I bought this about 6 weeks ago, because it was less expensive than similar items. On my first use, I ignored the review warnings to use it initially with thin fabric between the mat and skin. when i laid down on it, I didn't think I would last a minute, but if you give it a chance, you get used to the pressure and the experience in quite pleasant. The effects last for a few hours for me, which is great for pre- or post-golf (or life for that matter.)
Gentle warnings: when you first lie down, try to do so evenly. Obviously don't flop down on it and maybe get someone to help you lie back until you get the hang of it. During use, if you have extra skin like I do, you may have to gently adjust areas of your back - gently. When you are finished, either sit straight up (with help if needed) or roll completely off in one motion.
I was eye-rolling with some of the poor reviews. YES! The plastic on the mat and pillow is sharp. Take my word for it, Yes, it can scratch you if you are careless - and even cut you (I guess) if you are a moron. So, give it a chance, be careful, lie down and give it 2 minutes or so and you should have a pleasant experience. Do so in a quiet room with some relaxing music. Try it for 5-7 minutes to start and then build up. It really does help.
Like many other reviewers, I too was skeptical about this mat of sharp plastic. But, having chronically tight shoulders, the $20 price tag seemed worth a shot. The first 2-3 minutes feel like fire torture: everything hurts and starts to burn. After the initial feeling of being stabbed subsides, the muscles warm and just relax into the mat. I usually lie on it for 30-40 minutes at a time. The mat does leave marks that last for 5-10 minutes, and the muscles are red and warm to the touch--similar to a mild sunburn. However, the tension relief is real! My back and shoulders are noticeably looser after a session on the stabby mat. Yes, it's cheap and has a small learning curve to figure out how to lie down without scraping yourself. If you can handle that, this mat-o-doom may be an affordable path to pain relief!
(It should be noted: I have a decent pain tolerance and use this without clothing. It might be too much for anyone with sensitive skin.)
I was concerned about getting this because of the reviews that say it really hurts. I have fibromyalgia and was thinking my back wouldn't be able to handle it. But I got it out of dispersion anyway. I am so glad I did. It does hurt when you first lay on it, so that is true.
I started by just using the bottom part of the mat because my back went out on me and I was in severe pain, couldn't sleep, etc. I put a sheet on the pillow and upper 1/3 of the mat. The first 30 seconds was painful but I accepted the pain hoping it would get better like the brochure says (it comes with a nice brochure explaining how to use it for different aches and pains). Within the first minute the pain started to diminish. In about 3 minutes I could feel my muscles "melting" into the mat. That's the only way to explain the feeling. I spent about 20 minutes on it and kept feeling different parts of my back really relax for the first time in weeks. Just when I thought my body was fully relaxed, I would feel another muscle "melt". I love it!!
I am now up to 1 hour after only a week of using it. I tried using it "full mat with pillow" but the upper part of my back is just too sensitive to anything so I stopped doing the upper part of my back. My neck hated it the first couple of times, but now my neck feels really good when I lay on it. (It's like my body thinks it's being attacked and goes on full alert the first time. But afterwards it starts realizing that it's not going to harm me and doesn't send off a bunch of warning bells to my body.)
I even took it to my meditation class where we can sit or lay in any position we want. And I am now hooked on using this as my meditation mat as well. I can meditate and help heal my back both at the same time. Before this I could hardly meditate because my back was in too much pain. I LOVE IT and highly recommend it. And it comes in PURPLE!!!!!
I have fibromyalgia and have spent hundreds of dollars on various pain remedies throughout the years. Most things haven't really helped, including physical therapy -- the only thing that would provide relief was Tylenol and scalding hot showers. This mat appears to be invented by a sadist and it definitely HURTS, but with regular use my pain has become much, much better. It also helps relieve pain when it happens, but I've found it to be more useful in reducing pain generally rather than addressing a particular pain spot.
My best evidence of its effectiveness is that I get extremely thirsty after massages and the same thing happens when I lie on the mat for 20-40 minutes. I don't know what the thirst means (a quick Google says something about the lymphatic system?) but I take it as a sign that this mat actually does something for my knotted-up muscles.
