Elia
I had long read about these types of acupressure mats in the Yoga and fitness magazines I subscribe to. Eventually deciding to give it a go, I settled for this one in the mid price range knowing that I was not shelling out top dollar in case I did not use it regularly (I own a collection of yoga pillows, bolsters, meditation mats which tend to come and go in terms of my use) but that I was not getting a cheap bargain basement version. The set is great quality for the price and a nice size. The mat is 25� x 16� inches and is the right size to lie on, accommodating my back and neck area. The matching pillow is 12.5 X 6 inches and it fits nicely in the neck. The products are stitched well and the acupressure points which are thicker plastic needles are designed to work and last. In terms of how is feels, well this does take some getting used to. You are lying on thousands of little plastic needles so there is going to be an �ouch� factor. It is suggested that you initially try this with a layer of thin clothing such as a tee shirt. I tried pajamas and you have to lie down very slowly on this and make sure movement is limited. There is certainly a period where I was uncomfortable but you do get used to it and you are forced to simply be calm and relaxed when lying down, which is not a bad thing as it forces that Zen experience. The more you use this, the more you get used to it and I did find myself being able to relax and nod off. After using this I am certainly more relaxed and sleep like a baby, of course I cannot say if this is the mat or just the placebo effect but nonetheless it works for me to relax, ease tension in my muscles post workout and induce a deep good quality sleep so I am happy
Avery
Just arrived. I am using it as I type this review. Pleasantly surprised by the results over the last 20 mins. Not sure if it will help with my back pain and improve my sleep but the sensation on my back feels like a million tiny massaging fingers on my back and head. Will do another review once I give it a few days. So far this product is AMAZING!
Sofia
I have suffered from lower back pain for years and have legitimately tried everything. I ordered this in hope it would at least take the edge off. After 15 minutes I got up and I have ZERO back pain!!!!
Harper
I really like this product. I usually wake up with aching neck and shoulder muscles maybe due to my pillow or how I sleep or something. But after using the mat and the pillow for about 20 the first time (with thin clothing on), I woke up the next day feeling refreshed and my neck and shoulders weren�t aching/tensed like they usually do. I�ve been using this almost everyday since I received it barely a month ago and I still can only do about 10-15 minutes of bare skin but even with a thin fabric in between, the acupressure was still effective for me.
Aria
Sharp! Just enough to do the job right, it is the closest I have gotten to needle point. I love the flexibility of the mat and the many uses it has. It helps relieve much of the pressure and pain I feel and helps me to relax. I use it almost every day.
Aiden
I've had lower back pain off and on for years. I also get tension headaches. The first time I laid on this matter I loved it! I laid on it for about fifteen minutes and my headache was gone. It says to start off laying on something soft. But I dived right in and laid on the floor with it. It wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all. There are little loops on the mat and decided to sew buttons on the opposite side so I could fold it up. That worked out great.
Mirha
I'm a 25 year old with horrible posture. I'm currently on week two of physical therapy and have been trying to find ways to alleviate my back pain. This mat is amazing. I've never tried accupressure before and bought this because of the reasonable price. It was uncomfortable at first. You definitely have to resist the urge to get up. But within 3-5 minutes, something just happens? You just melt into the mat and it feels amazing. The bolster pillow has been fantastic at helping relieve those base of the skull headaches. I want everyone to have one of these.
Amyra
I bought this to help relieve some of my back tension and soreness that I get from hunching over at work. It is a pretty simple design and looks to be washable. (I would wash by hand as the plastic spikes will probably get damaged in the cycle & air dry so that the heat doesn't distort them.) I don't find the pressure to be painful. I am 5'4 and weigh 136lbs. I also tend bruise easy but I have not had any physical issues whatsoever from using this product, which has been about a week. I like the fact that the head cushion is a separate piece because I can use that for my feet and for my spine. I find it particularly helpful to place the cushion vertically along my spine as I sit in a chair so I can adjust the pressure easily as I shift around. Overall, this is a pretty neat mat.
Camila
Amazing for the price and quality.
