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Acupressure treatments are a modification of the ancient Chinese ‘Chi’ medicinal method. Acupressure is basically about collectively pressurizing the pressure points in our body to relieve pain. This treatment is based on the concept of life energy, which passes through meridians in our body. The method uses our nerve pathways to stimulate a chain of relief function throughout the system. The treatment includes pressing a sharp set of objects, such as nails, on pressure points located in different body parts. Acupressure mat weight loss is one of the most popular uses of this alternative treatment method.
How Do Acupressure Mats Work?
Acupressure mats resemble yoga mats in size and shape and contain evenly distributed spikes in rosette patterns. These exert pressure and are responsible for providing relief from pain, relaxing muscles, and relieving tension. The contact between acupoints and rosettes is found to be quite relieving for many people. You can walk, sit, or lie down on the mat, depending on which area you want to treat. The rosettes do dig in your skin and soft tissues but do not hurt or wound the body. It’s somewhat like stepping on a pool of Lego blocks. Since the rosettes are everywhere, you can’t focus on discomfort in any one area.
A few minutes after staying on the mat, you can get off from it. Usually, 5-20 minutes are enough for the mat to exert optimum pressure on your acupoints. Soon as you leave the mat, you can see that there’s no pain from the rosettes whatsoever. This therapy is also amazingly relaxing and doesn’t have any side effects, either. Aside from a tiny tingling or temporary soreness, you won’t experience any adverse reaction from this method.
Weight Loss With Acupressure Mat
Can acupressure mat help with weight loss? According to Dr. Yuan, it definitely helps. There are plenty of benefits to the “acupressure mat weight loss” approach. Using mats to lose weight is a practice that has been going on for quite a while. The science behind this technique is pretty simple. Acupressure mat exerts pressure on acupoints. This causes our bodies to relieve stress due to the release of endorphins. In turn, stress releasing Cortisol is also kept under control. The reduction in chronic stress keeps away obesity and also regulates the flow of oxygen in the body. This is how acupressure mats help to lose weight.
The acupressure mat is designed based on the theory of meridians and acupoints of traditional Chinese medicine. As per numerous clinical studies, this acupuncture technique has been proven to be highly effective in aiding weight loss. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to lose those extra pounds, an acupressure mat could be worth considering.
How to Lose Weight Using Acupressure Mat?
Weight loss using acupressure mat is an effective way of getting slim and smart. However, Weight loss using the acupressure mat is an effective way of getting slim and smart. However, we won’t exactly call it an easy or short way.
The process does work, but it takes a while to observe visible differences. You should also work out and adopt a healthy, low-calorie diet to complement this alternate method. With the combined effect of these three weight-loss aspects, you can lose sufficient weight to maintain a healthier body. Here’s how you can lose weight with an acupressure mat:
- Hands: There are eight critical pressure points on your hands that you should focus on during acupressure treatment. Pressing your palms against the mat for a minute or so can reduce pain and make them firmer and relaxed.
- Back: Relaxing your back, especially the lower part, is essential in maintaining the shape of your body. Many acupoints are focused on your back and are responsible for relieving stress. Lying flat on your back, preferably without a shirt, makes a significant impact on your anatomy. This mat keeps the stress-inducing hormones under control and thus helps to manage obesity issues. Lie down on the mat and focus on slow and deep breathing. Spending an average of ten minutes per day on your mat can significantly make a positive difference.
- Legs: In acupressure mat treatment for weight loss, it’s vital to concentrate on all acupoints. Our legs also house plenty of nerve pathways. Applying optimum pressure to them contributes to healthy weight loss. Leg acupressure is useful in your post-workout routine too. It helps in warming up tensioned muscles and eliminates fatigue. The sensation may be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll gradually get used to it. A 5-10 minute long leg acupressure is enough daily.
- Neck: The neck is a vital treatment point in acupressure massage. Relaxing neck and shoulder muscles dramatically relieves stress, tension, and anxiety and keeps you boosted for extensive workouts. It’s also useful in healing minor neck injuries. A ten-minute concentration on the pressure points in this area keeps you upbeat and fit.
