The Tamesis
We’re living in a golden age of health: whether you’re stressed out or just want to relax, there’s an option for every problem, whether it’s a magnesium bath soak or an oxygen boost. Now, it’s time to let the acupressure mat shine. For those unfamiliar, acupressure pads are pads covered with small, blunt spikes or knobs; at first glance, they appear to be one of those wellness products best left to serious athletes or hardcore biohackers.
But their benefits have more mass appeal. By applying pressure to certain areas of the body that, like acupuncture, correspond to specific conditions, these mats may be able to relieve stress, relieve chronic pain, and even improve sleep, although the evidence remains limited (though growing). Even if you don’t have a specific pain point, so to speak, it might feel good to lie down for a while, with or without spikes. With that in mind, consider using these acupressure mats to start your practice.
FashionFavorite acupressure mat:
Pranamat Acupressure Queen Mat and Pillow Set
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White Lotus Beauty Premium Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
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Best Overall: Pranamat Acupressure Queen Mat and Pillow Set
- Why we love it: It’s an investment, but this Pranamat is made entirely of natural materials (the cushion is even stuffed with coconut fiber filling). This particular mat is sized for your back, but you can adjust it depending on where you need relief, and comes with pillows to relieve neck and shoulder pain. “It also stands out because they share clinical research results on back pain relief, which adds credibility to their claims,” says exercise physiologist Rachel Reed, Ph.D. (According to an independent clinical study of the brand, 93% of participants said their back pain was gone or nearly gone after using Pranamat for 20 minutes a day for 30 days.)
- Material: Linen, cotton and coconut blend
- thickness: medium
- Additional features: Pillow
Best budget: Gaiam acupressure mat and pillow set
- Why we love it: If you want to use your toes for acupressure, consider starting with this more approachable option from Gaiam (a brand known for its yoga mats). “It’s a low-risk way to see if you enjoy the experience or notice any benefits from it,” says Dr. Reed, who likes that it comes with a pillow. Its hundreds of pressure points help stimulate blood circulation, relieve tension and relax muscles.
- Material: not disclosed
- thickness: thin
- Additional features: Pillow
Best for relaxing: WTHN acupressure pad kit
- Why we love it: The WTHN Acupressure Mat features 200 stimulators (each studded with tiny spikes) designed to reduce pain, promote recovery and help you sleep better. (Also to help you relax: The pillows are filled with memory foam.) You can use the cushion to relax your feet while sitting in a chair, lying on the floor, or standing up. WTHN co-founder Shari Auth, DACM, recommends “acu-naps,” noting that they can help you decompress from head to toe—though beginners may want to work on doing this on their own.
- Material: Linen, coconut fiber, memory foam
- thickness: thick
- Additional features: Suitcases, pillows
Best for sensitive skin: White Lotus Beauty Premium Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
- Why we love it: Designed by professional acupuncturists, this mat relieves muscles, reduces tension and reduces stress. But what really sets this pad (which stimulates more than 10,000 independent pressure points) from other options is its hypoallergenic cotton fabric and food-grade plastic spikes, which make it gentler for those with sensitive skin. Even the dye used to color the mat is non-toxic.
- Material: hypoallergenic cotton
- thickness: thick
- Additional features: Suitcases, pillows
Best for beginners: Skin Gym Acupressure Mats and Pillows
- Why we love it: The Skin Gym’s acupressure mat has slightly shorter acupressure points than other models, making it ideal for beginners who might be intimidated by more powerful options. The curved pillow that comes with the mat is great for neck rest; together they can help relieve muscle soreness after a workout or just help you wind down after a long day.
- Material: not disclosed
- thickness: medium
- Additional features: Pillow
