Scientific research and studies on acupressure mat

Scientific research and studies on acupressure mat

What science says about acupressure mats

With regard to the effectiveness of acupressure mats , our customers and we agree: acupressure makes you alert, fit and can alleviate many different symptoms.

However, we are now increasingly being asked about the scientific research situation regarding acupressure mats - and rightly so, in our opinion! After all, experience is good, but solid scientific results are even better. That is why we have carried out intensive research and summarized the most interesting scientific results for you on this page. May the manifold effects of acupressure never be doubted :) 

Scientific study 1: Stress reduction through the use of an acupressure mat and a smartphone app.

The acupressure mat ShaktiMat and the smartphone app Kenkou Stress Guide can be recommended as effective methods for body relaxation and stress reduction, with the combination of both methods having a cumulative positive effect.

You can find the full study at here. You can also read our blog post on the Kenkou app and we have put together a infographic .

Scientific study 2: Reflexo therapy with mechanical skin stimulation

Within this study, the following positive aspects were reported by 200 test persons after two weeks of regular use of an acupressure mat:

  • Pain relief: 98%
  • More restful sleep: 94%
  • Relaxed: 96%
  • More energy: 81% 

The entire study of the "Community Wholistic Health Center in Carrboro" can be found here.

Scientific study 3: Does relaxation on an acupressure mat induce positive effects? A randomized controlled pilot study

This study found that:

  • after regular use of an acupressure mat, there is a significant improvement in the intensity of pain peaks.
  • there is a significant reduction in the number of pain areas over the course of the three weeks.

There was also evidence that:

  • Stress is relieved.
  • Anxiety and depression subside.
  • Optimism and energy increase slightly.
  • More energy: 81% 

You can find the whole study from the "Department of Psychology at Karlstad University in Sweden here.

Scientific Study 4: Relaxation on the Nail Board: An Exploratory Study of the Effects on the Autonomic Nervous, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Systems and Salivary Cortisol.

This Swedish clinical study recorded specific physiological effects and found the following when an acupressure mat was used:

  • an increased back temperature (indication of improved blood circulation).
  • a lower pulse (indication of relaxedness).
  • lower subjective ratings of complaints.
  • Activity of the sympathetic, then parasympathetic nervous system.

The entire study of the "Community Wholistic Health Center in Carrboro" can be found here

Scientific study 5: Effect of an acupressure mat on chronic neck and back pain.

This study from the University of Essen-Duisburg looked at whether an acupressure mat can provide relief for chronic neck and back pain. 42 people with chronic back pain and 40 people with neck pain participated in the study. What came out was:

  • Both back and neck pain have improved with the use of an acupressure mat.
  • Researchers see the decrease in pain as related to the influence on the pain control system through use of the mat.
  • a particular advantage is seen in the ease and safety of use of the mat.

We got the information about this study from Günter Harnisch's book "Self-Healing with the Acupressure Mat".  

Scientific study 6: The benefits of a mechanical needle stimulation mat in patients with chronic neck and low back pain.

The therapeutic effect of acupressure on back and neck pain has been scientifically proven in this study. Norwegian and German doctors at the University of Duisburg-Essen regularly placed a total of 82 test subjects with chronic back and neck pain on acupressure mats for 14 days. The result:

  • Almost all of them had less pain afterwards.
  • Ninety-six percent felt more relaxed and 81 percent were able to sleep better.
  • Connective tissue and muscles relax and that feels good because the body releases more happy hormones (endorphins) and less stress hormones like cortisol. Which in turn makes us feel better when we are awake and also sleep better.

The entire study "The Benefit of a Mechanical Needle Stimulation Pad in Patients with Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain: Two Randomized Controlled Pilot Studies" can be found here

Scientific study 7: Reflexo therapy with mechanical cutaneous stimulation: pilot study.

This pilot study suggests that the use of an acupressure mat increases blood flow and causes the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, relieving stress and triggering our body's natural self-protective mechanisms.

In the most frequently used position of the acupressure mat, on the upper to lower back, the following effects can be expected according to of the study :

  • Strengthening liver, spleen and kidney
  • Relief from headaches, fatigue, depression and insomnia.
  • Relief from spinal problems, sciatica, muscle tension and cramps.
  • Activation of the immune system
  • Relief from flu, cold and asthma
  • Regulation of digestion
  • Improvement of bladder infections, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, PMS and period discomfort.

You can find the entire study "Reflexo-Therapy With Mechanical Cutaneous Stimulation: Pilot Study"at here. 

Scientific study 8: Effects of a mechanical acupressure needle stimulation pad on chronic low back pain.

Since chronic low back pain is an important health problem in modern society and one of the major causes of work absenteeism and disability, this study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure mats specifically on this body region.

This study found that the use of an acupressure mat provided immediate pain relief in patients with chronic low back pain. Physical vitality and function improved, which contributed to an increase in quality of life and a significant reduction in medication use.

The entire study "Effects of a mechanical acupressure needle stimulation pad on chronic low back pain - prospective, single-armed trial" can be found here

Research and studies on acupressure

These are the numerous studies that we could find on the subject of "acupressure mat". We hope we could encourage you to trust in the effect of your acupressure mat.
However, there are many more studies and scientific articles that underline and prove the effectiveness of acupressure. We would like to present you a selection of many specific topics to show you how broad the field of acupressure can be.

Acupressure and acupuncture

This article examines numerous studies on acupressure and acupuncture. The result:

  • Acupressure shows positive effects on allergic symptoms, nausea and vomiting as a side effect of cancer therapy, respiratory infections, menstrual pain, exhaustion and stress symptoms, and sleep disorders.
  • Acupressure helps with sleep disorders.
  • Hay fever symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes can be relieved in the short term by ear acupressure performed by an expert.

You can find the whole article by the Carstens Foundation for Nature and Medicine here.

The article is written in an understandable way and is based on medical and scientific studies, which you can read here:

*Effect of self-acupressure on symptom management
The whole study here.

*Acupressure, reflexology and auricular acupressure for insomnia
The whole study here.

*Auricular acupressure for hay fever
The whole study here.

*Semi-self-administered ear acupressure for persistent allergic rhinitis
The whole study here.

Acupuncture and acupressure for sleep disorders - The scientific study situation


Sleep disorders are a common complaint. It is estimated that 10-20% of the world's population suffers from it. They are often associated with other complaints, health problems or reduction in quality of life.

It can be stated that ear acupressure can be effective against sleep disorders.

You can find the whole article of the German Medical Association for Acupuncture here.

The article is based on medical and scientific studies, which you can read here .

On our blog you will find another compilation with tips and tricks on the subject of sleep and a interview with a sleep coach.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of acupressure to promote health in older adults.

Acupressure is noninvasive, safe, and suitable for use in older adults. A systematic review using meta-analysis was developed to examine the effects of acupressure on health promotion in older adults.

Studies from 2012 to 2017 were searched in 11 electronic databases.

  • Acupressure was very effective in improving sleep quality and cognitive function

  • A mild to moderate effect was noted in relieving constipation

  • and a medium effect was found in alleviating pain and improving quality of life.

You can read the entire studyat here.