For people like Keith, who have lived with chronic pain for years, an affordable alternative to opiate medication might be just what the doctor ordered. A new trend in wellness has gained traction online - Acupressure mats, also known as Shakti mats, which feature tiny plastic spikes that are said to stimulate specific points on the body.
These mats have been around for over a decade but recently, there's been a surge of interest from mainstream media and social media platforms alike. While some swear by their benefits, others claim they're nothing more than a novelty with little scientific backing.
Keith bought an acupressure mat after exhausting all conventional treatments without any relief, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it did help alleviate his mid-back and shoulder pain. He's not alone - many others report similar positive results, with some even claiming that the discomfort induced by these mats stimulates the release of endorphins.
The idea behind acupressure mats dates back over 1,000 years to Indian gurus who used beds of nails for meditation and healing. While the spikes may seem intimidating, most users say they cause little more than a slight prickling sensation, followed by warmth and relaxation.
However, despite anecdotal evidence and user testimonials, there is still limited scientific research supporting the use of these mats. The latest study to attempt to measure their effects found that using an acupressure mat had no significant benefits compared to simply relaxing without one.
Researchers point out several limitations with their own study - they only used healthy participants and did not include those who sought relief from chronic pain or stress, leaving room for further research on specific health complaints.
However, the study's lead researcher acknowledges that resting with or without an acupressure mat does reduce perceived stress, which could have benefits for overall wellbeing.
These mats have been around for over a decade but recently, there's been a surge of interest from mainstream media and social media platforms alike. While some swear by their benefits, others claim they're nothing more than a novelty with little scientific backing.
Keith bought an acupressure mat after exhausting all conventional treatments without any relief, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it did help alleviate his mid-back and shoulder pain. He's not alone - many others report similar positive results, with some even claiming that the discomfort induced by these mats stimulates the release of endorphins.
The idea behind acupressure mats dates back over 1,000 years to Indian gurus who used beds of nails for meditation and healing. While the spikes may seem intimidating, most users say they cause little more than a slight prickling sensation, followed by warmth and relaxation.
However, despite anecdotal evidence and user testimonials, there is still limited scientific research supporting the use of these mats. The latest study to attempt to measure their effects found that using an acupressure mat had no significant benefits compared to simply relaxing without one.
Researchers point out several limitations with their own study - they only used healthy participants and did not include those who sought relief from chronic pain or stress, leaving room for further research on specific health complaints.
However, the study's lead researcher acknowledges that resting with or without an acupressure mat does reduce perceived stress, which could have benefits for overall wellbeing.
I've seen people using these mats and it's weird how some swear by them while others think they're just a gimmick 
. My sister uses one and she says it helps with her anxiety 
. But at the same time, if you're not really into trying new things then maybe it's not for you 
. I've been meaning to try one out myself but haven't had the chance yet... maybe one day I'll give it a shot 
. I mean, we've all been there, right? And it's awesome that they're getting some attention from mainstream media and social media. The idea of using tiny plastic spikes to stimulate specific points on the body is actually pretty interesting 
.
. Maybe these mats aren't a cure-all, but they might be a useful addition to our self-care routine 
. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for trying anything to alleviate suffering, but let's not forget we need more concrete evidence to back it up 
. Still, it's heartening to see people like Keith finding some relief with these mats – and hey, if it works for them, that's all that matters 
!! my sister has been dealing with chronic lower back pain and she swears by one after trying every other thing under the sun! she says it helps her relax and it's not just a placebo effect lol. but i do think more research is needed cuz like, 1k yrs of use doesn't necessarily mean they're gonna work for everyone 
), i'm not sure if they're worth breaking the bank or if there are other ways to achieve similar results without all the spikes 
but I gotta say, these acupressure mats sound like a wild gamble 
. Like, if they really can release endorphins that's amazing right? 
But at the same time, $200 for a mat with tiny plastic spikes seems kinda steep 
especially when there are legit meds out there that work. I mean what's the difference between just relaxing and actually feeling like you're doing something to help your body? 
And can we get some more research done on this stuff? Like, who gets to decide if it's legit or not? 
. The fact that some studies have shown a lack of significant benefits is concerning, but at the same time, the anecdotal evidence and user testimonials are telling 
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