Hurts so good?! The Rave Behind the Accupressure Pranamat Mat
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I don’t know about you, but I have to schedule in some time for self-care every single day or sadly, I don’t do it. On the crazy busy days, I find myself pairing up my self-care with other activities. This allows me to “treat myself” and makes those activities more pleasurable. These aren’t extravagant or timely, but just simple things I can do every day to lift my mood and bring more joy to my life.
Self care is paying ongoing attention to the physical, mental and emotional needs of the body while deliberately taking care of your wellbeing through restorative activities.
A few examples of these self-care pairs:
Listening to an audiobook or favorite playlist while doing the dishes.
Watching a show while folding laundry.
Diffusing a favorite essential oil blend while planning out my week.
Drinking a brewed cacao or tea while checking work emails.
Putting on a face mask while my kids are in the bath.
One of my favorite ways to intentionally take a self-care break is laying on my Pranamat. Somedays, I take 10 minutes and lay on it while working from my phone. Other days, I spend 20 minutes and I read a book or meditate while laying on it. I love to stand on it while I brush my teeth in the morning for an energy boost. But I also love to use the massage mat set before bedtime. The Pranamat has become one of my favorite self-care activities.
What the deal with the Pranamat?
This strange, spiky mat has quickly become a rave in the wellness-minded world. With over 1 million customers, Pranamat ECO has helped improve the lives of many by relieving tension, reducing stress, and improving quality of sleep.
How does it work?
The Pranamat works similar to acupressure and acupuncture by stimulating pressure points along the meridians of the body. To do this, you lay on thousands of patented lotus spikes (not scary, I promise!) to help relieve neck/back pain, muscle tension, stress and headaches. The sensation and benefits of acupressure massage mats are very similar to those of traditional massage. You notice results from your very first session.
It is life changing for me on the days where I am at a computer all day, working in the garden or going on long runs. I especially love it when I’m feeling the stress stored in my shoulders and neck. It is a huge bonus that I can use it any time of the day when I’m needing to give my body (and mind!) a little extra TLC. Since I’ve been using the Pranamat, I have noticed my neck and back pain subsiding and I’m sleeping so much better! Even my husband uses and loves it!
Does it hurt?
I will be honest; it was more intense than I anticipated at first, but this is a good thing! I wouldn’t say it is painful but slightly hurts (in a good way) at first. If you find it a bit too intense at first, you can ease into it by wearing a T-shirt and laying it on a bed or sofa. Within a few days, you will likely want to intensify the experience by going bare skinned or laying it on ground.
Normally within the first 1-2 minutes I feel a warmth throughout my whole body. After about 10 minutes, I feel an energy boost. After 20 minutes, I feel very calm and peaceful.
Graphic from Pranamat
Is there any SCIENCE to using an accupressure mat?
The Pranamat massage set stimulates the release of endorphins, which act as powerful natural painkillers. Endorphins block pain fast and produce a feeling of happiness and wellbeing. It also improves blood flow and lymphatic circulation. One clinical study showed it to have substantial potential to relieve chronic neck and back pain. (1)
A 2014 clinical trial showed that using the Prana Mat just 20 minutes a day:
70% reported that their back pain had completely disappeared
97% reported a relaxation of the muscle in their backs
80% reported a decrease or total absence of headaches
100% said they felt less tired and apathetic
70% reported better mood, more energetic
90% noted an improvement in resistance to stress
95% enjoyed a better quality of sleep.
A few ways to use the Pranamat ECO:
For neck, back, and head massage: Place your Pranamat ECO® Massage Set on a bed, a sofa or the floor. Slowly lay down on your Pranamat ECO® so that the Pillow sits under your head, neck and shoulders, while the Pranamat ECO® Mat covers your whole back. If experience is too intense, wear a t-shirt as you ease into the sensations.
For lower back massage: Place your Mat on the floor or on the bed. Put the Pillow on top of the mat. Take off your shirt and gently lay down, so that the pillow adjusts to the curve of your back.
For abdominal massage: This type of massage promotes additional blood flow to the skin, which helps to keep it toned. It also helps reduce cramps and bloating. You will need only 5-15 minutes a day. During the massage session you can listen to music or keep up online.
For foot or hand massage: Simply stand on your Pranamat ECO®. 5 minutes is enough to get a boost of energy and get rid of stress. I love to stand on while I’m brushing my teeth. Many prefer to have foot massage with socks on for the first time, but I love bare feet. For a hand massage, simply press your palms into your Pranamat ECO® whenever you need a mental reset. Many people keep the Mini next to their computer, so they can relieve stress whenever they feel the need.
What I love about the Pranamat ECO:
Been on the market for over 12 years
Ethically produced and zero waste company
Certified nontoxic: OEKO-TEX® Certified
Ships to over 130 countries
Over 1 million customers
30 day trial and 5 year warranty!
How to get your own Pranamat?
I seriously love taking this intentional time for me each day. My favorite way to use it is to lay on it for 20 minutes before bedtime while reading a book. I notice a ton of the tension melt away from the day and then after I have the BEST night’s sleep! I look forward to using it every single day!
My community gets up to 30% off right now by shopping here!
References:
Hohmann C, Ullrich I, Lauche R, Choi KE, Lüdtke R, Rolke R, Cramer H, Saha FJ, Rampp T, Michalsen A, Langhorst J, Dobos G, Musial F. The benefit of a mechanical needle stimulation pad in patients with chronic neck and lower back pain: two randomized controlled pilot studies. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:753583. doi: 10.1155/2012/753583. Epub 2012 Sep 11.
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