As a wellness editor, I had one burning question while Taylor Swift was on her Eras Tour: What is she doing to recover after her physically demanding 3.5-hour shows? On the Aug. 13 episode of Jason and Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast, I got an answer: She uses toe spacers and an acupressure mat.
I was particularly curious about the acupressure mat, which Dr. Jenelle Kim, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, says is a modern, accessible version of acupressure that “stimulates hundreds of tiny points that line up with the body’s meridian pathways: the energetic channels we work with in traditional East Asian medicine.” This encourages the flow of qi (our vital energy), increases circulation, eases tight muscles, softens fascia (the body’s connective tissue) and guides the body into a restorative state.
I’ve had acupuncture before and experienced a reduction in back and wrist pain, but would an acupressure mat provide similar benefits? To find out, Gaiam sent me its acupressure mat and pillow set ($28), which I’ve been testing for over two months. I also consulted experts to address my residual questions.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
How to use an acupressure mat
The acupressure mat and pillow have a simple design: a foam core covered in fabric with plastic circles that have hundreds of sharp nodes protruding from them. After placing the mat on a flat, non-slip surface (I used a yoga mat), you lie down or sit on it with either bare skin or a light layer of clothing.
The sharp nodules coming out of the acupressure mat. Anna Gragert/CNET
Since my back is where I have the most tension, I started there while wearing a thin shirt. As I lay down on the mat, I felt a pang of discomfort when the nodes came in contact with my skin. I wouldn’t say it was painful, though. Once I was fully inert, a relaxing sensation flowed through my body, and I could no longer feel the tension in my back.
The benefits I experienced using an acupressure mat
For my first session, I started with 15 minutes, and I enjoyed every second of it. I felt calm and grounded, especially since I chose not to use my phone or read a book while on the mat, allowing my body and mind to melt into the moment and remain present. Instead, I focused on my breathing, since Gaiam instructs you not to hold your breath when using an acupressure mat.
... continue reading