Studies on the effectiveness of the acupressure mat
Author: Roland SpähtUpdated: 21.07.2024
Reading time: 12 minutes
Uur customers are firmly convinced of the effectiveness of acupressure mats. You can read about their experiences and opinions in our wealth of experience. Science has also been studying acupressure mats and acupressure for years. The aim is to test and prove the effectiveness of the acupressure mat in studies.
The most important things in brief:
- Studies show that acupressure mats can improve sleep quality and relieve tension headaches.
- The use of acupressure mats can reduce chronic neck and back pain and promote relaxation.
- Increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and the release of endorphins through skin stimulation were observed.
- Acupressure mats are safe and easy to use, offering benefits such as pain relief, improved quality of life and support in the treatment of chronic pain.
Table of contents
- Studies on the acupressure mat
- Studies on acupressure
- Summary
Studies on the acupressure mat
Research into the effectiveness of the acupressure mat is still ongoing. However, there is some preliminary research that suggests that 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, further 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 the 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 under the following link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21208128/
Acupressure mat study 2 from 2012 for the relief of back and neck pain at the University of Essen-Duisburg:
The benefits of a mechanical needle stimulation pad for patients with chronic neck and lower back pain: two randomized, controlled pilot studies. This involved 82 test subjects with chronic back and neck pain using an acupressure pad for 14 days.
Result:
The needle stimulation pad showed considerable potential for relieving chronic neck pain and back pain. In addition, psychophysical data support the assumption that the cushion exerts its effect at least in part 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. Similarly, 96% of the test subjects felt more relaxed and 81% were able to sleep better.
You can find the entire study here: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/753583/
Acupressure mat study 3 from 2011 to investigate the effects:
Does relaxation on a bed of nails (spike mat) lead to positive effects? A randomized controlled pilot study.
Result:
The intensity of pain improved significantly after regular use of the mat. In addition, the number of pain points decreases over time and stress levels are reduced. 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:
Effectiveness of an acupressure mat in combination with therapeutic exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain: a prospective, randomized and controlled study.
Result:
According to 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, well tolerated and can be used at home. It helps in the long-term treatment of low back pain.
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:
Reflexotherapy 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 mechanisms.
Also considered important is the increase in local blood flow and the involvement of dozens of acupoints that are 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:
- Strengthen the liver, spleen and kidney
- Relieve headaches, fatigue, depression and insomnia
- Relieve spinal problems, sciatica, muscle spasms and cramps
- Activate the immune system
- Relief of flu, colds and asthma
- Regulation of digestion and elimination
- Improvement of cystitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, PMS and complicated periods.
We consider this study to be a pilot study, but it is promising. The Wholistic Health Center community is collecting data on health issues that may benefit from Reflexo Therapy with mechanical skin stimulation.
The study can be found at the following link:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233934675_Reflexo-Therapy_With_Mechanical_Cutaneous_Stimulation_Pilot_Study
Acupressure mat Study 6 for relieving neck and back pain:
Effect of the 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:
Self-Healing with the Acupressure Mat
Studies on acupressure
In contrast to the acupressure mat, many more studies on acupressure have been carried out in recent years. These include many clinical pictures ranging from sleep disorders and back pain to anxiety and symptom relief during chemotherapy.
Acupressure Study 1 from 2015 on self-treatment with acupressure:
Effect of self-acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review.
Result:
Our results suggest that self-applied acupressure shows promise in relieving symptoms of various health problems. Therefore, further research with larger sample sizes and methodologically well-designed randomized controlled trials is needed to prove the effectiveness of self-applied acupressure.
The study can be found at the following link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25637155/
Acupressure Study 2 of 2020 on acupressure during labor:
Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management during labor.
Result:
Acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture may increase satisfaction with pain management and reduce the use of pharmacologic analgesics. Acupressure compared to a combination of control and usual care can reduce 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 caesarean sections or assisted vaginal births. Acupressure probably reduces the need for caesarean section compared with sham control.
There is a need for further high quality research. There is a need to include sham controls and comparisons with usual care, reporting outcomes in terms of
- sensation,
- labor control,
- satisfaction with the birth experience, or
- satisfaction with pain relief
You can find the study 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.
Outcome:
Statistical analyses of the results showed a positive effect of ear acupuncture for primary insomnia. However, in view of
- the poor methodological quality,
- the insufficient sample size and
- possible publication bias
, the current evidence is not yet sufficient. Thus, the study can only provide limited support for the use of ear acupuncture in the treatment of primary insomnia. For a clearer conclusion, further rigorously designed clinical studies are required.
