Accupressure mats, waste of money or can they help someone who is very stressed?

[TheWholeShackShimmies]

I am very very stressed and it has been having a huge impact on my mental and physical health. I have tried many things to help me but due to the cause of the stress (caring for my mum who suffers from Alzheimer's) it's not going away anytime soon.

My New Year's resolution is to find ways to help relief myself of this pent up anxiety and hopefully in turn relieve myself of my physical symptoms.

I already practise yoga, stretching and listen to the Calm app every day and I exercise (fast walk the dog for miles). I avoid caffeine, sugar and alcohol. I only drink water.

I keep coming across acupressure mats and they seem to have good reviews. Has anyone tried these? Do they help release tension in the muscles and body? Amongst many symptoms of anxiety muscle pain and tensions is something I really struggle with.

I love mine. I find it helps if I have a sore back/neck/shoulders. If I lie on it in the evening 9 times out of 10 i fall asleep on it, even if I am struggling with sleep. Sounds like it could help you. I didn’t buy one of the expensive shakti mats though, it was cheaper off Amazon. Good luck with everything x

They are super relaxing - once you've gotten past the 'pain' sensation of lying on it, you'll find your entire back heats up and you can just shut your eyes and completely zone out. Defo try it, there may be some new year deals on. Mine is a Shakti Mat.

I've also got a cheaper one and it's amazing. I need to find time to use mine more but when I do use it, it really relaxes me to the point that I fall asleep.

I thought they would be a load of bollocks. Tried one. Loved it and find it relaxing and very good when I have a flare up of chronic pain.

I love mine, but not as much as I love the spiky pillow that came with it! I've used that to death and it's soooo comfortable for my neck.

I fall asleep on mine, too. I was talking to someone years ago who said she always falls asleep when having a tattoo. I found it hard to believe at the time, but now I understand it. It does feel uncomfortable and intense at first, but then it becomes very very relaxing

Oh wow, I was expecting to be told they are a waste of money. I'll get one, willing to try anything at this point.

Btw, do you lay on the floor with them or in your bed?

Have a listen to this half hr radio show .
I love the program, its a bit like the Which magazine each episode covers a different topic.

This one is about spikey mats.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002096l?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

I have considered getting one of these, thanks for the info

If you want a more intense sensation lie on the floor, otherwise lie on the bed. You may find you need to wear thin clothes to start with while you adjust to the sensations.

I love mine. It's a cheaper one from Amazon but very usefully machine washable.
It is quite scarily sharp and then amazingly relaxing.

I lie on it on my bed.

Have you considered getting rid of the source of the stress rather than trying to deal with its effects?

Oh please excuse me, I'm sorry I missed it was caring for your mum. I do apologise. But maybe you could access some care for her to help you?

OT but a friend in a similar situation found reiki helpful. She’s not a woo/alternative person and it may just be placebo but she found it beneficial.

Well I've gone a purchase one so that's hopefully one weapon towards my goal of blasting away my anxiety and stress this year 🤞

I love mine, I really crave it sometimes! I can't do it without a t shirt though. I hope you do get on with it

@TheWholeShackShimmies How have you got on? Just lying on my mat and thought about this thread.

I have found it a bit prickly and uncomfortable to start with but I did sleep well last night so hopefully it's doing something positive.

Ive ordered one too in the vain hope it'll sort my sciatica out. I'll report back!

Can anyone post a link to their Amazon version? Thank you!

I have one and do find it helpful.

@Thisisthedawningoftheageofaquarius I have this Salveo one https://amzn.eu/d/3sYPLxR have used it for at least 10 years now

Came to recommend, then seen you have ordered one. Bloody love mine.

like others I have the cheapo Amazon one, but I do have a premium brand pillow. You can see where the money goes. It IS nicer. And it’s all ethically sourced and stuff, so I absolutely don’t begrudge the higher cost. But probably not worth the outlay if you aren’t sure.

When I was going through a shit storm of recurrent loss and IVF, yoga, my Shakti mat and journaling were what got me through. I’d recommend journaling too. There’s something about writing it down that, for me at least, puts a stop to the thought, kind of completes it, so I can move on and not dwell on it like I otherwise tend too.