Acupressure mat: the complete guide
Thousands of small spikes, a surface to lie on for twenty minutes, and a sensation that starts in your back and reaches all the way to your breath. The acupressure mat is a simple but surprising tool — used in Asia for centuries, rediscovered today as part of an evening deep-relaxation ritual.
This is the practical guide to the mat. If you're looking for a complete set for your evening ritual – mat + diffuser + organic essential oils – check our Deep Relaxation Set Deluxe.
What is an acupressure mat
The acupressure mat, also known as Shakti Mat (from Indian tradition) or spike mat, is a fabric surface on which thousands of small plastic discs with rounded spikes are fixed. When you lie on it, your body weight distributes pressure across these points, stimulating the skin's nerve endings.
Acupressure is a technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine, over 2,000 years old: it uses pressure (instead of acupuncture needles) on specific body points to stimulate circulation and promote relaxation. The modern mat is the "do-it-yourself" version of this ancient principle — a session costs nothing and lasts as long as you want.
Materials of the Viworo Vital mat
Natural fabric
Cotton and linen – breathable, natural, washable. No synthetics in direct skin contact.
Natural filling
Coconut fiber and buckwheat – two materials traditionally used for ergonomic cushions, giving the mat body and adaptability.
ABS spikes
Arranged in circles on discs fixed to the fabric. Rounded spikes – they don't cut the skin, but stimulate circulation.
How to use the mat: step by step
The first time it seems impossible. After two minutes, warmth arrives and the pressure becomes almost pleasant. Here's how to start properly.
Step 1 – Find a quiet place
Lay the mat on a flat surface – bed, sofa, or carpet. Dim the lights, no screens, possibly soft music or silence.
Step 2 – Lie down slowly
First time? Wear a light cotton t-shirt between your back and the mat – the pressure will be gentler. After a few sessions you can try bare skin. Lie down slowly, distribute your weight evenly.
Step 3 – Breathe and wait
The first 2–3 minutes are the most intense: the pressure is clearly felt. Breathe deeply with your diaphragm. Soon a warm sensation arrives – that's circulation responding.
Step 4 – Stay 15–20 minutes
That's the ideal duration for a full session. You can start with 5–10 minutes the first few times and increase gradually. Don't exceed 40 minutes in a single session.
Step 5 – Get up calmly
At the end you'll feel a diffuse warmth and a pleasant sense of lightness. Get up slowly, drink a glass of water. If it's the evening routine: straight to bed.
Body zones to use it on
An ancient tradition, today made simple
Acupressure is a practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine based on the same point map as acupuncture, but using pressure instead of needles. The modern mat – introduced in the West in the 1990s under the name Shakti Mat – is a way to stimulate thousands of these points simultaneously without needing a therapist. A ritual of a few minutes, repeatable every day.
When not to use it
- Damaged skin, open wounds, active eczema: avoid use on the affected area.
- Pregnancy: consult your doctor before use – especially for abdomen and lower back.
- Cardiovascular issues, blood thinners, neuropathies: talk to your doctor first.
- Children under 12: not recommended without supervision.
- After heavy meals: wait at least 1–2 hours.
The complete ritual: acupressure + aromatherapy
Mat + diffuser + two organic essential oils (lavender and stone pine). The deep relaxation experience, designed for your evening routine.
Discover the Deep Relaxation Set Deluxe →FAQ about the acupressure mat
Does the acupressure mat hurt?
The first 2–3 minutes the pressure is clearly felt – that's exactly the principle. Soon a warm sensation arrives and the feeling becomes more pleasant. The spikes are rounded, they don't cut the skin. If you feel sharp pain, get up and try with a light t-shirt between you and the mat.
How long should you stay on the mat?
The ideal duration is 15–20 minutes per session. For the first few times start with 5–10 minutes and increase gradually. Don't exceed 40 minutes in a single session.
Is it used directly on the skin?
Both options work. To start: a light cotton t-shirt makes the pressure gentler. When you're used to it: bare skin intensifies the sensation and circulation stimulation.
When is the best time to use it?
Most people use it in the evening before sleeping, as a relaxation ritual. It also works in the morning to wake up, or after sport. Avoid right after heavy meals.
Can it be washed?
The outer cotton/linen cover is hand-washable or machine-washable at 30 °C, without strong spin. Air dry. The inner filling (coconut and buckwheat) must not get wet.
How long does a mat last?
With normal care, the Viworo Vital mat lasts several years. The ABS spikes don't wear out, the natural filling keeps its shape if not wet.
Difference between shakti mat and acupressure mat?
They are the same object. "Shakti Mat" is the original name of the product introduced in Sweden by Om Mokshananda. "Acupressure mat" is the English term most manufacturers use today. The principle – thousands of spikes stimulating the skin – is identical.
Can I use it with essential oils in a diffuser?
Absolutely – in fact, that's the way we recommend using it. Lavender and stone pine are the two most loved choices for the evening session. Our Deep Relaxation Set Deluxe combines mat, diffuser, and the two organic oils.
The Viworo Vital mat
Natural materials (linen, cotton, coconut fiber, buckwheat). Designed to last. For deep relaxation, every evening.
Go to the Vital mat →South Tyrolean family business since 1989.