The spikiness secret: can acupressure mats help with pain, stress and insomnia?

"He bought an acupressure mat made of lightly padded fabric, studded all over with tiny plastic spikes, to lay his back on, and was surprised to find that it actually helped. Acupressure mats, also known as Shakti mats, are inspired by the beds of nails that Indian gurus used for meditation and healing more than 1,000 years ago. While today's mats have the nonthreatening sheen of a luxury wellbeing product, the spikes are no joke."

"While the mats have been widely available for more than a decade, there has been a recent surge in mainstream interest. You may have seen them heavily advertised on your social media feed, the most prominent brand being Shakti Mat, made in India and costing up to 99 for the premium model. But Amazon is full of acupressure mats and pillows Lidl recently stocked a mat and pillow combo for a tenner."

"Yet there is still no compelling evidence that they relieve stress, pain and sleep problems, or help with any other unmet health needs. It's not a cure-all, and I've got no science-based explanation for it, but I find relief when I use the mat Keith reclines on his mat and pillow for about 45 minutes at a time. It's not a cure-all, and I've got no science-based explanation for it, but I find relief when I use the mat, he says."

Acupressure mats are lightly padded fabric mats studded with plastic spikes, inspired by ancient beds of nails and promoted for pain, stress and sleep relief. Some users with chronic back or shoulder pain report notable short-term relief and occasional reductions in blood pressure after using the mats for sessions of around 45 minutes. Mats have been commercially available for over a decade and have recently increased in mainstream popularity, sold at both premium and budget prices. Clinical research remains inconclusive and does not provide compelling evidence of predictable benefits for stress, pain or sleep. Spikes can leave skin impressions and striking images circulate online, although serious injury is unlikely.

Read at www.theguardian.com