Roland Späht - 16.06.2022
Studies on the effectiveness of the acupressure mat
Uur customers are firmly convinced of the effectiveness of acupressure mats. You can read their experiences and opinions in our experience section. But also science has been dealing with the acupressure mat and acupressure for years. The aim is to test and prove the effectiveness of the acupressure mat in studies.
Table of contents
- Acupressure mat studies
- Acupressure studies
- Summary
Acupressure mat studies
Studies on the effectiveness of the acupressure mat have not yet been completed. However, there are some preliminary research results that suggest acupressure may have some benefits.
For example, one study found that acupressure can improve sleep quality. Another study found that acupressure can relieve tension headaches.
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Acupressure mat study 1 from 2011 for relaxation:
Relaxation on a bed of nails: an exploratory study of the effects on the autonomic, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems and salivary cortisol.
Results:
Healthy participants became accustomed to pain on the acupressure mat and were able to relax. Signs of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity were observed on the acupressure mat. The pain could hypothetically have triggered a parasympathetic response.
You can find the study at the following link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21208128/
Acupressure mat study 2 from 2012 for the relief of back and neck pain:
The benefits of a mechanical needle stimulation pad in patients with chronic neck and low back pain: two pilot randomised controlled trials.
Results:
The needle stimulation pad showed significant potential to relieve chronic neck pain and low back pain. In addition, psychophysical data support the assumption that the pillow exerts its effect at least partially at a subcortical level of the pain processing system. Another advantage is the fact that it is easy and safe to use and does not require a therapist.
You can find the entire study here: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/753583/
Acupressure mat study 3 from 2011 for effect study:
Does relaxation on a bed of nails (spike mat) lead to positive effects? A randomised controlled pilot study.
Results:
The intensity of pain significantly improved after regular use of the mat. In addition, the number of pain points decreases over time and the stress level is lowered. There is also evidence that anxiety, depression and pessimism decrease, while energy and optimism increase slightly.
A summary of the study: https://www.pagepress.org/journals/index.php/ams/article/view/ams.2011.e5
Acupressure mat study 4 of 2021 for the treatment of chronic back pain:
Efficacy of an acupressure mat combined with therapeutic exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
Result:
According to the previous literature, this study confirms the therapeutic effect of exercise on pain. Consequently, the negative influence of pain in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain is improved.
The acupressure mat increases the benefit in pain relief. It also improves functionality and quality of life, especially in the medium and long term. The acupressure mat is safe, tolerable and can be used at home. It helps in the treatment of low back pain in the long term.
You can find the entire study here:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/5211/htm
Acupressure mat study 5 from 1999 - Pliot study on effectiveness:
Reflexo therapy with mechanical cutaneous stimulation: pilot study
result:
Since it has been repeatedly shown that this type of skin stimulation triggers reflexes that lead to the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, most of the reported results can be explained by the mobilization of this particular type of endogenous stress and pain protection mechanism.
The increase in local blood flow is also considered important, as well as the involvement of dozens of acupoints activated during the procedure. In the most commonly used position of Panacea on the upper and lower back, the acupuncture points involved can have the following effects:
- Strengthening of the liver, spleen and kidney
- Relief of headaches, fatigue, depression and insomnia
- Relief of spinal problems, sciatica, muscle spasms and cramps
- Activation of the immune system.
- Relief of flu, cold and asthma
- Regulation of digestion and elimination
- Improvement of bladder infections, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, PMS and complicated periods.
We consider this a pilot study, but one that shows promise. The Wholistic Health Center Community is collecting data on health problems that may benefit from Reflexo Therapy with Mechanical Skin Stimulation.
You can find the study at the following link:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233934675_Reflexo-Therapy_With_Mechanical_Cutaneous_Stimulation_Pilot_Study
Acupressure mat Study 6 for the relief of neck and back pain:
Effect of acupressure mat on chronic neck and back pain
Result:
Researchers have found that using an acupressure mat can relieve both back and neck pain. They believe this is due to the mat's influence on the body's pain control system. One of the great advantages of an acupressure mat is that it is easy and safe to use.
