Scientific research and studies on acupressure mat
When it comes to the effectiveness of acupressure mats, we and our customers agree: acupressure makes you alert, fit and can alleviate many different symptoms.
What science says about acupressure mats
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 Shakti Mat 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 here. You can also read our blog post on the Kenkou app and we have put together an infographic for you.
Scientific study 2:
Reflexotherapy 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 %
To the whole study of the "Community Wholistic Health Center in Carrboro"...
Scientific study 3:
Does relaxation on an acupressure mat produce 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 %
To the whole study from the "Department of Psychology" at Karlstad University in Sweden...
Scientific study 4:
Relaxation on the nail board: An exploratory study on 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.
To the whole study of the "Community Wholistic Health Center in Carrboro"...
Scientific study 5:
Effect of an acupressure mat for chronic neck and back pain
This study by 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 took part in the study.
The results:
- 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 for patients with chronic neck and lower 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.
Scientific study 7:
Reflexotherapy 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.
According to the study, the following effects can be expected in the most frequently used position of the acupressure mat, on the upper to lower back:
- 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.
To the whole study "Reflexo-Therapy With Mechanical Cutaneous Stimulation: Pilot Study"...
Scientific study 8:
Effects of a mechanical acupressure needle stimulation cushion 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.
Research and studies on acupressure
These are the numerous studies we were able to find on the subject of acupressure mats. We hope we have been able to give you a little more encouragement to trust in the effects 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 deliberately present a selection of many specific topics here 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.
Read the full article by the Carstens Foundation for Nature and Medicine...
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
- Acupressure, reflexology and auricular acupressure for insomnia
- Auricular acupressure for hay fever
- Semi-self-administered ear acupressure for persistent allergic rhinitis
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 a reduction in quality of life. It can be stated that ear acupressure can be effective against sleep disorders.
You can find the full article from 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 of tips and tricks about sleep and an interview with a sleep coach.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of acupressure to promote health in older adults.
Acupressure is non-invasive, safe and suitable for use with older adults. A systematic review using meta-analysis was developed to investigate the effects of acupressure on health promotion in older adults.
Studies from the years 2012 to 2017 were researched 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 whole study here.
Summary
There are several studies on acupressure mats that show their effectiveness in stress management, pain relief, better blood circulation and relaxation. According to studies, acupressure has positive effects on allergic symptoms, nausea and vomiting as a side effect of cancer therapy, respiratory infections, menstrual pain, exhaustion and stress symptoms as well as sleep disorders. Taking several studies into account, it can be said that acupressure can have a positive effect on relaxation and improving sleep.
