I’m 21 years old and shoe horses for a living. I’ve been getting stiff in my low back and neck pain. When I wake up in the morning I can’t turn my head or look up very well. When I do my stretches, I struggle with the “mermaid pose”; while trying to extend my arms and stretch my abs it feels like I’m about to pinch a nerve in my back. It’s started to concern me because I’m young, but I don’t want to pay a bunch of money for chiropractors and massages.
I had first heard of acupressure mats from a Shakti ad. It looked really nice but I could justify the price. In the past few weeks my pain has gotten worse so I figured I’d give it a try. Still couldn’t justify the price so I checked Amazon. When I saw the spikes on this mat I knew it had to be good. I checked many reviews to see if it would work for me. The 2 and 3 star reviews of people saying it hurt too bad made me want it that much more.
I’ve had the mat for 4 days now. The first day I laid on it for about 3 minutes. It was very painful and my sister thought I was crazy. Each day I’ve laid on it a little longer. Last night. I laid on it for 15 minutes. Here’s the general timeline for what I’ve felt: 0 minutes you’ve just laid on the mat it’s so painful it takes your breath away and your hands and feet are weak. 2-2.5 minutes you start to feel the numbing sensation, the pain is way more tolerable, and you can relax your muscles and sink in a little more. 4.5-5 minutes your back gets very warm, a wave of calm comes over you, and you feel like you can lay on it as long as you want. About 10 minutes I started to feel my pulse in my back and I was completely relaxed and calm.
After laying on the mat for 10 minutes I have incredible range of motion in my neck and back. I can look side to side and all the way up with no discomfort. My back feels incredible. As soon as I got off the mat I checked with the mermaid pose and I stretched further than I have in probably a couple years. I was overjoyed. The calming sensation is also really nice. Totally a stress reliever.
Initially I tried it with a shirt on and it did nothing so I went straight to bareback. Let me reiterate… THE FIRST TWO MINUTES HURT! If it doesn’t hurt it’s not working, in my opinion. Also, I put it on the floor so the only cushioning is what comes in the mat. What I wanted was a meat tenderizer for my muscles and that’s what I got. I couldn’t be happier with this thing.
Another thing to mention. I saw several reviews of people saying it’s too small. I’m 5’10” and the spikes cover my whole back. I do use the neck pillow as well so there’s a strip at the top of my shoulders that doesn’t make contact with any spikes, but that isn’t what I’m targeting anyway. But for $20, you can move around on the mat if you want to target different areas it’s not that big of a deal.
TLDR: Buy it. It’s cheap and it works. Painful at first and then warm and tingly after 2 minutes. You will feel amazing at 10 minutes. Greatly helped my back and neck pain and mobility. Great stress reliever.
Kelly Parks –
Highly Recommend!!!
I’m 21 years old and shoe horses for a living. I’ve been getting stiff in my low back and neck pain. When I wake up in the morning I can’t turn my head or look up very well. When I do my stretches, I struggle with the “mermaid pose”; while trying to extend my arms and stretch my abs it feels like I’m about to pinch a nerve in my back. It’s started to concern me because I’m young, but I don’t want to pay a bunch of money for chiropractors and massages.I had first heard of acupressure mats from a Shakti ad. It looked really nice but I could justify the price. In the past few weeks my pain has gotten worse so I figured I’d give it a try. Still couldn’t justify the price so I checked Amazon. When I saw the spikes on this mat I knew it had to be good. I checked many reviews to see if it would work for me. The 2 and 3 star reviews of people saying it hurt too bad made me want it that much more.I’ve had the mat for 4 days now. The first day I laid on it for about 3 minutes. It was very painful and my sister thought I was crazy. Each day I’ve laid on it a little longer. Last night. I laid on it for 15 minutes. Here’s the general timeline for what I’ve felt: 0 minutes you’ve just laid on the mat it’s so painful it takes your breath away and your hands and feet are weak. 2-2.5 minutes you start to feel the numbing sensation, the pain is way more tolerable, and you can relax your muscles and sink in a little more. 4.5-5 minutes your back gets very warm, a wave of calm comes over you, and you feel like you can lay on it as long as you want. About 10 minutes I started to feel my pulse in my back and I was completely relaxed and calm.After laying on the mat for 10 minutes I have incredible range of motion in my neck and back. I can look side to side and all the way up with no discomfort. My back feels incredible. As soon as I got off the mat I checked with the mermaid pose and I stretched further than I have in probably a couple years. I was overjoyed. The calming sensation is also really nice. Totally a stress reliever.Initially I tried it with a shirt on and it did nothing so I went straight to bareback. Let me reiterate… THE FIRST TWO MINUTES HURT! If it doesn’t hurt it’s not working, in my opinion. Also, I put it on the floor so the only cushioning is what comes in the mat. What I wanted was a meat tenderizer for my muscles and that’s what I got. I couldn’t be happier with this thing.Another thing to mention. I saw several reviews of people saying it’s too small. I’m 5’10” and the spikes cover my whole back. I do use the neck pillow as well so there’s a strip at the top of my shoulders that doesn’t make contact with any spikes, but that isn’t what I’m targeting anyway. But for $20, you can move around on the mat if you want to target different areas it’s not that big of a deal.TLDR: Buy it. It’s cheap and it works. Painful at first and then warm and tingly after 2 minutes. You will feel amazing at 10 minutes. Greatly helped my back and neck pain and mobility. Great stress reliever.
