What is an acupressure mat and can it help with back pain?
Aching from hunching over a laptop all day? Liz Connor suggests trying out the latest celeb wellness trend
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Your support makes all the difference.Many of us are looking for new techniques to beat aches and pains caused by working from home. One rather unusual way that A-listers are alleviating their strains is by using an acupressure mat; a foamy wellness tool that’s covered in hundreds of tiny plastic spikes.
Also known as a “bed of nails” mat, the bizarre trend has gained steam in recent months, thanks to celebrity fans like Elle Macpherson, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Beckinsale.
And while it might sound like a Medieval torture instrument, converts of the home treatment say that regular sessions on the sawtooth mats can help with pain, injuries, relaxation and sleep.
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How does it work?
Acupressure mats look a lot like a yoga mat, but the main difference is that they’re covered in several hundred tiny, plastic spikes. These small nubs deliver pressure to parts of the body, which is said to bring on the feel-good health benefits.
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Acupressure itself is nothing new; it’s a traditional Chinese medicine technique that’s been around for centuries, and is usually performed by a practitioner who uses their fingers to firmly press onto key points around the body, to simulate pain relief and muscle relaxation.
The mat works in a similar way. As you lie down against the surface, the plastic spikes uncomfortably press into your body and cause the brain to release endorphins; euphoric chemicals that naturally relieve stress, tension and pain.
What are the benefits?
Anecdotally, people claim that the mats can reduce stress, improve sleep, deliver energy, soothe headaches, support circulation and beat back pain.
Much like foam rollers and other self-myofascial release tools, the mats use pressure to release muscle tension and improve blood flow around the body.
However, there’s very little scientific evidence to support the benefits of acupressure mats, although one small 2011 study said they could be a helpful tool for relaxation.
The verdict: Bed of Nails acupressure mat
You’re probably wondering if lying against one of these mats hurts. The short answer is yes, but it’s a strangely pleasant pain that gets easier and more satisfying the longer you’re on it.
I tried out the Bed of Nails mat (£70, Cultbeauty.com). Since their spikes can be sharp, the company suggests beginners shouldn’t lie on these mats with bare skin, so I start my first session with a pair of pyjamas on.
Lying back is a bit like lowering yourself into a bath that’s a bit too hot, and it takes a while to get used to the sensation, so I’d recommend breathing deeply and having the TV on in the background to distract you from the pain.
After a while, though, I really start to enjoy the zingy feeling of the spikes digging into every part of my shoulders and upper back – an area where I regularly hold a lot of tension. I soon notice that the sharpness of the spikes gradually fades and I feel relaxed, calm and sleepy instead.
Initially, it’s a good idea to lie on the mat for 10 minutes, and as you get used to the pressure, you can build up to 20-30 minute sessions instead.
As well as lying on it, Bed of Nails says you can gently place your feet on the mat to release foot tension too, and you can wear socks if you’re sensitive to the pain. Plus, you can also buy acupressure pillows that can be used along with the mat to help alleviate neck pain and headaches.
Overall, I definitely saw a reduction in my desk-induced aches and pains and I feel like I slept better the evenings, too. While the Bed of Nails mat isn’t cheap, there are more budget-friendly alternatives on the internet, so you don’t necessarily need a celebrity salary to put the trend on trial.