We all love a blissful massage, so how about a spike-covered mat to satisfy all your deep tissue needs? A Shakti Mat, also known as an acupressure mat, is covered in thousands of sharp points designed to press into your skin and muscles. Like many bodywork practices, the idea is that pressure brings release. So, what does a Shakti Mat actually do?
The Shakti Mat works on pressure
Embodying the secrets of a 4,500 year old Eastern Medicine system, The Shakti Mat is designed to stimulate pressure points near the body's meridians, or energy lines, to allow chi (Qi), or energy, to flow freely.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, applying pressure to these points helps:
- Diffuse the blocked meridian
- Restore balance
- Relieve pain
From a Western perspective, putting pressure on points helps to:
- Boost circulation
- Ease muscle tension
- Stimulate the release of oxytocin
The Shakti Mat releases tension in the target area
There are many different reasons we develop physical tension: stress, overuse, poor posture, or lack of movement to name a few. When our muscles are tight, it can limit the flow of blood and life-force energy to the area, causing the muscle to become contracted and stiff. Just like your favorite foam roller or massage, an acupressure mat increases the circulation in the tissue – promoting vital energy flow to your creaky joints and stiff body.
What’s going on under the surface…
Our skin contains thousands of sensory receptors, which are constantly flooding the conscious mind with information. When you apply the spikes to an area of the body, such as your back or feet, the points press deeply into the surface of your skin, stimulating your sensory receptors and having a direct effect on your Parasympathetic Nervous System. Because of the deep pressure on your skin, you may initially feel a burning or prickly sensation, especially if you hold a lot of tension in that location. You might also notice your mind resisting the pressure at first, but breathing deeply and focusing on relaxing your body can help you sink into the experience.
So, what does an acupressure mat do? These multifaceted tools provide an easy and effective way to self-soothe from a range of different issues. They also help you to release tension, whilst restoring balance to the flow of your vital life force. The result? A calm, centered mind and a stress-free body. If you are curious about the benefits of acupressure, The Shakti Acupressure Mat could be your next favorite wellness tool!
