We also had a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in acupressure mats, how to use them, and the potential benefits of acupressure therapy. Shakti Mats are a great way to relax and reduce stress. But how do you get the most out of your mat? Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Shakti Mat: 1. Incorporate it into Your Daily Routine

Alongside reducing and alleviating stress, psychologists say that keeping a wellness journal is good for improving your mood and increasing your overall happiness. It helps you process things that happen in your daily life, not to mention regulate your emotions and boost your confidence. 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. She adds that this stimulation can reduce your stress, improve sleep, boost energy, relieve muscle tension and ease pain, thanks to the needles helping to regulate levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. The Mat isn't exactly a targeted approach, but provided you can use it safely (several medical conditions preclude you from using it, and it's off the cards if you're pregnant), Hooti believes it can work. "If you press on any point for long enough, it will have an effect. Anything that stimulates your nerve endings and makes you feel better can only be a good thing." Is a Shakti Mat painful? They recommend practising this technique for 10–20 minutes each day, which is the perfect amount of time for a Shakti Mat session. To increase intensity, try pressing harder into specific areas of the mat or adding extra layers such as towels or blankets on top of it if necessary – just make sure not to press too hard so as not to cause injury.The mat consists of hundreds of plastic spikes which are made from food-grade polypropylene material. These spikes are arranged in rows and columns on the surface of the mat and provide a gentle massage when you lie down on it or press your body against it. Each spike stimulates specific areas in your body by pressing into them gently but firmly, creating pressure points that can be beneficial for relaxation and healing purposes. It is a better choice for pain-sensitive people that can not endure the first few minutes of lying on a thinner mat without any cushioning. To Recap: The Shakti Mat is an easy and effective way to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and relieve muscle tension. It can be used in just 10-15 minutes a day for immediate relief from physical or mental tension. Its benefits are long lasting too. Alternative Acupressure mats When using a Shakti Mat, it is important to remember not to press too hard as this could cause discomfort rather than relief. One thing that really attracted me to the Shakti Mat, was how they were made. Each mat is handmade in a charity workshop in India, where the workers are paid well and are well looked after. The mats are made from organic cotton and organic dye and the plastic used is recyclable. Basically, these mats are about as eco-friendly and ethical as you can get, and I’m really pleased to see this. Each mat has a thin foam liner, with a brightly coloured cotton sleeve over the top. The spikesare attached to this liner.

Acupressure uses manual pressure from fingers, elbows, etc., to apply pressure to acupoints. In acupuncture, this pressure is applied with extremely thin needles that puncture the body. Can you lie on an acupressure mat for too long? Not everyone can use an acupressure mat. People who suffer from diabetes or poor circulation should consult with their doctor before using the Shakti Mat because when not used correctly, the spikes can pierce the skin and may cause wounds or infections.I’ve developed a habit of falling asleep on it every day, and I love it so much that it’s become my favorite healthy holiday gift for my family and friends. Shakti Mats can be used as often as desired, depending on individual needs. Generally speaking, using the mat for 15-20 minutes a day is recommended to start. As you become more comfortable with the practice and your body adjusts to it, you may increase the duration of use up to an hour per session. It’s important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly – if at any point during or after use you experience discomfort or pain, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional. What are the benefits of Shakti mats?

Recent studiesshow that only 15 minutes a day of lying on nail mats (for 3 weeks) reduced patients’ peak levels of pain dramatically. Shakti Acupressure Mat Review Like our writer said, some deep breaths were required before she got used to the mat and began to feel its results. But certain breathing techniques are certified wellness tactics and are often used in other practices like meditation and yoga to relieve stress and help you relax. Additionally, regular use can give you an extra boost in energy throughout the day since it increases blood flow bringing much needed oxygen into cells giving them what they need to function optimally. It doesn’t take long for the sensation to shift though – likely because the brain is releasing endorphins or some other feel-good chemical! Then the entire area floods with warmth and lying on the Shakti Mat begins to feel utterly delicious.The more spikes on a mat, the easier it is to adjust to the treatment and the more pressure points you’ll hit. Most quality mats have anywhere from 6,000 to more than 8,000 spikes. Look for an acupressure mat with foam padding and 6,000 to more than 8,000 spikes to hit as many pressure points as possible. We reviewed acupressure mats for features including materials, spikes, size, and extra features like an included pillow or a carrying case.