I love the mat so much that I made the following meme. I hope it helps in your decision on whether to purchase this.
Having had lupus and fibromyalgia for the past 15 years, I've tried literally everything possible - water therapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies and more prescription meds than I can even remember. Nothing helps much.
When I saw this mat recommended in an article on chronic pain, I was a bit hesitant. Still, I'm always willing to try new things on the off chance it may actually be the thing to help.
For the uninitiated, the plastic points can be VERY sharp! I had to be careful just handling the mat, as I wound up slicing my hand painfully. I also found that even full clothed, it was quite painful laying down on the mat at first. However, after the initial pangs, it quickly feels comfortable, even good. I had no problem reading or watching TV, even dozing off a bit.
Then when I got up off the mat, I felt a noticeable difference in my muscles! Granted, it's not long-term, but then again, I haven't been using it long yet. And even if the effects remain short-term, I'll still take it.
Feature Product
- PAIN REDUCTION - Naturally reduce muscle tension, back pain, and headaches by simply laying on the mat daily for 10-30 minutes. Acupressure releases endorphins that block pain, and helps relax the muscles in your back, neck and feet.
- FULL SUPPORT - The cushioned foam mat is large enough to fit your full back, and unlike many mats that only cover your back, this set includes a pillow covered in acu-pressure points for neck support and more holistic pain relief.
- RELAXATION & STRESS RELIEF - Lay back and relax onto this "bed of needles" to massage pressure points that help release tight muscles and relieve stress. Use prior to bedtime to improve your rest and reduce insomnia.
- INCREASED ENERGY & CIRCULATION-Thousands of acupressure points stimulate nerves and improve blood circulation for increased energy and faster muscle recovery, making it great for users who sit at a desk daily, as well as active individuals and athletes.
- HIGH QUALITY - Made of 100% thick cotton & plant-based eco foam, the acupressure mat has 6,210 acupressure points; neck pillow has 1,782 acupressure points
Description
The Prosource Fit Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set is an effective, affordable, and natural home remedy for muscle pain, stress, insomnia, and more. The comfortable foam bed is covered in thousands of acupressure points, with a neck pillow also cov-ered in plastic needles to support your head and neck. As you lie down and rest on the mat, the pressure points work similarly to acupuncture treatments, which is said to stim-ulate the body’s meridian lines to promote healing. This process improves blood flow, helping the body to release toxins and promoting muscle recovery – ideal for post-workout or during savasana at the end of a yoga session. As your body releases endor-phins from the acupressure, it helps to reduce pain in tight areas like the back, neck, and feet. It can be used not only lying down, but also while seated at a desk chair or on the couch. Set your feet on it when seated to help soothe weary soles at the end of a long day, or lay on your stomach to help with digestion. The mat is made of 100% cot-ton and plant-based eco foam which can be hand washed for a comfortable, long-lasting mat for relaxation. The mat measures 25”L x 15 ¾” W and the pillow is 14 ¼”L x 4”H, providing full back coverage for most users. Start with 10 minutes, and work up to 20 or more to experience the full benefits! For best results, lie on the mat with bare skin. You can also wear light clothing or use a thin sheet on top of the mat until your body gets accustomed to the sensation. Be sure to get on and off of the mat carefully as the pressure points are very sharp
First off I have a severe form of fibromyalgia along with spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease and pinched nerves. My pain level at times is unbearable...worse than my emergency c-section that I had no pain control for and delivered unmedicated.
I really like the blue color and the fact that it is a mat and a pillow. On the inside is a foam. The outside, well, it seems painful.
When I opened the box this was wrapped in plastic. I carefully opened it and lightly touched the hard white pointed plastic points. Wow! Did I really just order a torture device?
I talked my hubby into trying it first without his shirt on. Immediate pain like a million needles poking into you at once. Let me mention my hubby was on the couch for extra cushioning. No amount of extra cushioning will ease this. However he stayed on it. Within a few minutes the pain started easing and he felt a warmth on his back. He described this feeling like Icy Hot cream on your back. Another few minutes pass and he says he feels his muscles relaxing. He tells me this should help me a lot since he never has much pain. He gets off and I look at his back. Ouch that looks painful.