The source for this study is the book by Günter Harnisch:Selbstheilung mit der Akupressurmatte (Self-Healing with the Acupressure Mat).
Acupressure studies
In contrast to the acupressure mat, many more studies on acupressure have emerged in recent years. These include many conditions from sleep disorders to back pain to anxiety and symptom relief from chemotherapy.
Acupressure study 1 from 2015 on self-treatment with acupressure:
Effect of self-acupressure for the treatment of symptoms: a systematic review.
Results:
Our results suggest that self-applied acupressure shows promise in alleviating symptoms of various health problems. Therefore, further research with larger samples and methodologically well-designed randomised controlled trials is needed to prove the effectiveness of self-applied acupressure.
You can find the study at the following link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25637155/
Acupressure study 2 of 2020 on acupressure during labour:
Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management during labor.
Result:
Acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture may increase satisfaction with pain management and decrease the use of pharmacological analgesics. Acupressure compared with a combination of control and usual treatment may decrease pain intensity.
The effects of acupuncture and acupressure on pain and satisfaction with pain intensity are uncertain. The evidence is very low. There are no clear results in other comparisons.
Acupuncture may have little or no effect on cesarean sections or assisted vaginal deliveries. Acupressure probably reduces the need for cesarean section compared to sham control.
There is a need for more high-quality research. There is a need to include sham controls and comparisons with usual care, and to report on outcomes in terms of
- of feeling,
- of control over labor,
- of satisfaction with the birth experience, or
- of satisfaction with pain relief
.
The study can be found at the following link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32032444/
Acupressure study 3 from 2015 on ear acupressure for the treatment of insomnia:
Ear acupuncture with seed or pellet attachments for the treatment of primary insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Result:
Statistical analyses of the results showed a positive effect of ear acupuncture for primary insomnia. However, considering
- poor methodological quality,
- insufficient sample size, and
- possible publication bias
, the current evidence is still insufficient. Thus, the study can only provide limited support for the use of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of primary insomnia. Further rigorously designed clinical trials are needed for a clearer conclusion.
The study can be found at the following link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28089414/
Acupressure study 4 of 2022 for the treatment of anxiety:
Effects of acupressure on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Eregbnis:
Our meta-analysis suggests that acupressure can relieve anxiety. Acupressure was more effective in inpatients and preoperative patients when finger massage was used. In individuals with anxiety and stable haemodynamic status, acupressure may be a promising treatment option. However, due to the large heterogeneity between studies, any conclusions from the results should be drawn with caution.
The study can be found at the following link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35085025/
Acupressure Study 5 of 2017 for the treatment of chronic, non-specific low back pain:
The efficacy of acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Result:
This systematic review shows that acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic have a beneficial effect on nonspecific low back pain. This is based on self-reported pain and functional limitations.
You can find the study at the following link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28438274/
Acupressure study 6 for the treatment of allergic rhinitis:
Acupressure in the ear for perennial allergic rhinitis: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.
Results:
In summary, auricular acupressure showed short-term and sustained benefits in improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
You can find the study under the following link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25197908/
Summary
The studies cited indicate that the acupressure mat is an effective means of relieving pain. Especially in the back and neck area. In addition, acupuncture can provide relief for people with primary insomnia. More research is needed to determine the full effect of acupressure in relation to anxiety and chronic back pain.
About the author
Roland Späht is the founder of BACKLAxx® and a content strategist. He had already been struggling with back pain since childhood due to scoliosis. After studying engineering, he worked in project management for years and during this time he intensively dealt with the treatment of his worsening back pain.
His goal was to fight his way out of this downward spiral of pain without medication and permanent medical treatment. In this way he found ways and means for himself that permanently relieved his pain. He is firmly convinced that everyone can find an alternative way out of pain.
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