I’ve heard a lot about acupressure mats, and social media is full of them too. Admittedly, I’ve always had a little respect for it. Doesn’t it hurt to lie on a mat covered with needle-shaped spikes? Looks more nasty than pleasant. In the end, my curiosity won out and I ordered a massage set from Pranamat. Because so much positive feedback on the internet, there must be something to it, right?
In fact, the Pranamat mat and pillow look very classy. The “needles” are arranged in a beautiful bud-like pattern, reminiscent of roses (I can’t help but think that roses have thorns). Depending on your taste, the set is available in orange, violet and turquoise. In the yoga studio or in the living room, the mat actually looks elegant and provides a certain meditative flair.
What are acupressure mats good for?
As the name suggests, the Chinese healing method is closely related to acupuncture. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), twelve energy channels (meridians) run through the human body, on which numerous trigger points are located. During the treatment, blockages are to be released by specifically working on the corresponding points so that the flow of energy can circulate undisturbed again. However, acupressure does not use needles, only pressure is applied to these points. For example with hands, elbows or even objects like a spiked mat. Although acupressure is not considered to be as effective as acupuncture, it is ideally suited for safe use at home.
The Pranamat Acupressure Mat features 7900 uniquely designed spiky spikes. These stimulate the body with even pressure and thus achieve the desired massage effect. This stimulates blood circulation so that more oxygen-rich blood is directed to aching and overworked muscles. This effect is said to relieve pain and promote freedom of movement.
The test
Now I’m excited. Using the mat is very easy: I just put it on the floor in my living room and lie down on it with my bare back. The prickly pillow goes in the neck cavity under the head.
I can feel the pain from the first touch. ow! It actually hurts quite a bit – from the pelvic area to the scalp I can feel the small but extremely sharp spikes that seem to be digging into my skin. So I clench my teeth and try to catch my breath. I hold out like this for a few seconds – and indeed, after about 30 seconds the pain slowly begins to subside. Now I can relax and close my eyes.
After the initial shock, lying on the mat is actually not that uncomfortable. I only have to adjust the shape of the pillow several times, because my scalp is a lot more sensitive than the skin on my back. In the end I find a position where I can hold out for a while.
Some time later…
After about 15 minutes, the “needles” begin to make themselves felt again. Nevertheless, I hold out the remaining minutes on the mat, because the manufacturer recommends a daily use of at least 20 minutes. In retrospect, I recommend that beginners start with five to ten minutes, so you get used to the mat and its effect better.
Then I roll off the mat, groaning. In the mirror I can see that my back is red hot and feels warm. So the session actually got my blood pumping. Otherwise, my back feels more relaxed and loose. I am positively surprised and plan to lie down on the mat again tomorrow!
Conclusion
In fact, over the next few days I’ll be lying on the mat from time to time and I have to say: It’s getting better and better. My skin is slowly but surely getting used to the “needles”. Of course, the whole thing doesn’t work completely without pain, but after just two or three days I can feel a clear difference and I can relax much better. I can also see an effect on my back. Due to my job, I often sit in front of the computer for hours, but thanks to the mat, my back feels a little more relaxed and less cramped.
I’ve also found that I personally prefer to lie down on the mat right after getting up in the morning. Not even my morning coffee wakes me up as efficiently as 15 to 20 minutes on the Pranamat acupressure mat does. Afterwards I feel the blood flowing through my body and I am fit and agile for the day!
I definitely prefer the mat to the pillow – maybe my scalp is just too sensitive for the spikes. In the neck cavity, however, the pillow is quite good. If you too are afraid that the “needles” are too much for you, I would advise you to lay the mat and pillow on a soft surface such as a bed or your sofa the first time you use them. So the resistance is less and it hurts less. After that you can work your way up very slowly and at your own pace and enjoy the daily relaxation.
The manufacturer promises more well-being with the Pranamat mat. This includes the fact that regular use can reduce swelling, muscle relaxation and cramping. More about this in the video:
