How can acupressure help?
Acupressure, as a natural therapeutic method, can help relieve blockages, ease muscular tension and alleviate pain by stimulating specific acupressure points across various areas of the body. The resulting increase in blood circulation supports the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, as well as the flow of lymphatic fluid. Both can contribute to muscle regeneration and to strengthening the immune system.
Regular use of an acupressure mat may also have a positive effect on our mental wellbeing. By releasing endorphins and other neurotransmitters, and by reducing the stress hormone cortisol, we feel more relaxed, calmer and more balanced. Feelings of inner restlessness, sleep disturbances, mood swings and anxiety may therefore be reduced.
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For most people, the very first step takes the most courage. Understandably so – after all, the mat and pillow together hold almost 8,000 spikes, making it quite a prickly experience! Pain sensitivity is, of course, individual, yet the vast majority get used to the initially unfamiliar sensation very quickly. And we’re sure you will too.
Below, we explain how you can use your HAUK acupressure mat across different areas of the body.
20-30 minutes
Neck & Back
When dealing with neck or back pain, or general muscular tension, lying on an acupressure mat can work wonders. To begin with, you can try using it while wearing a thin T-shirt or on a softer surface – although you will only experience the full effect on bare skin and on a firm base. Even if the first few minutes feel slightly uncomfortable, especially at the beginning, it’s worth staying with it, as your body soon starts to warm up. Muscles loosen, tension releases, stress eases and a deep sense of calm spreads through your body. After about 20 minutes, you may feel as though you’ve been reborn.
And the more often you use your acupressure mat, the more your body becomes accustomed to the spikes. Over time, that initial discomfort will disappear completely.
10-20 minutes
Stress, headaches & sleep difficulties
Stress, time pressure, rushing and multitasking shape our daily lives more and more. Yet our bodies and minds are only partially built for such a fast pace and often reach their limits sooner than we would like. Headaches, migraines and sleep disturbances are common consequences and affect more and more people today.
Spending time on an acupressure mat each day can offer gentle support in these areas. Find a place where you feel comfortable, take a moment just for yourself and lie down on your mat – ideally even right before going to bed. If you like, let yourself be accompanied by an audiobook, some music, a meditation or breathing exercises.
But be careful: many users tell us they even fall asleep on their mat because it has such a calming and deeply relaxing effect!
5-10 minutes
Muscle recovery
Attention, sports enthusiasts: acupressure can also be a wonderful way to support muscle recovery, helping to ease soreness and release tension more quickly. The increased blood circulation promotes the faster removal of lactic acid, delivers nutrients to the muscles and supports the healing of tiny muscle micro-tears.
For those who train regularly, acupressure is an excellent method for shortening recovery times while enhancing muscle flexibility and overall performance.
Regular use can help you feel ready for your next training session more quickly – without long downtime caused by soreness or tight muscles.
10-15 minutes
Digestive and menstrual discomfort
Even if the idea of lying on your stomach on an acupressure mat may feel a little uncomfortable at first, we can only encourage you to give it a try. For digestive issues, bloating and mild abdominal or lower-belly cramps, acupressure can have a relieving and relaxing effect.
The gentle stimulation of the acupressure points boosts circulation, helps the abdominal muscles to relax and supports overall wellbeing. Especially with regular use, this method can help release tension and noticeably ease discomfort – a natural way to do something good for your body.
10-15 minutes
Tired hands
Do you know that feeling when your hands feel tired and tense after a long day at your laptop or after jobs around the house or garden? Our hands work hard for us every single day, so they truly deserve some extra care. A little time on the acupressure mat can help release tension and boost circulation, leaving your hands feeling lighter and more refreshed.
An acupressure pillow is especially practical here, as it adapts perfectly to the shape of your hands and provides targeted relaxation. Treat yourself to this little moment of pause!
10-15 minutes
Foot reflex zones
Looking for a little boost of energy in the morning to help you properly wake up? Besides coffee ;) there’s hardly anything more effective than acupressure. And who wouldn’t enjoy starting the day with a gentle foot reflexology massage? To begin with, you can simply place your feet on the mat while sitting down, before gradually working your way up to standing on it fully. It’s an invigorating way to start your day feeling refreshed and energised!
10-15 minutes
Skin appearance
Thanks to its circulation-boosting effect, acupressure can not only help improve the appearance of the skin but may also noticeably reduce the visibility of cellulite. Daily use is simple: place the mat on a chair and sit comfortably on it for a few minutes. This gently stimulates the skin, encouraging metabolic activity and supporting skin elasticity.
Alongside a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, consistent use of the mat may help improve skin firmness while also promoting a general sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
Further information
Before using the mat to address any health concerns, or if you are unsure, you should always consult a doctor in advance, especially if any of the following apply to you:
acne, scar tissue, extremely thin or fragile skin, eczema, large moles, varicose veins, spider veins, other skin conditions, very sensitive skin, cardiovascular issues, high or low blood pressure, epilepsy or pregnancy.
After using an acupressure mat, a short-lived itching sensation may occur due to increased circulation; however, this usually subsides quickly. If you have very sensitive skin, please seek medical advice beforehand.