- Feet: All nerve pathways converge in this area. Standing barefoot on an acupressure mat does wonders for your overall health and exercise results. This is the most intense part of acupressure treatment and is also pretty rewarding. A minute of feet acupressure is enough for one day.
Benefits and Uses of Acupressure Mats
Acupressure treatments and acupressure mats are a thoroughly debated subject of Chinese medicine. There’s no doubt about the affirmation of modern doctors regarding this alternative treatment method. Besides weight loss, here are some fruitful benefits of using acupressure mats!
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Medicine-free Pain Relief:
For the sake of a healthy body, it’s generally better to use as little medicines as possible. Painkillers, for instance, do provide relief to the body but are an artificial means of treatment. If you’re more inclined towards natural ways, acupressure mats are an excellent option. This method is ideal for minor pain relieves and is also suitable for helping with major health problems.
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Cheaper Form of Treatment:
Another benefit of using acupressure mats for pain relief and relaxation is that it’s economical. At times where hospital bills and prescriptions can severely affect your savings, acupressure mat is only a one-time investment. You may have to purchase the same set of pills again and again for even minor pain relieves. But you won’t have to purchase an acupressure mat every time you need one!
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Releases Endorphins:
Acupressure mats play with our nerve pathways most peculiarly. The acupoints, when coming in contact with rosettes on the mat, help to release endorphins. These act as natural painkillers of the body and relieve pain. The endorphin works similar to opioids and generates a pleasant feeling in your body.
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Lowers Blood Pressure:
Clinical research in Taiwan found out that people with hypertension could use acupressure mats to tackle blood pressure issues. The mat reduces high blood pressure after roughly thirty minutes of use. Patients with myocardial infarction can also benefit from acupressure mats. However, the prospect of handling blood pressure problems with acupressure mats needs to be researched further. With the advancement in research, this method can also be used as a solution for pressure problems.
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Easy to Use:
Acupressure mats are also a handy solution for emergencies. You don’t have to go anywhere to get this treatment. These mats can easily be kept at home, and you can use them whenever you need to. It’s also compact and portable so that you can carry your mat around on trips and travels!
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Noninvasive Treatment Method:
As opposed to other forms of acupressure treatments, this method is completely noninvasive. You can go for an acupressure mat if you’re not in favor of acupuncture needles.
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Eases Pain in Serious Conditions:
Acupressure mats are also being used to help patients with ongoing pain treatments. Chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, or neck pain, require continued medical assistance. It’s also recommended to use such noninvasive treatment ways that exclude excessive use of painkillers. Acupressure mats cut down on a patient’s unnecessary intake of medicine and provide natural pain relief in even serious conditions.
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Treating Injuries and Soreness:
Injuries that may be inflicted as a result of sports or any other accident are also curable with this method. An acupressure mat can not only relieve the soreness but also assists in quicker recovery. This method also keeps away medicine intervention and provides a more natural way of healing.
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Improves Sleeping Patterns:
Another benefit of an acupressure mat is that it helps in controlling sleeping patterns. According to some studies conducted on menopausal women and insomniacs, acupressure mat provides sufficient relaxation to the body. This generally helps in treating insomnia and allows people to sleep better.
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Muscle Relaxation:
The acupressure mat is also used to relax muscles. The optimum exertion on pressure points eases tension in our muscles and provides relief and relaxation.
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Energizes You:
Acupressure mats elevate your mood and boost your energy as well. Low energy levels caused by diseases or general fatigue can affect the treatment of patients. Using an acupuncture mat uplifts your energy levels and helps you get rid of fatigue.
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Mental Relaxation
Since acupressure mat treatment relieves stress, it’s an excellent mood booster. Acupressure treatment relieves stress and gets rid of anxiety and depression.
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Improves Health
Acupressure mats are also known to help with the digestive system and regulate bowel movements. This is a great way to treat constipation issues. Pressing an acupressure mat to your face also increases blood flow in the area. This brings more oxygen to the skin and helps to achieve a healthier complexion. These mats also help with headaches and migraines. Acupressure mats not only reduce the frequency but also reduce the severity of chronic headaches.
