The acupressure mat is a simple, non-invasive tool designed to promote relaxation and help relieve pain through physical stimulation. It typically consists of a foam or fabric base covered with hundreds of small, firm plastic spikes or nodules. When the body rests upon this surface, the mat applies pressure across a wide area of the skin, initiating a cascade of biological responses within the body. This direct physical input on the skin begins the process that users report as muscle relaxation and a reduction in discomfort.
Mechanical Action of the Spikes
The function of the mat begins with the thousands of small, evenly spaced plastic spikes. These numerous points are designed to distribute the user’s weight across a broad surface area. This wide distribution of force is what allows the spikes to apply sufficient pressure for stimulation without piercing or damaging the skin, which is a key difference from acupuncture.
Each point on the mat provides a generalized, simultaneous pressure stimulus to the skin’s surface. This contrasts with traditional, targeted acupressure, where a practitioner applies deep, focused pressure to a single, specific point. The mat’s action is one of broad, mild, and sustained stimulation, activating a multitude of sensory receptors at once to trigger a nervous system response while remaining safe for at-home use.
Triggering Endorphins and Pain Signals
The initial physical pressure from the spikes activates sensory nerves in the skin, which the nervous system interprets as a mild, controlled stimulus. This non-damaging input is sufficient to trigger the body’s natural defense and reward systems. The brain responds to this sustained pressure by releasing neurochemicals, including endorphins and oxytocin.
Endorphins are endogenous opioids that bind to receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain, acting as the body’s natural pain relievers and mood boosters. Oxytocin promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, helping to alleviate stress and tension. The stimulation also involves the neurological process known as the Gate Control Theory of Pain.
This theory proposes that non-painful input, like the pressure from the mat’s spikes, can “close the gate” to painful input. The strong sensory signal travels along large, fast-conducting nerve fibers, effectively overriding or dampening the transmission of chronic pain signals traveling through smaller, slower fibers to the brain. This spinal segmental inhibition distracts the nervous system from the discomfort.
Promoting Localized Blood Flow
The mechanical stimulation induces a localized vascular response in the area of contact. The pressure causes a temporary restriction of blood flow, which is immediately followed by a phenomenon called reactive hyperemia when the pressure is sustained. This rapid sequence leads to vasodilation, the widening of the local blood vessels.
The widening of these vessels increases circulation, supplying oxygen and essential nutrients to the muscle and skin cells. The increased blood flow also helps to flush out metabolic waste products and toxins that can accumulate in tense muscles, contributing to muscle relaxation and a feeling of warmth.
Techniques for Maximizing Pressure
To optimize the effects of the acupressure mat, users can adjust their approach to control the intensity of the pressure applied. Beginners may find the sensation too intense initially and can mitigate this by placing a thin layer of material, such as a light T-shirt or a sheet, between their skin and the mat. Removing this layer after acclimation allows for direct skin contact, which provides the deepest and most effective stimulation.
The surface beneath the mat also influences the pressure level; a hard floor creates the most intense sensation, while a soft surface like a bed reduces it. To target specific areas and achieve deeper pressure, users can use props, such as placing a rolled towel or a dedicated acupressure pillow under the neck or lower back. Lying with the knees bent also increases pressure on the lower back. A typical session duration of 20 to 40 minutes is recommended to allow the body’s neurochemical and circulatory responses to fully engage.