You know those days you’re so tired or stressed or have tension headaches or are just so sore from yesterday’s workout that you can hardly fathom getting off the couch? Or when you see ads for massages and think, I wish I had time for that, instead of how nice!
When Vila Mat announced its epynonymous Swedish accupressure mat, a 2′ by 3′ mat with crown-shaped plastic spikes purported to provide stress and muscle tension release, I naturally had to give it a shot. I’ll do anything to relax and relieve soreness!
The prescription? Just ten minutes laying on the mat, with the plastic crowns at your back. Reportedly, the crowns function as mini acupressure points, the contact pressure between the spikes and the body stimulating blood circulation, providing the body with more oxygen for healing muscles and organs. Pain signals are simultaneously sent to the brain that release endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller, alleviating muscle tension.
But how does it really feel? For the first few minutes, like you’re laying on these little plastic spikes (start with a t-shirt on before braving bare-backed). But after that, it just feels like there’s a warm sensation spreading across your back. Awesome!
Taking ten minutes out of your day to just relax would probably work a few wonders anyway, but taking those ten minutes on the Vila Acupressure Mat multiplies the benefits immensely.
Justin Steinhardt, co-founder of Vila, says, “All you have to do is lie on the Vila Mat, and you instantly feel better and more relaxed. It doesn’t get easier than that!”
Vila mats retail for just $40 at specialty stores and at vilanow.com.
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