I decide to wait until close to bedtime and use this on our bed. After removing my clothes I carefully lay on this midieval torture device. My first thought was "This feels like a cruel joke an a real torture device." I consider getting up but decide to try for a few minutes. Soon the painful plastic points feel less painful and I feel a gentle warmth start. Interesting. So I am laying on this with the pillow under my neck. The neck pillow does not hurt as bad. I decide to wait a while. I feel increasing warmth and secretly wonder if I am starting to bleed and die and this contraption.
I stay a while longer. I suddenly start feeling weird things happening to my muscles in my lower back. I will try to explain. My muscles feel like tightly pulled string. It felt like strings were slowly started to pull apart. Almost like water balloons popping. I felt more warmth and a little pain.
Now I know from experience I get stiff when laying down. So here I am alone wondering how I can get up without hurting myself. I slowly start moving. WAIT A MINUTE!!!!! Where did my constant companion go to? I did not feel stiff and I felt less pain than I had in years. I checked the mat to make sure I had not gotten cut. I was good.
I wish this mat was bigger, maybe a whole body length as I hurt head to toe. I do not yet have the courage to lay it on the floor to try it that way. Can this be made to have the points retract for getting on and off easier?
My husband comes back and does my night time massage. He can not believe how loose my muscles felt...especially in my lower back. Needless to say I slept better than I have in a long time.
Be careful touching this. I can imagine they could possibly cut. I will wait a week or so to use this on the floor. If your pain is bad, use it on your couch or bed until you can tolerate this weird feeling more.
This is a helpful product that I am glad I bought. I really wish it came with a storage bag for when it is not in use.
This will definitely be used every day.
Won't lie, it hurts when you first lay down. I shattered my leg to pieces a year ago and I am fairly tolerant to pain so I would not think it's just me being a wimp! That said after a couple of minutes and letting my body "melt" into the mat the pain is replaced by a pure feeling of relaxation. It has helped with my chronic leg pain and back pain due to my walking gait being off. You have to give it an honest try. If you don't practice and let all of your muscles relax it won't work. Keep trying a little each day, it will be worth it I promise!
I was skeptical of this helping but was willing to try it for the price. I have a spinal fusion in my neck so my muscles and nerves can become really bunched up. This isn't a cure all but it has helped ease some of the tension through my neck and upper back. I then sleep better and don't wake up with a headache.
It doesnt feel really durable so I don't think it'll stay pristine for very long. Plus the kids think it's hilarious to place it next to someone's bed. Then when they wake up, they step on it. WORSE THAN STEPPING ON A LEGO! Okay, maybe I started that. But regardless, it's insanely painful to step on it. But oddly relaxing to lie on. Don't wear easily snagged clothing or heavy clothing.
This thing is awesome! Yes, it can hurt especially on those really tight areas but I love it anyway. You can feel the blood start racing through your body, great for circulation. Takes a few minutes to adjust your body to the right position when laying on your back. I lay on it all different ways. Pull your legs up when on your back to get the middle of your back and spine, I love standing on it, the hip area hurts but I do it anyway. If your really a trooper kneel on it. I use it almost every day and I only wear underwear when i use it. This was a great price and it came with a bolster pillow. I've ordered more for friends. Plus you can't beat prime..2 days shipping
It's a modern version of a traditional "nail bed"! The kind of thing we're used to seeing in cartoons of Indian ascetics. YES, it's painful but IN ABOUT THREE MINUTES, the pain is replaced by an extraordinary sensation of deep warmth. It's hard to describe. Like lying on a heating pad, except that the sensation is inside one's skin. It's possible that I have a high pain-threshold because the tiny spikes are really sharp and could potentially really hurt, if I'm not careful while handling the mat and the pillow. But I really look forward to my "sessions" lying flat on my back, bare-skinned, on the floor. I listen to an audio book and have to struggle to avoid falling asleep! About 20 minutes. The mat is quite small, just enough to accommodate the back of a medium-sized person.`
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