Megan –
Can’t say enough good things
I wanted to wait to review this until I’d used it a while.I bought this as an alternative to the really expensive Shakti mat that’s over $100. I bought it specifically because another reviewer bought both and compared them and found no difference other than 1 is priced extremely high, and this one is affordable.I use this almost daily. I suffer from chronic neck pain and tension headaches and this mat is a game changer. Yes, it’s pokey. Yes, it’s uncomfortable for the first 5 minutes because it’s supposed to be. If you can push through that discomfort, the relief you feel after is worth it.This mat is my go to for tension relief. When I have neck pain and a subsequent headache I typically lay on the mat for at least 30 minutes. Around the 15 minute mark I can actively feel the headaches melt away. My husband thought I was crazy at first, but now even he uses it often to relieve stubborn tension in his back and neck. I’ve told multiple family members and friends about it at this point. Don’t waste your money on the over priced one, and get this one!
K –
hurts at first, BUT SO WORTH IT! it truly makes an instant difference
I was honestly a little intimidated to try this at first, but it ended up being so worth it. The acupressure mat and pillow are great for relieving back and neck tension, especially after long days of sitting or studying.At first, it does feel pretty intense (not going to lie), but after a few minutes your body adjusts and it actually becomes relaxing. I’ve noticed that my muscles feel looser afterward, and it’s been helpful for relieving tightness and stress.The set feels well-made, and I like that it comes with both the mat and pillow so you can target different areas like your back, neck, or even legs. It’s also easy to roll up and store.One thing to keep in mind is that it can be uncomfortable in the beginning, especially if you’re new to acupressure. Starting with a thin layer of clothing or shorter sessions definitely helps.Overall, this is a great tool for muscle relief and relaxation once you get used to it. I find myself reaching for it regularly now.
Harleen Kaur –
Just one day since I used it. Haven’t felt more energetic and relaxed in years! It’s a game changer for someone like me with ankylosing spondilitis, then I can’t imagine what it will do for someone with back pain with no underlying disease.I’ve included it as a meditation, and it’s just blissful how I feel pranaali energy in parts of my body which were for so many years only in pain. Thank you prosource for this.Planning to buy one more so that I can have greater coverage on legs simultaneously.I also have radiating pain in my arms. So just rest my arms on it and lay a yoga bolster on top for greater pressure as arms aren’t heavy enough to feel much. Another mat would help me do both arms simultaneously. I’m in love with this new ritual to my daily routine.Which is just so pleasurable. After the initial discomfort though. What helped was taking deep breaths and allowing myself to be present with the sensations. Soon it started becoming blissful 🙂
Françoise S. –
Mon dos me fait terriblement souffrir depuis des années. Ce tapis atténue très nettement les douleurs, ce qui me permet d’éviter au maximum d’ingurgiter des médicaments.Je le recommande vivement !!!
Kumi –
First time I used it I was scared of the pain, then the second time I adjusted position a bit and can now manage. It feels very warm once you position yourself. Like more warmth/heat than feeling painful. Makes you feel sleepy.
Tronick –
A bit hard at the beginning but now I love the feeling after every session. Definitely relax your body. I recommend this product 🙂
Alim&Liya –
you can buy the same one for 1199 and this products are same …. it’s just waste of money ….