Relaxing with an acupressure mat
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Tense shoulders, a stiff neck, and lower back pain. These are all signs that your body needs to relax. If you don't relax on time and keep holding onto stress and tension in your body, there is a good chance that your discomfort will turn into chronic complaints. This can manifest itself in poor sleep, injuries throughout the body, and even chronic pain.
A strenuous workout but also a job where you sit a lot, such as office work or as a driver, can be a major strain on your muscles. You notice this throughout your body, but often it is mainly your back and neck that cause the most problems. These are places where you can massage yourself with difficulty, for example with a massage gun or a massage ball. Then you can choose to go to a masseur, but there are also more straightforward - and cheaper - solutions.
What does acupressure do?
Acupressure is a good way to relieve tension in the body. You don't have to go to a specialist for that. An acupressure mat has the same effect and is a great tool to relax at home. An acupressure mat improves the energy level and the amount of oxygen in your body, stimulates blood circulation, and relieves pain.What is acupressure?
The use of acupressure is ancient. It was probably first used by the Chinese, five thousand years ago. According to Chinese medicine, life energy ('qi') flows through channels in our body. These channels are also called meridians and are connected to each other throughout our body.
From nail bed to acupressure mat
Physical and mental complaints are the result of a blockage in a channel. Acupressure is used to remove that blockage. Pressure points are manipulated so that life energy can flow again. The knowledge of acupressure was spread throughout Asia and was picked up by fakirs, who made nail beds.Later, in the 1980s, scientists researched the principle of the nail bed. They concluded that a nail bed not only stimulates the production of endorphins (a response of the body to the pain of the nails) but also stimulates blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and causes the production of oxytocin (a kind of happiness hormone). This is how the acupressure mat was created.
What does an acupressure mat do?
An acupressure mat looks like a yoga mat with plastic spikes. These spikes apply pressure to your entire body when you lie on the mat. This stimulates blood flow, restores balance in energy flows, and allows your body to relax better. Usually, lying on a mat for fifteen to thirty minutes is enough for a wonderfully relaxed feeling.
Tunturi acupressure mat
The Tunturi Acupressure mat is a good way to relax after a long day at work or a strenuous workout. But it also provides relief from menstrual pain, migraines, or sleep problems. The use of the mat reduces pain, restlessness, and stress, improves blood flow and energy levels, and promotes sleep. The mat comes with a pillow and a carrying case so you can take it to the office or on vacation. The cover is made of skin-friendly cotton and is removable so that you can wash it by hand.The first time on an acupressure mat can feel a little uncomfortable. Your muscles will tingle, after which you will experience a warm feeling, and then deep relaxation follows. It is quite normal for your back to turn red. This means that your blood circulation has started well. The first few times you use an acupressure mat, it is best to do so on a soft surface such as a mattress. This reduces the pressure on the mat and allows your body to slowly get used to the acupressure. After a few times, you can switch to a harder surface.
Want to know more about the Tunturi Acupressure mat? Click here.
Please note: in any of the following cases, please consult with a physician before using an acupressure mat:
- For specific skin problems and conditions
- For severe heart conditions or high and low blood pressure
- For the use of blood thinners
- During pregnancy from 3-6 months (using the mat releases oxytocin: the hormone that triggers contractions)
