How To Use Acupressure Mats for Weight Management at Home

If achieving weight loss is on your list of wellness goals, you're not alone. Over 40% of adults in the United States grapple with obesity, a condition associated with heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and specific cancer types, according to the CDC.

In the hustle and bustle of today's busy, stress-filled world, the journey to weight loss can be challenging. Interestingly, this modern struggle has led many to explore acupressure, a centuries-old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique known for reducing stress, aiding in weight loss, and promoting overall well-being.

For those on a weight-loss journey, an acupressure mat emerges as a convenient, invigorating way to tap into the benefits of acupressure and TCM in the comfort of your home, at any time.

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How Can an Acupressure Mat Help You Achieve Weight Loss?

Understanding the relationship between stress and weight gain is crucial to comprehending how an acupressure mat can aid in weight loss. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, known as the "stress hormone." While our bodies need cortisol for survival, chronic stress keeps cortisol levels consistently elevated, leading to various health issues, including weight gain.

Acupressure, a practice rooted in TCM, is believed to alleviate stress and rebalance the body's energy flow, known as chi. By stimulating specific pressure points, or "acupoints," acupressure can reduce cortisol levels, clearing the way for healthy, sustainable weight loss.

Acupressure mats like Ajnamat, with their raised plastic "pins," offer a versatile solution to tap into the benefits of acupressure at any time. These mats gently stimulate acupoints from head to toe, signaling the brain to relax, rebalance, and realign.

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Benefits of Using an Acupressure Mat for Weight Loss

Acupressure mats present a range of benefits that support health and weight loss. Let's explore some of the most promising perks:

1. Pain Reduction

Chronic pain and excess weight often go hand-in-hand. Acupressure mats can help alleviate common aches, including neck, back, and shoulder pain, enabling more comfortable exercise and reducing the likelihood of further weight gain.

2. Better Sleep

Poor sleep is linked to hormone imbalances, increased hunger, and obesity. Acupressure mats, by activating pressure points associated with insomnia, can help calm the mind, ease anxiety, and promote deeper, more restful sleep.

3. Improved Digestion

Acupressure mats can holistically address areas associated with the stomach and intestines, supporting healthy digestion and reducing bloating.

4. Increased Energy

For those struggling with mental or physical energy to exercise, acupressure mats can provide a boost. Athletes often use acupressure to increase stamina, combat fatigue, and recover quicker.

5. Cellulite Reduction

Acupressure mats can contribute to reducing the appearance of cellulite by massaging the skin and underlying tissues, increasing elasticity, and dissipating fluid retention.

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How to Use an Acupressure Mat for Weight Loss

Interested in using an acupressure mat for weight loss? Here's a guide on acupressure points, mat positions, and frequency:

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Acupressure Points for Weight Loss

Focus on stimulating the following pressure points associated with boosting metabolism and digestive processes:

• CV12
• SP10
• ST36
• SP6

Via Healthline.com

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Acupressure Mat Positions for Weight Loss

Explore different positions to address head-to-toe systems involved in balancing the body's energy and metabolism:

• Flat on the Back: Lie flat on your back without a shirt for a tension-easing session.
• Flat on the Stomach: Stimulate digestive organs by lying on your chest and stomach, crossing your arms beneath your head.
• “Up Dog”: Press into your hands to lift your upper body while your thighs and lower stomach remain on the mat.
• Seated Forward Fold: Sit with legs outstretched, folding forward to grab your calves or ankles.
• Standing: Stand on the mat for a deeper sensation.

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How Often and How Long to Use an Acupressure Mat

Ajnamat Acupressure mats are safe for daily use. Incorporate it into your routine for the most benefits. If better sleep is your goal, include it in your nighttime routine. For energy boosts, use it during your midday slump.

The duration depends on the position and your comfort level. For lying down positions, 20-40 minutes is recommended, while more active positions may require 5-10 minutes. Go at your own pace, listen to your body, and remember to breathe.

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How to Choose an Acupressure Mat

Consider these factors when choosing an acupressure mat:

• Size: Ensure the mat is large enough to target your desired areas.
• Padding: Check for a layer of padding for increased comfort.
• Portability: Choose a mat that is easy to bring while traveling or to work.

The Ajna Wellbeing Ajnamat Acupressure Mat Set is a high-quality option, including a generously sized mat, a specially designed acu pillow, a convenient carrying case, and an accessible how-to guide.

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What Does the Science Say?

While clinical research on acupressure mats specifically for weight loss is still emerging, numerous studies highlight acupressure's effectiveness in alleviating chronic pain, reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and increasing energy.

While there isn’t a large body of literature on acupressure mats, there have been many small scale studies conducted. You can read some of them in our blog post Do Acupressure Mats Work? What The Studies Say.

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Who Should Not Use an Acupressure Mat?

While acupressure mats are generally safe, they may not be suitable if you are pregnant, nursing, have a heart condition, use blood pressure medication, have a skin infection, or have open wounds.

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Final Thoughts: Holistic Wellness with Acupressure Mats

As the world accelerates, many turn to Traditional Chinese Medicine for stress relief and weight management. Acupressure, with its time-tested benefits, becomes easily accessible with modern tools like Ajna Wellbeing's Ajnamat acupressure mat sets. If you're ready to address weight gain holistically, an acupressure mat can be a valuable and relaxing addition to your wellness journey.

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