What is a denim mat and what is it good for?

If you’re looking for ways to relax physically and mentally, you’ve probably come across it: the denim mat. A nail mat is also called an acupressure mat. As this name suggests, the nail mat is linked to all kinds of benefits that you also find in acupuncture. In addition, the mat would release all kinds of good substances in your body. But is this correct? In this article we tell you what a denim mat is exactly and what it can do for your physical and mental health.

What is a denim mat?

A denim mat is a fabric mat with hundreds of pads attached. These pads are provided with spikes. The mat comes with a loose cushion. There are also pads with spikes on this. When you lie down on the mat, these spikes press into your skin. Due to the different types of pressure on specific points in the body, the nerves in your body are stimulated. Spike mats are available in different colors and with various spikes. For example, the Flowee mat has octagonal spikes with sharp points, but there are also mats with rounder spikes for sale.

How does it work?

By lying on a denim mat, the nerves in the skin and in the tissues below are stimulated. This automatically ensures better blood circulation in the places where the spikes (and therefore the pressure points) are located. Lying on the mat is a bit painful at first. The spikes are sharp and you can feel it on your skin. You will feel a burning sensation for the first few minutes. Then you feel your skin tingle and your body warms up. It is wise to build up the use of the mat slowly. Try it for a minute at first and slowly build it up to fifteen minutes to half an hour a day.

The advantages

Denim mats bring various physical and mental benefits. For example, a denim mat ensures:

• Pain reduction: especially from back, shoulder and neck complaints.
• A relaxed feeling.
• Better blood flow.
• Better night’s sleep.
• Detoxing the body.
• Less restlessness in legs and feet.
• Production of happiness hormones: oxytocin (the ‘cuddle hormone’) and endorphins (also called ‘natural morphine’).

Can a denim mat cause damage?

Given the hard spikes, it is not surprising to be a little reserved. Yet there appears to be little evidence that spike mats can cause harm. Just make sure you choose a mat with the right spikes that you can eventually lie on. While spike mats offer many health benefits, not all of them have been proven. More (scientific) research should show this. Be aware of this and just enjoy the relaxing properties that the mat brings you.