If you keep up with all the latest wellness treatments and trends, you’ll probably have heard of acupressure mats and the many benefits that are often bandied about online. Although it's been around for years, the Shakti mat - one of the most popular brands of acupressure mat - recently went viral amid claims it can help relieve anxiety and help you sleep better.
But what exactly is acupressure? What are the benefits of a Shakti mat and does it really work? Allow us to fill you in on everything you need to know...
What is acupressure?
Similar to acupuncture, acupressure aims to restore health and balance to the body - but without the use of needles. Used for thousands of years in China, acupressure practitioners apply pressure to acupoints on the body’s meridians (the energy network of the body) using specific massage techniques, as well as other methods.
This type of treatment is said to create equilibrium within the body, balancing out the positive and negative energy which, if unbalanced, can cause physical illness and emotional issues, too.
Think of your body as containing lots of little water slides: your life energy (Chi) is generally believed to flow through channels like water, but these can become blocked and this can lead to health issues. By using acupressure at certain trigger points, the channels are opened up and energy can flow freely, relieving your body of its ailments.
The general idea is that each part of your body has a corresponding body part which, when put under pressure, can relieve symptoms. For example, it’s thought that there are points on your hands that link to your intestines, and there’s a point on the back of your knee which relates to your bladder - who knew?
So if you're feeling a little off, it may be worth trying a Shakti mat.
What is a Shakti mat?
The Shakti mat is an acupressure mat with a design based on the Indian bed of nails, which has been used as a relaxation aid for over 5000 years. The brand was first launched in 2007 but has gained popularity online in the last few years as a health, wellness and wellbeing tool.
On top of a large foam base are 230 plastic buttons with a total of 6,210 spikes across which your body weight is evenly distributed and pressure is applied to your skin and muscles.
Rather than going to a practitioner for treatment, these mats make it possible to receive some form of acupressure in the home and when you're out and about.
How does a Shakti mat work?
Using a Shakti mat is simple: you just need to lie down on the mat (around 20-30 minutes is the ideal time for beginners), either clothed or with bare skin depending on your preference, and let the plastic spikes work their magic on your skin and muscles. The spikes hit your pressure points, stimulating blood flow and relieving stress.
While uncomfortable at first, many users report a generalised feeling of relief once their session is up. In Western medicine, specialists believe these treatments are beneficial because they reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and influence pain signals.
What are the benefits of a Shakti mat?
There are many benefits of a Shakti mat, and acupressure in general, including reducing stress, supporting circulation, improving the quality of your sleep, muscle tension recovery, increased energy, soothing headaches and easing back and neck pain.
Of course, the benefits vary from person to person but some Shakti mat users say that they've even experienced cellulite reduction and reduced menstrual pain. Others wax lyrical about the mental benefits of using the Shakti mat to unwind after a long day.
Are Shakti mats painful?
Using a Shakti mat shouldn't be painful although beginners might find it a bit uncomfortable or overwhelming at first. However, the more you use your Shakti mat the more your body gets used to it. You may find that placing wearing a t-shirt or placing a pillowcase between you and the mat for the first week or so may help you get used to the sensation of lying on the spikes.
Is there anyone who can't use a Shakti mat?
Those with high blood pressure and circulatory issues should avoid using a Shakti mat and other acupressure mats, as well as people taking blood-thinning medication. If you have broken or irritated skin or an infection, it would also be wise to steer clear.
Anyone with a history of seizures should never use an acupressure mat without supervision and if you're pregnant, using the mat could present a variety of risks.
Before undertaking any kind of therapy, you should always consult your doctor.