Amari
I got this because I had a sore and tense neck and upper back and can't afford regular massages. I was skeptical when I unpacked this because it didn't seem like anything special, and the color seemed duller than pictured. Looks are deceiving, so I tried it out right away. Reviews suggest that beginners start with their clothes on, but I hardly felt anything that way, so I went bare-back immediately. Different strokes for different folks! The initial feeling was a bit like a back scratch, like it felt good. After a few minutes, it started to burn, but in a good way. I found myself closing my eyes and relaxing. When I got up, I could definitely feel the difference! I have tried it both in bed and on the floor and both are effective, but especially on the floor. (That's what she said?) I've even caught my cat resting on it. It came with a small manual with pictures of how this can work in other positions too, like sitting, or on your stomach, thighs, or feet.
Isabella
So I bought this for anxiety and stress relief. I love it! Laying straight on my back is often something that helps when I feel my stress getting too high. I've been looking at trying a mat like this for awhile and when I found one that was like new at half the cost of this already cheap one I jumped on it. In just one use I already feel some anxiety relief (and more than just laying on the ground). The sensory input of the points really helps! Obviously, be smart. Your first use should not be bare back jumping down on the thing. I started with a tshirt and felt the pillow on my bare neck and then quickly took off my shirt as I had a camisole on. I then focused on my breathing and relaxed. Start with a tshirt, then lighter shirt, then bare skin. If you're one that likes weighted blankets than this is another sensory input that you might like and even at the full price is worth it! As we all know anxiety medication only goes so far and often it's our lifestyle and coping skills that make the biggest impact!
Amelia
I love this mat and pillow, I suffer from migraines and tmj and I lay down on my back and do a nice breathing session and just relaxes all my muscles and for my jaw I lay on my pillow on the side. It does hurt a little when starting off but just breathe and enjoy your body relaxing
Evelyn
I was very skeptical about acupressure mats until my mother in law let me try hers. Upon first using, it stings a little, but you get used to the sensation. And once you do, with regular use, you can see an improvement in back/neck pain within a few days. I would recommend this to anyone who is battling constant back/neck pain, whether an office worker, athlete, etc. This particular mat and pillow are also very good quality - they are sturdy and not flimsy at all like some I have seen.
Ava
Worked when nothing else did. And I mean everything. I pulled a muscle in my neck and after 5 days it had gotten to the point that I couldn't drive or walk without significant pain. I tried everything I knew - arnica, magnesium, stretching, ibuprofen, etc. Turns out all I need was 45 min lying on this pillow.
Naomi
This is about half the price of a Spoonk pad, plus, you get a pillow! My spoonk pad is quite a bit sharper, but these definitely feel sharp enough to do the trick. I bought this as a gift for my nephew, who loves mine, and he loves it! It also looks to be of good quality and well made. We are both happy with this purchase!
Kinsley
This thing is crazy. It feels like laying on a bed of nails. It is a little painful for the first few minutes, but then goes away. After laying on it for 15-20 minutes my back feels completely relaxed. I have a lot of back problems and this is very helpful to me. It definitely helps manage my back pain.
Willow
I bought this for my mom who has frequent migraines. It was much more comfortable than expected! She loves it, a little bit of a difference in her migraines, but a huge change in her neck and back pain!
Kennedy
I was a bit skeptical but after reading reviews gave it a shot, pretty much agree with what's already been said. It hurts a bit at first when you're laying down, but if you relax and breathe, it starts to feel great. Really helps circulation.. I use the pillow on my neck and feet. Very relaxing.
Paisley
I routinely do lots of stretching, and often have many muscle knots to try to unkink. This mat and pillow work best for me on bare skin. The pokey little spines are definitely uncomfortable for the first five minutes but, if you ride it out and distract your mind for a bit, the discomfort goes away and the relaxation begins! I can LITERALLY FALL ASLEEP on this mat. If muscle pain or even just relaxation are issues for you, I recommend you give it a try. But you can't wuss out - ride out the pain for five minutes, and you will reap the rewards!
Nevaeh
I can not begin to explain what a life saver this is! Work your way up to being able to lay on it for extended periods of time and it will take away all back pain! 5 minutes with shirt on to start and increase from there... Note** If you fall asleep on it (which you will, it feels that good) just know the first time you are going to feel like your back is on fire, it is intense when you get up!
