hold this position for 10-20 minutes.
Needle mat - for how long?
As described in previous sections, it is recommended for beginners to lie on a nail mat for approx. 10 minutes.
As you become more familiar to your nail mat, you can lie on it for approx. 20-40 minutes per session.
Use your acupressure mat 2-4 times a week. Place your sessions on days and times where you get the most free time and rest.
Fakir mat benefits / effects:
If you use a nail mat regularly, you will be able to achieve a wide range of effects, which can be to the benefit of your body and soul.
Acupressure, which you can give yourself with an acu mat, is an Asian way of working with the body, and which has roots in traditional Chinese medicine.
What an acupressure treatment really does for you and your body is that it, together with its ability to treat various pains and disorders (which are mentioned below), gives you a deep sense of calm and relaxation as well as renewed energy and a general feeling of satisfaction.
The documented benefits of regular use of a nail mat are:
- Relieves pain (also chronic)
- Relieves muscle tension
- Relieves stiff and tense neck
- Improves sleep quality
- Provides energy
- Counteracts stress, tension and anxiety
- Reduces digestive problems
- Reduces headaches
- Stimulates the body's circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems
- Helps your body's natural ability to heal itself and the functions of the immune system
Other advantages of nail mat:
In addition to the above documented benefits of a nail mat, we also think it is worth emphasizing that a nail mat is a good and inexpensive way to give yourself an acupressure treatment.
Furthermore, with a needle mat you can do the treatment at home, and at any time of the day which suits you, as you are not obliged to show up for an appointment at a clinic, which probably also requires time spent associated with transport to and from the place of treatment.
Other questions asked:
Can an acu mat make holes in my skin?
No, it can not. The spikes on an acu mat can at most give you temporary redness and small dots on the skin.
How is a spiked mat built?
On the typical mat (like the one you can order from us at pixojet.eu), there are approx. 6000 plastic spikes, whose placement is strategic, so that together they support your body and at the same time create a pressure on the skin, your muscles and the tissue.
The spikes are attached to a removable, black cover, which covers a soft, thin foam mat.
What does acupressure really mean?
In short, acupressure means pressing on a muscle to make it relax.
The method and forms of treatment are in many ways reminiscent of acupuncture, and both acupuncture and acupressure stimulate the body's approx. 365 acupuncture points.
The difference between acupressure and acupuncture is that acupuncture is performed with real needles that penetrate / pass through the skin, while acupressure is done by pressing on and against the skin, which thereby massages the acupuncture points.
How often can / must I use a spike mat?
This is basically up to you.
2-4 times a week is a good starting point when you have become familiar with your spike mat, but you can also use the mat daily or occasionally when a real need for treatment arises.
Try it out - we are all different, and what works for one may not work for another.
Should you have more questions regarding the nail mat, you are welcome to contact us at info@pixojet.eu.