You may have already heard about the benefits of acupressure mats. Such is their growth in popularity, that influencers are posting about them all over the web. Based on an ancient Chinese healing therapy, it’s a modern take on the bed of nails. Acupressure mats target pressure points by providing deep tissue stimulation. This results in a release of muscle tension and is, of course, a wonderfully relaxing experience. 

Acupressure pillows work on a similar basis. These have also seen a massive surge in popularity as self-care becomes ever more important in tackling mental health issues. I mean what’s not to love. You even get to lie down and shut your eyes whilst you apply a bit of self-care. Whilst I’m in the midst of home-schooling versus working at home chaos, I must admit that anything that entails shutting my eyes for even half a minute automatically gets my vote. So, when I tried Yogi-Bare’s in-demand acupressure pillow, forgive me for being more than a little excited. I even did a happy dance in the kitchen! 

Do You Need a Yogi Bare Acupressure Pillow?

Absolutely yes! Can you believe that Yogi-Bare’s cleverly designed acupressure pillow has 210 pressure points? Essentially, it works on the same principle as acupuncture. The painless round plastic spikes create gentle stimulation, applying pressure to various points of the body where acupuncture would normally apply a needle. Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to Meridians, invisible channels within the body that carry energy or ‘Ch’I’. The belief is that when these become blocked, or out of kilter, the person becomes sick, tired and off balance. Acupressure applies pressure along these meridians to restore balance.

Whether or not you believe in traditional Chinese medicine, there’s no doubt that acupressure promotes relaxation. Additionally, results have showed that acupressure also offers a number of other wellbeing benefits including:

• Easing of muscle tension
• Improved circulation
• Release of endorphins (natural pain relievers)
• Better sleep
• More energy
• Assists stress management
• Soothes menstrual cramps
• Soothes migraine and cranial tension
• Soothes backache
• Soothes other aches and chronic pain

How to Use a Yogi Bare Acupressure Mat

To get the full benefit, use the Yogi Bare Acupressure Pillow, alongside a Yogi Bare Acupressure Mat 20-40 minutes several times a week. The addition of an acupressure pillow and mat creates the perfect opportunity for a relaxation routine. If you’re planning to use it in the morning, try listening to a morning meditation or positive affirmations whilst using your pillow. For an evening session, why not take a bath then light an aromatherapy candle like Scentered’s De Stress Aromatherapy Ritual Candle before using your acupressure pillow. Alternatively, drop a few essential oils on your pillow. Lavender, Geranium, Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile, Clary Sage or Patchouli are all great for promoting relaxation and sleep and easing muscle tension.

Don’t be scared to experiment on the acupressure pillow until you get the right sensation for you. After all, you’re going to be using the pillow for a while so it should feel comfortable. To get the correct position, the pillow should be positioned in the neck crevice behind the head. Many users who use an acupressure mat and pillow together like to position their legs up the wall as this provides extra support and feels wonderfully soothing. Don’t forget to drink lots of water because acupressure will kickstart the detoxifying process, so toxins need to be flushed out.

The global pandemic has highlighted the need to look after ourselves that little bit more. Work, childcare, socialising. They all get in the way sometimes. Self-care continuously gets pushed to the bottom of our priorities. It’s so important though to remember that time spent on self-care is time spent well. An acupressure pillow is an excellent way to switch off from social media and daily pressures and, improve our wellbeing, all from the comfort of our home, on our own terms.