TikTok True or False answers burning questions about the health, beauty, and fitness trends sweeping your social feeds. Each story analyzes a hot health trend with the help of experts and scientific research, revealing the truth and safety behind the viral “advice” you see online. No more wondering what’s really legitimate and what to skip.
Like most subjects on TikTok, opinions are divided on the usefulness of acupressure mats. Those who like this say it helps relieve back tension and speed up post-workout recovery. Opponents argue that some mats are so sharp that they can damage or indent the skin.
Some mats are more elaborate and include a map of reflexology points to help you better understand what’s going on in your body while you use it. TikTok user @acubright captioned the video, “Let’s see if it bleeds!” while showing a great example of this type of mat. Wow!
Another user, @bysamanthamarch, shows a regular mat covered in spikes without any extras like built-in pillows. She says it helps lower cortisol levels (cortisol is a stress hormone) and reduces pain. First she puts on a shirt and on it she lies for 5 minutes, then without a shirt she lies for 5 minutes.
There are countless others like it on TikTok, but what’s missing is an expert who takes trends into account. To help you decide if an acupressure mat is right for you, we spoke to two of her experts to get the scoop on these wellness tools. before purchasing.
What is an acupressure mat?
The board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon says an acupressure mat is a soft foam mat covered with hundreds of tiny spikes that is inspired by an ancient Chinese therapy in which pressure is applied to pressure points on the back while lying on it. Dr. Rahul Shah of FAAOS explains: . “Used for pain relief, muscle repair, injury recovery, mental relaxation, deep sleep, and meditation.”
This is a long list of uses, but we’ll get to that a little later. But first, what exactly are those strange looking spikes? Dr. Shah said the spikes are made of non-toxic plastic and are designed to be pushed into the skin without making a hole.
Spikes can be intimidating, but Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a board-certified family medicine physician, says you should look for an acupressure mat with as many spikes as possible. That way, she says, the mat will hit as many pressure points as possible.
Are acupressure mats effective?
As with many other health questions, the simple answer is “probably.” According to Dr. Purdy, acupressure mats are designed to stimulate pressure points throughout the body, which gets blood and energy flowing and increases circulation. “They can be beneficial in relieving back pain and muscle tension, and can also help reduce stress and headaches.”
There is also some research that suggests these mats may relieve pain and reduce nausea, Dr. Shah added. “However, further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and effectiveness.”
While these mats may be beneficial for short-term use, there’s no substitute for seeing a practitioner trained to provide real, lasting relief, he added.
Are acupressure mats safe?
While acupressure mats are generally safe, Dr. Purdy acknowledges that they can be uncomfortable for some people, especially if the mat is too hard. That said, there are ways to be safe, she says. “Start with a few minutes a day and increase to a few more minutes each day as needed,” she suggests.
Acupressure mats also aren’t widely supported by doctors and therapists, Dr. Shah says. However, as more research into its use develops, it may become more widely recommended. “However, it’s not safe for everyone,” he says. “Use during pregnancy is not recommended. People with thin skin, diabetes, and people with poor circulation should avoid it due to possible side effects. Also, increased pressure on the skin makes it less responsive. People who are at risk should also avoid using these mats,” Dr. Shah points out.
Dr. Purdy also points out that acupressure mats may not be ideal for people with limited mobility. “It requires lying on the ground, so I don’t recommend it for people who are concerned about it.” [trouble] Bend down and stand up. “If you have limited range of motion, this may not be the best solution,” she says.
If you have anxiety or previous health problems, consult your health care provider about using an acupressure mat before purchasing it.
Acupressure mats are effective for muscle tension: true or false?
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Acupressure mats stimulate pressure points throughout the body and promote blood circulation. This can help reduce back pain, muscle tension, stress, and headaches, but if you have ongoing health concerns, it’s best to consult a medical professional to help alleviate your symptoms. is.
