New electronics, flat-pack furniture, a sheet of metal spikes – one of these things needs the instructions before you start.

In hindsight, perhaps they all do, but I really should have watched the instructional videos BEFORE I took off my socks and shoes and stepped on the Aku Acupressure Mat.

YOWZA!

@socialdad.ca

I learned something today. Read the instructions before you stand on the spikes. Thanks ##Aku

♬ original sound – SocialDad

Let’s go back to basics – What is Acupressure?

“Acupressure is a thousands-year-old form of massage therapy that involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to address ailments. According to traditional Chinese medicine, people have meridians or channels throughout the body. Qi, which is understood as a life-sustaining energy force, runs along those meridians. Qi can become stuck at some points along the meridians, and the goal of acupressure is to keep the energy flowing using pressure at specific points. Western medicine doesn’t include the existence of the meridians, so acupressure isn’t part of mainstream medical treatment here.” – Shape.com 

From AkuSpike.com “The Aku Mat is based on the principles of acupressure and reflexology and works on the premise that tiny metal spikes stimulate active nerve centers to increase blood flow and lymph circulation. This reflective action reduces inflammation while triggering the release of endorphins. Endorphins are known as the feel-good neurotransmitters of the body and are an essential part of the body’s natural healing process. When released, endorphins interact with receptors to reduce pain, anxiety, and stress while providing a sense of calm, relaxed, euphoric pleasure.”

Lie, step or press slowly onto the Aku Mat to:

• Relax tense muscles and tight joints
• Relieve back, neck and sciatic pain
• Alleviate plantar fasciitis
• Lessen stress and anxiety
• Improve sleep quality

I was just talking to Connor at Aku and after I sent him the video of me yelping, he told me that “your body will adapt over time. I had a similar response my first time on the mat! Start with socks on, and from a seated position before graduating to standing. Take it slow, and breathe through the process. The more sensitive your body is to the pressure, the more that you need the release.” 

As I’m writing this, I’m sitting more comfortably and much more informed – socks on and gently resting my feet on the mat. It’s an odd, refreshing sensation. This is certainly one to take slowly, but I’m sure I’ll get more from the mat as I get used to it.

Then there’s the Aku Ball, a personal acupressure tool designed to improve bodily function in those hard-to-reach areas. 

Simply squeeze, roll or press the Aku Ball against your skin to:

• Relax tense muscles and tight joints
• Relieve hand and foot pain
• Combat Raynaud’s syndrome (chronic cold hands/feet)
• Lessen stress & anxiety
• Improve mobility

The biggest lesson here is to take it slowly. As with starting any kind of self-care routine, talk to the pros (not me), ease into it, and make it part of your routine. I’m actually really enjoying the Aku Mat as a footrest. It’s certainly making me more aware of how my body is feeling.

Thank you to the lovely team at Aku for sending over these goodies. Stay tuned to my Instagram for more on their new Aku Derma Roller. Wish me luck!