Scientific research and studies on acupressure mat
What science says about acupressure mats
When it comestotheeffectiveness of acupressure mats, our customers and wearein agreement: acupressure helps you feel alert and energized, and can alleviate many different symptoms.
However, we are now increasingly being asked about the scientific research on acupressure mats—a valid question, in our opinion! After all, anecdotal evidence is good, but concrete scientific results are even better. That’s why we’ve conducted extensive research and summarized the most interesting scientific findings for you on this page. May the diverse effects of acupressure never be doubted :)
Scientific study 1: Stress reduction through the use of an acupressure mat and a smartphone app.
TheShakti Mat acupressure matandthe Kenkou Stress Guide smartphone app can be recommended as effective methods for physical relaxation and stress reduction, and combining the two methods has a cumulative positive effect.
You can find the full studyhere. Feel free to check out ourblog post about the Kenkou app as well.
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%
You can find the full study by the "Community Holistic Health Center in Carrboro"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 full study from the Department of Psychology at Karlstad University in Swedenhere.
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.
You can find the full study by the "Community Holistic Health Center in Carrboro"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.
You can find the full study, "The Benefit of a Mechanical Needle Stimulation Pad in Patients with Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain: Two Randomized Controlled Pilot Studies,"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 full study, "Reflexo-Therapy With Mechanical Cutaneous Stimulation: Pilot Study,"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.
You can find the full study, "Effects of a mechanical acupressure needle stimulation pad on chronic low back pain—prospective, single-arm trial,"here.
Research and studies on acupressure
These are the numerous studies we were able to find on the topic of "acupressure mats." We hope this has given you a little more confidence in the effectiveness of your acupressure mat.
However, there are many more studies and scientific articles that underscore and prove the effectiveness of acupressure. We’ve deliberately selected a range of specific topics to showcase just 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 full article from the Carstens Foundation for Nature and Medicine here.
The article is written in an accessible style and is based on medical and scientific studies, which you can read here:
*The effect of self-acupressure on symptom management
Read the full studyhere.
*Acupressure, reflexology, and auricular acupressure for insomnia
Read the full studyhere.
*Auricular acupressure for hay fever
Read the full studyhere.
*Semi-self-administered ear acupressure for persistent allergic rhinitis
Read the full studyhere.
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 them. They are often associated with other complaints, health problems, or a reduced quality of life.
It can be said that ear acupressure may be effective against sleep disorders.
You can find the full article from the German Medical Association for Acupuncturehere.
The article is based on medical and scientific studies, which you canreadhere.
On our blog, you’ll find another compilation oftips and tricks on the topic of sleep, as well asaninterview 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.