Who Should Avoid Using an Acupressure Mat?
Acupressure mats are good to go for any category of users. However, doctors warn against the use of this treatment for frail and weak patients. People with any skin condition or people with sensitive skin should avoid using acupressure mats. Older people are also at risk of hurting themselves since their skin has lost elasticity and can easily get wounded. Moreover, pregnant women should also be careful with using acupressure massaging mats.
Related Reading: Are Acupressure Mats Safe to Use for Everyone? Let’s Hear From the Expert
Best Acupressure Mats
To help you pick the most suitable acupressure mat for treatment, we’ve compiled a brief list of products below. You don’t need any prescription or professional consultation to purchase this mat. The products are usually pretty economical and can be easily purchased online.
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Shakti Premium Acupressure Mat
I highly recommend it for anyone looking to relieve tension and promote relaxation. The mat features thousands of acupressure points that target specific areas of the body, promoting increased circulation and the release of endorphins. The mat is made of high-quality materials and is durable and comfortable to use. The mat’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store and transport, making it perfect for use at home or on the go. With regular use, I have experienced significant relief from back and neck pain, improved sleep quality, and reduced stress levels. Overall, the Shakti Acupressure Mat is an excellent investment for anyone seeking natural pain relief and relaxation. Buy here.
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Kanjo Acupressure Mat
The mat has a unique sapphire blue color that adds a touch of elegance to its appearance. The mat comes with a matching pillow, and the spikes on the mat are designed to target specific pressure points on the body, providing targeted relief for sore muscles and joints.
One of the things that set the Kanjo Acupressure Mat apart from other similar products is its use of eco-friendly materials. The mat is made from natural linen and the spikes are made from non-toxic ABS plastic. The mat is also easy to clean, and it can be hand washed or machine washed with a gentle cycle. Additionally, the mat is FSA and HSA eligible, making it a great option for those looking to use their health savings accounts. Buy here.
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Nayoya Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set
The mat is designed with pressure points that provide immediate relief for muscle tension and soreness in the neck, back, and feet. One of the things I appreciate about this mat is its durable construction, with over 6,000 pressure points made from non-toxic materials. It’s easy to use and can be done in the comfort of your own home, making it a convenient option for busy individuals who want to relax and unwind. Additionally, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my sleep quality and energy levels since incorporating the NAYOYA Acupressure Mat into my daily routine. Overall, I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for a safe and effective way to alleviate muscle tension and improve their overall well-being. Buy here.
FAQ
Can I use an acupressure mat on my stomach?
Dr. Yuan suggests that while it’s possible to use an acupressure mat on your stomach, it’s best to avoid using it immediately after a meal when your stomach is full and in the process of digestion. Putting pressure on the stomach during this time can cause discomfort.
What is the benefit for the stomach when we use an acupressure mat?
Using an acupressure mat on the stomach can help relieve stomach pain and bloating, promote digestion, and stimulate intestinal peristalsis. Dr. Yuan explains that this is achieved by applying pressure to specific acupoints on the Ren Meridian, Stomach Meridian, and Spleen Meridian.
How to use an acupressure foot mat for weight loss?
To use an acupressure foot mat for weight loss, Dr. Yuan recommends soaking your feet in hot water for 15-20 minutes before applying the mat. This will stimulate the foot reflexology area and potentially aid in weight loss.
How to use an acupressure mat to reduce belly fat?
Dr. Yuan suggests that to target belly fat, you can lie directly on the acupressure mat, lie on your stomach or back between working or before bed, or use a belt to apply pressure to the mat around your abdomen and waist. This can potentially help with weight loss.
Conclusion
Acupressure mat for weight loss is undoubtedly a successful method. There are also many other advantages of acupressure mat and pillow. It’s a natural but highly effective method which gives fantastic results on our body and improves our lifestyle.
References
https://www.akuspike.com/pages/how-to-use-acupressure
http://www.heavenlymats.com/uncategorized/acupressure-mats-for-weight-loss/
http://nymag.com/strategist/amp/article/acupressure-mat-benefits.html
https://www.thegoodbody.com/acupressure-mat-benefits/
