Acupuncture Mats: Real or Sus?
Today, we'll be diving into the topic of acupuncture mats – those intriguing spiky surfaces that claim to offer a myriad of health benefits.
Acupuncture mats, also known as bed of nails or acupressure mats, have gained popularity in recent years. They typically consist of a foam mat covered with plastic spikes, designed to stimulate acupressure points across the body. The idea is that by lying on these mats, you can enjoy the benefits of acupuncture just without the needles. Instead, they employ acupressure – the application of pressure to specific points on the body. The mat's surface is covered with plastic spikes or nodes that target these acupressure points, stimulating circulation and promoting a sense of relaxation.
So, the big question on everyone's mind and the whole reason for this blog post– do acupuncture mats actually work?
One of the earliest versions of the modern acupressure mat was created by a Russian by the name of Ivan Kuznetsov in the late 70’s. He suffered from chronic pain, impaired peripheral circulation, and intense muscle spasms which rendered him immobile for lengthy periods of time after being exposed to toxic insecticide. The doctors that Kuznetsov approached could not cure his ailments, and even declared he had a hopeless case. Kuznetsov did not give up and looked for alternatives. He tried acupuncture and discovered that his condition improved. However, he found it too expensive and inconvenient to go to an acupuncture session regularly. He tried to perform acupuncture by himself but also found it too difficult to reach specific points on body, especially the back so he hammered nails in to wood and would lay on it and he saw significant improvement to his conditions. He eventually had this invention patented and it spread through Soviet Russia until its fall which then led other European countries to begin purchasing and using the device.
What are the principles that led to the invention? To truly assess the efficacy of acupuncture mats, it's essential that we explore the underlying principles, right? So acupuncture is a fundamental component of traditional Chinese medicine, and is rooted in the concept of Qi – Chi being the vital life force that flows through meridians in the body. By inserting fine needles into specific acupoints along these meridians, practitioners aim to balance and enhance the flow of Qi, promoting overall health and well-being.
The concept of meridians forms the foundation of acupuncture theory. Meridians are energy pathways that traverse the body, connecting various acupoints. These pathways facilitate the flow of Qi, the vital life force that animates the body and maintains overall health. The body has 12 main meridians, each associated with specific organs and functions. These meridians are classified into six pairs, each consisting of a yin and yang meridian. The balance of yin and yang energy within these meridians is integral to maintaining the body's equilibrium.
Now, when we bring acupuncture mats into the picture, their design is intricately connected to the meridian system. The plastic spikes or nodes on the mat are strategically placed to align with key acupressure points along these meridians. By lying on the mat, the pressure applied to these points stimulates the corresponding meridians, promoting the free flow of Qi.
We want to think of this as a holistic map – as you lie on the acupuncture mat, it's akin to activating a series of energy pathways, encouraging the harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body. The activation not only addresses localized tension or discomfort but also contributes to the overall balance of energy within the meridian system.
Acupuncture mats, in a way, provide a non-invasive means of engaging with the principles of traditional acupuncture. While the ancient practice involves the insertion of needles to stimulate acupoints directly, acupressure mats harness the broader concept of meridian stimulation to influence the body's energy flow.
When discussing the benefits of acupuncture mats, it's essential to recognize their potential to enhance the balance of yin and yang energy within the meridians. By promoting this balance, users may experience not only relief from physical discomfort but also a sense of mental and emotional well-being. It's important to note that the effectiveness of acupuncture mats in influencing meridian energy flow is part of ongoing research. As our understanding of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture evolves, so does our insight into how alternative therapies, like acupressure mats, interact with the body's energetic systems. There is little research on these mats but there are 3 important ones I will touch on.
The study by Tanya Zilberter and Jim Roman is perhaps one of the most credited studies to explore the benefits of acupressure mats. A pilot study was conducted to assess the effects of mechanical stimulation of the skin. The study involved 200 participants who used their acupressure mats for at least two weeks. 95% of those who used acupressure mats reported experiencing positive results. Participants also answered questionnaires which demonstrated that 98% experienced pain relief, 96% felt relaxed, 94% reported improvement in the quality of their sleep, and 81% felt an increase in energy levels.