Madeline
This got me through my last year of undergrad. I had 6 classes per term plus an internship and part time job, and this mat helped me decompress after each assignment or when I needed a short break between gigs. It was my favorite way to zone out and relax when my schedule was especially hectic, or when I was running on adrenaline after staying up all night studying. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to have a quick go-to method of re-centering yourself!
Quinn
I really didn't think this would work that well, but wanted to give it a go as I've recently had issues with sleep alongside a lifelong back issue. The very first time I tried the mat, on my bed as having it on the floor was a little too hard on my back, I felt instant relief after twenty minutes. I got up off the mat easily, which before would have been unheard of, and later that night I slept like a log. Highly recommend this purchase. I don't use the pillow very often but it does provide relief.
Kaylee
It works as described and even better. The first 5 to 10 minutes can be slightly (really barely) uncomfortable, but then the endorphins kick in and the experience becomes very pleasant. I do fall asleep every time after 20 minutes of usage. Highly recommended by a bad back sufferer!!!
Luna
It's a modern version of a traditional "nail bed"! The kind of thing we're used to seeing in cartoons of Indian ascetics. YES, it's painful but IN ABOUT THREE MINUTES, the pain is replaced by an extraordinary sensation of deep warmth. It's hard to describe. Like lying on a heating pad, except that the sensation is inside one's skin. It's possible that I have a high pain-threshold because the tiny spikes are really sharp and could potentially really hurt, if I'm not careful while handling the mat and the pillow. But I really look forward to my "sessions" lying flat on my back, bare-skinned, on the floor. I listen to an audio book and have to struggle to avoid falling asleep! About 20 minutes. The mat is quite small, just enough to accommodate the back of a medium-sized person.
Everly
Works well with the back. I often get back pains from my excessive walking and standing in the work environment. Often i wouldnt be able to go to sleep because of the pain. I now use the mat to sleep on for a night and wake up with no pains.
Lillian
Has done wonders for my back and overall relaxation state at the end of a long day. Hurt a bit until I got used to it but totally worth the adjustment. Helps clear a cluttered mind.
Madison
When you first lie down on this mat and pillow you think no way I can put up with this, it really does hurt at first. But if you don't concentrate on on all those sharp points sticking into you and actually RELAX you may see what the raves are about. You need to give it at least 5 to 10 minutes to begin feeling the benefits. If you do not relax it will not work. It helps my back and my tension headaches, I actually push down into the pillow with my neck and move my neck into several positions. After about 10 minutes of use you begin to feel a warming sensation that actually feels quite pleasant. For the price this is a great product. Does leave your skin looking like a frozen hamburger patty for a little while.
Aaliyah
This mat and pillow set helps so much w/my fibromyalgia pain. It's a little hard to get it positioned w/o getting stabbed, but when I get up from laying on it for about 30 mins, or so, I feel the rush of blood and warmth flowing to my painful areas. The pillow works so well on the small of my back for lower back pain. I am very pleased with this mat set. Nothing else I have tried has given one ounce of relief for me except for maybe deep, painful massage.
Skylar
Just got my mat today, and I have to say it is a lot more comfortable than I thought it would be. The little spikey things do not hurt at all, but you can really feel them going deep into your flesh. Haven't tried it yet with bare skin, but with a light top on it does not hurt at all. I am very happy with it, and can hardly wait to use it when I lay down to rest at night. I can't speak for whether it is going to help with my neck and upper back pain, but so far it feels really good, like something therapeutic is happening. Can't beat the price, and as far as I can tell it is just as good as a Pranamat, which is about 6-7 times more expensive. Win-win.
Brielle
Got it for my husband that suffers from random neck and back pain and dull headaches, all from unknown causes. Was very apprehensive at first seeing how sharp the prongs are, but once you breathe, relax (put on some soothing music if necessary) and give it a few minutes, it has done wonders for his random pains as well as stress. He actually falls asleep on it!
