I first included the acupressure mat in our list of gifts for people with back pain. It deserves a closer look of its own, because it's one of the gifts we've heard the most positive feedback about, from readers, friends and relatives alike.
Acupressure Mat & Pillow Set
A mat covered in thousands of small plastic points that you lie on for 10 to 20 minutes to unwind.
Why it helps: The pressure is intense for a minute, then strangely relaxing. Lots of people use it to loosen a tight upper back before bed.
Check price on AmazonWhat is an acupressure mat?
An acupressure mat, sometimes called a "bed of nails", is a self-massage tool: a foam mat covered in cotton, studded with thousands of blunt plastic spikes arranged in little flower-shaped disks. Most come with a matching pillow for the neck. You lie on it, and the points press into the muscles of the back, shoulders and neck.
The idea draws on acupressure, the traditional practice of pressing specific points on the body. People use the mats to unwind, ease muscle tension and help them get ready for sleep.
What does it feel like?
Honestly? The first minute or two is prickly. Then, for most people, it turns into a deep, warm, tingly kind of relaxation. Many people describe a pleasant heaviness, and a few fall asleep on it. It's an odd sensation to describe and much easier to understand once you've tried it.
Does it work?
Research on acupressure mats is still limited, and they aren't a cure for any back condition. But a lot of people find them genuinely helpful for muscle tension and relaxation, and that matches what we've heard over the years:
- "Worth buying," said one longtime reader, who owns several of the gifts on our lists.
- Another reader liked hers so much she bought a second one, so there's one in the living room and one in the bedroom, shared with her daughter.
- Readers of our neck pain guide pair it with a heated neck wrap at night.
Tips for first-timers
- Start with a layer. Lie on it through a thin T-shirt for the first few sessions, then go bare-skinned if you like.
- Lower down slowly and spread your weight evenly. Don't shift around on it.
- Begin with 5 to 10 minutes, working up to around 20.
- Try it on a bed or sofa for a gentler feel, or on the floor for more intensity. You can also stand on it to work the soles of the feet.
Skip it, or check with a doctor first, if the person is pregnant, has a bleeding disorder or takes blood thinners, has diabetes-related nerve damage or fragile skin, or has open wounds or a skin condition on the back.
Who it's for
Desk workers with tight upper backs, anyone who carries stress in their shoulders, and people who want a drug-free way to wind down at night. It's an inexpensive gift that feels a bit more interesting than a heating pad, and it often becomes a nightly ritual.
Have you tried one? We'd love to hear how it worked for you.