Another study by Saha et al. involved 91 participants who were advised to use acupressure mats daily for two weeks. The results showed that although there were no significant differences in pain intensity between the two weeks, there was immediate pain relief after use of the acupressure mats. The researchers concluded that acupressure mats can provide short-term pain relief for people suffering from chronic back pain.
Another study by Li et al. analyzed how cobblestone-mat walking affected the health of older adults. The study involved 40 participants whose average age was 72. Participants were asked to perform a test spanning eight weeks. An experimental group was asked to perform a 45-minute cobblestone-mat walking activity for three sessions per week. This group reported improved physical and mental scores, psychological well-being, and reduced daytime sleepiness and pain. Acupressure mats may be able to provide the same benefits to the elderly, although research has yet to be conducted to explore this.
While studies were done in Soviet Russia and it wouldn’t surprise me if China has research on the mats as well, we don’t have access to those resources so perhaps there is more definitive evidence out there, but I certainly couldn’t find it. I’ve linked what I could find below. While research is still relatively limited, the existing research and user testimonials suggest a range of potential benefits. One notable aspect is their impact on muscle tension. The acupressure points on the mat may encourage muscle relaxation, making it a valuable tool for individuals dealing with stress-related tension or discomfort and let’s be real, who doesn’t have stress related tension these days? I see a lot of folks in my office for this very thing. Additionally, many users report improvements in sleep quality and overall mood after incorporating acupuncture mats into their daily routines. The pressure applied to acupoints may trigger the release of endorphins and promote a state of relaxation conducive to better sleep. It's crucial to highlight that while acupuncture mats can offer relief for certain conditions, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They may be more effective for managing stress, tension headaches, and mild to moderate pain rather than addressing complex health issues. As with any holistic approach, individual responses can vary, and what works for one person may not work as effectively for another.
As a wellness practitioner I often emphasize to my clients the interconnectedness of the body's energy systems and the importance of considering the holistic perspective. Acupuncture mats, when used mindfully, I think can be a valuable tool in promoting the balance of Qi within the meridian network. The intricate relationship between acupuncture mats, meridians, and Qi provides a really fascinating lens through which we can explore holistic well-being. If you incorporate these mats into your self-care routine, remember that you are not only addressing physical tension but also engaging with the ancient wisdom of energy balance embedded in the meridian system and the thousands of years of knowledge and theory that has been foundational to health in Chinese culture. As much tension and strife our countries may encounter, we can not deny the incredible contribution to energy work and integrative wellness that Chinese medicine has had on the west to the benefit of many Americans and other Westerners worldwide. Eastern modalities absolutely fascinate me in this way and while Chinese medicine is not my personal go to as I prefer the Ayurvedic perspective for my personal wellness, I still seek out acupuncturist and try things like acupuncture mats because for a style of medicine to last many thousands of years proves to me that it works. I especially appreciate eastern systems of medicine for their focus on preventative health and Chinese medicine is no exception to that. It is an area that is seriously lacking in our Western allopathic view and one that I hope will start to weave its way into Western health practices over time.
As the popularity of acupuncture mats continues to grow, hopefully continued research will provide a more comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms and effectiveness. In the meantime, individuals interested in exploring this therapy should approach it with an open mind, understanding that it is just one piece of the larger puzzle of holistic well-being. So, whether you're a seasoned wellness enthusiast or just starting your journey toward a healthier lifestyle, acupuncture mats might be a valuable tool in your self-care toolkit. Remember, it's all about balance, and finding what works best for you on your path to holistic health.
Many of my clients use these mats and love them. While I’ve only used the foot mats because laying on a full body one was difficult for me, I encourage you to proceed with curiosity and if you do try them, or have tried them, please reach out and tell me about your experience!
Resources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382016301172
https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/japa/11/4/article-p487.xml