Luckily, there are ways to combat these woes—and acupressure is one of them. If you’ve explored traditional Chinese medicine (or spent any time on TikTok), you may have already been introduced to acupressure mats as an affordable yet effective method for reducing aches and pains. If not, today’s your lucky day. Acupressure mats can also reduce stress, relieve headaches, help you sleep better, and improve your overall well-being. Thanks to the growing popularity of these mats, there are a ton of options available on the market. The not-so-silver lining? This plethora of choices can make it difficult to know which one is right for you. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of acupressure, and to discover our picks for the best acupressure mat to fit your specific needs. These mats are typically made of cotton, with small plastic spikes to apply the pressure, and they often come with a small pillow, too. You can use an acupressure mat in a number of ways. Most commonly, people will lie on their mat on the floor, but the mat can be placed on other surfaces (such as your desk chair) for use throughout the day. “Acupressure mats use a combination of heat and pressure (in the form of small plastic spikes) to stimulate the body’s natural healing energy. The idea is that this will soothe and relax your muscles, ease tension, reduce stiffness, and increase blood flow—all without you needing to take time out for a full-on treatment by an acupuncturist,” explains Jamie Bacharach, Dipl.Ac., licensed medical acupuncturist and head of practice at Acupuncture Jerusalem. According to Bacharach, other common benefits of acupressure mats can include improved sleep, reduced headaches, loosened muscles, and reduced sciatica pain. Studies2 have also shown acupressure to be an impactful way to reduce stress and anxiety, and you can even utilize the practice for bloating, brain fog, or to boost your immunity. What our editor says: “I’m a self-proclaimed acupuncture junkie, so I was a bit doubtful that I’d be able to achieve the same benefits from home. This mat proved me wrong. Even just 15 minutes on the mat makes me feel relaxed and refreshed—especially after a long work or travel day, or heavy exercise. While I won’t be stopping acupuncture treatments anytime soon, this mat is a great way to stretch my time between sessions. It’s helped with stress reduction and muscle recovery, and it truly relaxes me before bed.” —Carleigh Ferrante, commerce editor What customers say: It’s worth mentioning that, while most stress that it’s a good kind of pain, the majority of this mat’s reviews do mention how painful it is. What customers say: As with most acupressure mats, some people do say this is too painful, especially when standing on it with their full body weight. The brand provides videos and images outlining different ways to use the mat, including options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users. What customers say: Negative reviews express concerns over the quality of the mat. Clinical trials performed by the Experimental Medicine Institute showed this mat to provide significant increases to local microcirculation, reduced inflammation, and increased production of beta-endorphins (which help block feelings of pain). Following 30 days of usage, the majority of trial participants reported reduced back pain, relaxed back muscles, fewer headaches, and better sleep. The brand offers a 30-day trial period and provides a five-year warranty. Just note, these terms may vary depending on which retailer you purchase from. What customers say: What customers say: Rather than using glue for the spikes, these mats utilize a unique clipped-on design—plus, the cotton is 100% organic. The company offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days but states that only 1 in every 271 customers return their mat. What customers say: The brand uses nontoxic, recyclable plastic on all its mats, with organic cotton fabric and no glue. There is also one tree planted for every mat sold. What customers say: Acupressure mats are not advised for people who are pregnant or nursing, have a skin infection or an open wound, or have an existing heart condition.