Savannah
I had my eye on this for a while, but was worried it would be another waste of money in my seemingly never ending quest for back pain relief. I've only used it once for about 10 minutes, and though it didn't do much for my lower back pain, it really helped my neck and upper/mid back. I'm hoping that as I build up time using it, I will see results for my lower back and trouble sleeping as well.
Chloe
Okay, I will admit it is intimidating looking, and if used carelessly it can hurt, BUT every single person who has tried this (essentially everyone who has been to my house since I bought it) always loves it. Sure, they say ouch at first, but try taking it away from them. This set is SO relaxing. Great for pain relief, and I've also had success using it for digestive issues as well. If you're into holistic or alternative medicine at all then this set is absolutely indispensable.
Sabrina
When you first get this and feel the rosettes with your hands it seems like it would hurt. It doesn't! It feels sooooo good when you lay on it. Recommend using with a t-shirt at first as is intense without. I could not get my 78 yr old mother off of it had to buy her one!
Claire
It's literally a mat with thousands of plastic spikes. You are supposed to lie on it with your shirt off. Basically, it hurts like hell until it goes numb, and then it feels kinda warm and tingly. But that's only if you can withstand the first 5 minutes which feel like a city of smurfs is killing you with their spears. Overall, 5 stars.
Penelope
So I bought this mat in three different colors for three of us in the family and it works like magic! My mom has back pain for a very long time and my dad has upper left back pain, both had acupuncture treatment at the clinic which helps but once the treatment stops, pain gradually comes back. I myself have chronic neck pain from long time sitting at a desk. Now with this mat, everyone of us sleeps on it for 30 minutes to an hour before falling asleep, you will feel throbbing and pinching for the first 10 to 15 minutes on it but the feeling of it is like your blood starts flowing smoothly under your skin! After a couple days you start feeling so much better and long term using it, the pain gradually goes away!!! Of course this is not an ultimate solution because my mom started doing yoga but I am sure his mat definitely helps!
Talisha
I love, love, love this mat and pillow! I use almost all day long! In bed, in the suana, in the chair � the pressure is wonderful. Do however make sure you have the party of your body clothed and gently move on to it. The quality and price combined are incredible. I use it for fibro, ra, spine damage, and overall joint pain.
Bella
This mat is the best purchase i have made in over a decade. I have never felt such relief from something that looks like it could cause so much pain. if you are careless or quick yes you can hurt yourself but if you are slow and steady and patient.... you will receive so many benefits from it. pain relief, relaxation, stress relief. its endless.. as you lay there and take breaths... the muscles just start to release. it really is an amazing piece of art!
Scarlett
This thing is awesome! Yes, it can hurt especially on those really tight areas but I love it anyway. You can feel the blood start racing through your body, great for circulation. Takes a few minutes to adjust your body to the right position when laying on your back. I lay on it all different ways. Pull your legs up when on your back to get the middle of your back and spine, I love standing on it, the hip area hurts but I do it anyway. If your really a trooper kneel on it. I use it almost every day and I only wear underwear when i use it.
Fairuza
I don't know what sorcery it has, but it definitely helps me (chronic insomniac and anxious mess) relax and get to sleep. I'll lie down on it, put on a podcast, and before I know it I'm drifting off. I take it with me whenever I sleep somewhere else!
Ulyssa
I have suffered with fibromyalgia for 20 plus years and this acupressure mat gives me the best relief from anything else I have tried including supplements and medicines. I am on the mat several times a day for a good 30 min to an hour. This is a must have product I can't live without! I highly recommend it!
Brooklyn
I was very skeptical of this mat first. I went back and forth a lot deciding on whether or not to purchase it. I am so glad I decided to! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a year ago and despite medications, therapy, and everything else I use and have tried I suffer greatly from neck and shoulder pain. This mat is now essential to me! Just 5-10 minutes of laying on it relieves so much tension and tightness in my body. I use it at least twice a day. It is a lifesaver for me.
Stella
Very impressed. I'm a little too sensitive to put the pad directly on my skin so just wear a t-shirt that's kinda thin. So far, I'd have to say, I'm impressed. I had some pain in my neck and shoulders that usually turns into a headache. About 10 minutes on this pad and the tension released and the headache was averted.