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.
Results:
Our meta-analysis suggests that acupressure can alleviate anxiety. Acupressure was more effective in hospitalized and preoperative patients when finger massage was performed. In individuals with anxiety and stable hemodynamic status, acupressure could be a promising treatment option. However, due to the large heterogeneity between the 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 from 2017 for the treatment of chronic, non-specific low back pain:
The effectiveness of acupuncture, acupressure and chiropractic in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Result:
This systematic review shows that acupuncture, acupressure and chiropractic have a positive effect on non-specific 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:
Ear acupressure for perennial allergic rhinitis: a multicentre randomized controlled trial.
Result:
In conclusion, ear acupressure showed short-term and sustained benefit in improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
The study can be found at 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 on anxiety and chronic back pain.
About the author
Roland Späht is the founder of BACKLAXX® and a content strategist. He has struggled with back pain since childhood due to scoliosis. After studying engineering, he worked for years in project management, during which time he focused intensively on treating his worsening back pain.
His goal was to fight his way out of this downward spiral of pain without medication or long-term medical treatment. Along the way, he found ways and means that permanently alleviated his pain. He firmly believes that everyone can find an alternative way out of pain.
Sources:
- Olsson E. M. G., & Schéele von B. (2011). "Relaxing on a bed of nails: an exploratory study of the effects on the autonomic, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, and saliva cortisol". doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.01.007. (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Wiey Online Library (n.d.). The Benefit of a Mechanical Needle Stimulation Pad in Patients with Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain: Two Randomized Controlled Pilot Studies, retrieved 19.06.2024, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/753583 (accessed 27 July 2024).
- Kjellgren, A., Erdefelt, K., Werngren, L., & Norlander, T. (2011). Does relaxation on a bed of nails (spike mat) induce beneficial effects? A randomized controlled pilot study. Alternative Medicine Studies, 1(1), e5. https://doi.org/10.4081/ams.2011.e5 (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Frizziero, A., Finotti, P., La Scala, C., Morone, G., Piran, G., & Masiero, S. (2021). "Efficacy of an Acupressure Mat in Association with Therapeutic Exercise in the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study." Applied Sciences, 11(11), 5211. doi: 10.3390/app11115211 (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Zilberter T., Roman J. (1999). "Reflexo-Therapy With Mechanical Cutaneous Stimulation: Pilot Study". Proceedings of the International Symposium on Integrative Medicine. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233934675_Reflexo-Therapy_With_Mechanical_Cutaneous_Stimulation_Pilot_Study (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Harnisch, G. (2012). Self-healing with the acupressure mat: insider tip for back and stress sufferers. Munich: Gräfe und Unzer Verlag
- Song J. H., Seo H.-J-, Lee H., Son H. Choi S. M., Lee S. (2015). "Effect of self-acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review." Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 49(3), 506-514. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2014.07.008 (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Smith, C. A., Collins, C. T., Levett, K. M., Armour, M., Dahlen, H. G., Tan, A. L., & Mesgarpour, B. (2020). "Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management during labor: A Cochrane Review." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020(2), CD009232. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009232.pub2 (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Waits A., Tang Y.-R., Cheng H.-M., Tai C.-J., Chien L.-Y. (2016). "Acupressure effect on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis" Journal of Pain Research, 10, 1507-1515. doi:10.2147/JPR.S139576 (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Chen, S.-R., Hou, W.-H., Lai, J.-N., Kwong, J. S. W., & Lin, P.-C. (2022). "Effects of Acupressure on Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 28(1), 25-35. doi:10.1089/jicm.2020.0256 (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Lee, E. J., & Frazier, S. K. (2011). "The efficacy of acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review." Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 42(4), 589-603. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.01.003.
- Yeganeh, M., Baradaran, H. R., Qorbani, M., Moradi, Y., & Dastgiri, S. (2017). "The effectiveness of acupuncture, acupressure and chiropractic interventions on treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis". Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 27, 11-18. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.11.012. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28438274/ (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Zhang, C. S., Xia, J., Zhang, A. L., Yang, A. W., Thien, F., Li, Y., Wu, D., Cai, J., DaCosta, C., & Xue, C. C. (2014). "Ear acupressure for perennial allergic rhinitis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial". American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, 28(4), e152-e157. doi: 10.2500/ajra.2014.28.4081. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25197908/ (accessed July 27, 2024).
- Image sources: despositphotos@ everythingposs
