What is an acupressure mat and can it help with back pain?

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What is an acupressure mat and can it help with back pain?
Author: Liz Connor
Published: Jan, 23 2025 15:38

Though you might have seen the Bed of Nails mat used by wellness influencers on Instagram and TikTok, it’s not as easy to use as these self-styled experts make out. Since their spikes can be sharp, the company suggests beginners shouldn’t lie on these mats with bare skin.

Our tester said: “I started 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.

They added: “After a while I really started 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 noticed that the sharpness of the spikes gradually fades and I felt relaxed, calm and sleepy 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. For the high price, it seems to do the job well and there’s no denying that it looks great too.

Unlike the Bed of Nails mat, this acupressure mat is designed specifically for your feet. A more compact solution, the Scentered mat claims to restore balance to the body’s energy flow and promote a sense of wellbeing. Our tester said: “I’ve actually been using this mat for a few years now. I start my day by standing on it to wake up my nerves and get myself focused. The first step hurts a little because all your weight is on one foot. But when you’ve stepped the other onto the mat your weight is evenly distributed and it just feels tingly. I also use it if I find myself in an afternoon slump or feeling frustrated or low – it helps me recentre and snap out of a funk quickly.”.

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