Add to Cart: Pain-Relieving Acupressure Mats

Feeling the aches and pains while working from home? You know the scene all too well: spending the day crouched down on your laptop, then wondering where the heck your back pain came from. Sadly, a lot of us aren't too aware of how bad our posture is while we sit in front of our laptops (or wherever, actually). And now that we're cooped up at home with limited capacity to get a proper massage, what's the next best thing? Enter: acupressure mats!

Acu what? We're all aware of acupuncture right? It's the ancient Chinese alternative medicine practice of experts inserting thin needles on different points in the body to help relieve pain, among others. Acupressure mats act in a similar way, through the hundreds of plastic points attached to a thin cushion mat. Apart from the flat mat, acupressure pillows are also available, for using on the back, neck, and even feet! 

How do they work, exactly? Healthline states that while there isn't a huge body of research to support its benefits, there have been some that state its benefits for reducing pain. In the similar way that the practice of acupuncture stimulates pressure points in the body, so do acupressure mats.

Among the many positive effects users have shared, the common ones include alleviating headaches, neck and back pain, muscle stiffness in the back, stress and tension, and insomnia. 

A word of caution though: not everyone can instantly tolerate the discomfort that comes with using it for the first time! If you're a newbie, we suggest testing it first, usually with clothes on or a thin fabric in between your skin and the mat, to be able to gauge the level of discomfort you can tolerate. 

To use, look for a flat surface like a bed or a sofa where you can place the mat and/or pillow. Try the following options for use: sitting on it, laying your back on it, or stepping on it (this is quite difficult, but with constant use, you may get used to the sensation on the soles of your feet!). While in contact with the mat, do not fidget or move too much, as you might risk scratching your skin harshly. Lastly, relax and take your time getting used to it! With constant use of 10 to 20 minutes at a time, you will eventually reap its benefits and make it a staple in your self-care routine! Note: Before starting out a new routine, it's best to consult with your doctor! 

And to help get you started on your acupressure mat journey, we've rounded up some shopping picks: