Ep 27: What’s the deal with acupressure mats?

Ep 27: What’s the deal with acupressure mats?

Author: Alexa Bradley Hulsey, Licensed Acupuncturist November 22, 2023 Duration: 40:54

Patients have been asking my opinion on acupressure mats for years. I finally got tired of saying, “I don’t really know,” so I decided to try one out for myself.

If you don’t know what an acupressure mat is…picture a thin rectangular mat, like the kind you used to lie on at nap time in kindergarten, and it’s covered with rows of plastic circles, each about the size of a quarter, and each plastic circle has several short plastic spikes sticking out of it, and you lie on it. It’s like a plastic bed of nails.

So I bought an acupressure mat, and then I thought…why stop with mats? So then I bought a whole bunch of other acupressure tools and asked my coworkers to test them out and report back.

And that’s what we’re diving into in this episode—how these tools work, and why you might want to use them for yourself. You’ll learn:

The fascinating history of the acupressure mat, and how I’ve incorporated mine into my daily self-care routine

The principles of acupuncture meridian and point therapeutics that support the use of acupressure mats

Uses for other acupressure tools such as rings and rollers (including special guest appearances from two of my coworkers, Ali and Sandra!)

I’ll be honest…I went into this little acupressure mat experiment a bit skeptical. I’ve seen some pretty grandiose claims on social media. I don’t think acupressure is a cure-all, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve come to love my acupressure mat. Acupressure is a safe, easy, inexpensive, and effective form of self-care, so I hope this episode inspires you to try it out for yourself!

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Ever find yourself wondering what's really happening when those fine needles go in, or how concepts from ancient medicine fit into a modern life? Notes from Your Acupuncturist: Conversations on Acupuncture, Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health is a space for those kinds of questions. Hosted by licensed acupuncturist Alexa Bradley Hulsey, this podcast moves beyond simple explanations to explore the nuanced connections between body, mind, and the environment that form the foundation of holistic health. You'll hear discussions that demystify how acupuncture and Traditional East Asian Medicine approach common ailments, not as isolated symptoms but as part of a larger pattern. The conversations also extend into complementary therapies and thoughtful self-care practices, offering a broader view of what it means to cultivate genuine wellness. It’s for anyone who’s curious, skeptical, or already passionate about alternative paths to well-being and wants to deepen their understanding. Each episode feels like a detailed, personal note from a knowledgeable guide, aiming to provide practical insights and perspective you can use in your own journey. Tune in for a grounded, accessible take on integrating these timeless principles into contemporary living.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 29

Notes from Your Acupuncturist: Conversations on Acupuncture, Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health
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