How to use an Acupressure mat?
You have just received your new acupressure mat. To get the most out of it, here are instructions on how to place it on your bed or on a floor, where to put the pressure points, how long to use it, and what you can expect when you do so.
MEASURING YOUR MAT:
Your acupressure mat has 687 individual plastic spikes. These are arranged in 12 rows containing 46 spike groups with 3-5 spikes each for 676 spike groups. The extra 11 spike groups are used for two purposes:
(1) 1 group is placed at the coast, and
(2) 10 groups form the outer edge tracking line. If you are placing any one of these 11 spike groups directly on the edge of your mat, it is essential to place a piece of cardboard or wood under these spike groups so you don’t damage them.
When laying your mat on the bed (or any flat surface), lay it out and look for the tracking line at one end. This should be placed at your feet on the back of the bed. Now find the center point that has 11 extra spikes in between two spike groups and where those two spike group tracks into their corresponding places; this is also located near the coast (headboard).
Once space is laid out, use a masking tape mark where each row will go, beginning with row 1. Each row should start right after a track from another row ends by aligning the last spike in one row to the first spike of another row.
PLACEMENT:
Next, look at all the individual spikes and find their corresponding location on your body. The tracking line will help you because it shows where each group of 3-5 spines should be placed for maximum effect. In order from head to toe: Use the three spike groups found on either side of the center point near your coast or headboard (when laying down) as a guide to place two more sets on either side of your neck. It can be tricky to put these accurately while lying down, so if you need a friend, please ask them for assistance until you get used to it yourself.
One way of accomplishing this is by placing your head on a pillow and measuring the distance between the left and right sides of your neck, then identifying two sets of spikes (3 to 5 each) equidistant apart. Next, using the tracking line as a guide, lay down directly on top of these spike groups, and it will be easy to see where to place the next set; repeat this twice until you have identified three sets in total.
Now work down to each leg, placing two groups near mid-thighs. If you want maximum results for sciatica pain relief, you can work backward by putting one set at a time higher up towards the hips or buttocks area. You should put three sets around the knees and two sets at the ankles.
USING YOUR MAT:
After you have placed your mat, the next step is to lie down on it. You will want to be as bare-skinned as possible so the pressure points can quickly contact your body. For most people, lying on your back and switching to your stomach after a few minutes is best. If you use your mat for the first time, start with 10 minutes and work up to 20-30 minutes per session.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
When you use your acupressure mat, you will experience some pins and needles sensation, but this should quickly dissipate. It’s common to feel lightheaded or euphoric immediately after using the mat. This indicates that the pressure points work and your body releases endorphins. You may also experience detoxification symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
If you do, drink plenty of fluids and discontinue use if the symptoms are severe. You may also experience muscle twitching or jerking while using the mat; this is normal and should be temporary.
After placing your mat, the next step is to lie down on it. You will want to be as bare-skinned as possible so the pressure points can quickly contact your body. For most people, lying on your back and switching to your stomach after a few minutes is best. If you use your mat for the first time, start with 10 minutes and work up to 20-30 minutes per session.
When you use your acupressure mat, you will experience some pins and needles sensation, which should dissipate pretty quickly. It’s common to feel lightheaded or euphoric immediately after using the mat. This indicates that the pressure points work and your body releases endorphins.
You may also experience detoxification symptoms, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness. If you do, drink plenty of fluids and discontinue use if the symptoms are severe. You may also experience muscle twitching or jerking while using the mat; this is normal and should be temporary.