Weight loss can be a long and difficult journey, especially in today’s chronically stressed environment. With obesity rates continuously rising through the decades, many wonder why it has become a widespread issue and one that is so difficult to manage. An influx of processed foods and a move towards sedentary lifestyles are major contributors, but there could be more to the story.
Acupressure Mats are a convenient, easy to use, inexpensive tool that allow you to practice and reap the benefits of acupressure at home, including weight loss. Acupressure relies on the effects of providing pressure to certain points along the body to promote energy flow. It is recommended to use an acupressure mat once a day for 20-30 minutes.
Modern issues have led many to look back at acupressure, a centuries old technique for relieving stress and chronic health problems. Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in!
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Can Acupressure Mats Help You Lose Weight?
For those looking to lose weight, an Accupressure Mat could be a convenient, simple to use, at home method to assist. Research on acupressure mats and weight loss is limited but current literature suggests that acupressure may be an effective weight loss tool.
Even though scientific proof is limited, Acupressure Mats are inexpensive, safe and easy to use. So, they may be worth trying as a weight loss method. Read on to learn why and how acupressure mats might help with weight loss.
How Do You Use Acupressure to Lose Weight?
Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that improves energy flow in the body by applying pressure to certain points on the body. Science has yet to directly link acupressure to weight loss, but centuries of use have shown it to positively affect a plethora of health conditions.
Healthy Habits
Using acupressure to relieve an underlying condition can open your mind, body and spirit to live a healthier life and allow you to reach weight loss goals.
Stress Relief
One of the most common uses of acupressure is stress relief, and we know that stress directly leads to weight gain. When we are stressed, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol. In small amounts this hormone is helpful but in a chronic state of stress it can wreak havoc on our bodies.
No one knows exactly how acupressure works but one theory suggests that providing pressure at certain points releases endorphins. Endorphins are “feel-good” hormones that relieve pain and create an overall feeling of well-being.
How Many Times a Day Can You Use an Acupressure Mat?
It is generally recommended to use an acupressure mat once a day for 20-30 minutes. Not everyone finds Acupressure Mats comfortable at first. If you are new to Acupressure Mats, it might take some time to build up tolerance and be able to feel the flood of relaxation.
It is also safe to use it for shorter durations 3-4 times per day. How long you use it for and how many times a day will depend on your comfort level and positioning. If using the mat for longer durations, every other day is also sufficient for stress reduction. Overall, be patient and listen to your body.
How Do You Use Acupressure Mat on Stomach?
One way to use the Acupressure Mat for weight loss is to lie flat on your stomach. This is going to stimulate your digestive organs. To do this, lie down on the mat with your chest and stomach flat, and cross your arms under your head to make a pillow.
Acupressure Points for Belly Fat Loss
Lying flat on your stomach is not the only way to achieve weight loss using acupressure points. When using acupressure points for weight loss, concentrate on a variety of pressure points. We have nerve endings all over our bodies and addressing them all will impact total body relaxation and stress reduction. Continue reading to hear about some positions and focus points for using the acupressure for weight loss.
Acupressure Mat Positions
The Acupressure mat is used in a variety of positions to balance the body’s energy and metabolism. Here are options that will engage your body from head to toe, activating and balancing your body’s metabolism and energy for relaxation and ultimately weight loss.
- Hands: press your palms against the mat to access 8 critical pressure points.
- Back: lie flat on your back focusing especially on relaxing the lower part to help keep cortisol levels under control.
- Stomach: as mentioned above, lie flat on your stomach to stimulate digestive organs.
- Legs: access pressure points in the legs through the “up-dog” position or in a seated forward fold
- Feet: stand or sit in a chair with your feet firmly on the mat.
Acupressure Benefits
In Traditional Chinese Medicine acupressure is used to treat blocked energy by applying manual pressure to a series of pressure points on the body. The unique benefit is that it promotes energy flows through the body helping with a range of conditions. Here is a list to name just a few!
- Acupressure helps the digestive system and regulates bowel movements, making it a great way to relieve constipation
- It has also been shown to subdue nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy and motion sickness.
- According to research, acupressure can help those suffering with insomnia as it induces relaxation and helps control sleep patterns.
- Acupressure is a known stress reliever and mood booster, making it a great tool to help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Acupressure Mat Side Effects
An acupressure mat is generally safe to use, and the side effects are limited which is why it can be a great tool to help relieve health issues. You may have light bruising and feel sore after a session, but it should never feel painful. Ease into use of an acupressure mat to give your body time to adjust.
Avoid using the mat on open wounds, swollen areas, varicose veins, bruises.
Another important thing to know is that certain pressure points could be unsafe to use if you are pregnant. Contact your doctor before use if you are unsure.
How to Choose and Acupressure Mat
A few things to consider when purchasing an acupressure mat are padding, size, and cost. When research mats ask yourself these questions.
- Is the mat large enough to access the pressure points I’d like to? Some mats are smaller, made for feet while others are longer and made for full body.
- How much padding is there? Depending on your comfort level with acupressure, you may want more or less padding.
- How much does it cost? Most acupressure mats are relatively inexpensive but be sure to choose one that fits your budget and your needs.
Conveniently, acupressure mats don’t require a prescription and can easily be purchased online. It couldn’t be easier to access a mat and try it at home for yourself.