I have long been a proponent of self-care and alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is curative because it seeks to tackle the root of a physical issue and prescription medicine is typically used as a last resort.
I have been using natural medicine for years, and as a yoga teacher I have been exposed to a variety of tools that support and even cure the body’s imbalances.
Essential oils, special teas and tinctures, massage, rolfing, chiropractic, acupuncture and acupressure have been a few of the modalities in which I have experimented and used for healing.
If I can’t cure or support an issue with one of these available methods, then I go see my MD.
One of my main go-to methods for relaxation and stress release is simple rest. I typically lie down on my back and elevate my legs which rest on a couch. Sometimes I elevate my legs up the wall for a full restorative yoga posture.
Recently, the Dosha Mat was introduced to me for self-care support. I was completely unaware of acupressure mats until I discovered the Dosha Mat.
The concept is simple. The mat is created to stimulate energy (chi) movement in the body that acupressure or acupuncture typically moves. This idea was developed because it solved the problem of paying for expensive and regular acupuncture treatments. These mats are a convenient tool that can be just about taken anywhere.
I really enjoy using my Dosha Mat. Since I received my mat, I have learned a lot about what makes the mat so advantageous to own. But first, I want to tell you a little about what the Dosha Mat is and how it works.
What is an Acupressure Mat?
Acupressure mats are foam or fibre mats that have thousands of acupoint needles which are generally grouped in discs and securely placed on top. The plastic acupoint discs are specially designed and positioned to stimulate various points on the body. Acupressure mats come in various body-length sizes to ensure that they target many acupoints in the body. There are smaller mats available that can target specific areas of the body.
Some of the benefits experienced by those who have used the Dosha Mat include:
Soothed aches and pains;
Feeling more calm, possibly caused by the release of endorphins and oxytocin, or “feel-good” hormones;
Feeling more energized;
Improved metabolism and digestion; and
Better sleep.
How I Use It
There aren’t a whole lot of ways to use the mat, so it’s pretty simple. You can lie down on the mat so that it fits right under your entire back…from the tailbone or sacrum area up to just below the neck. Placing a bolster under the mat lifts it slightly so the focus area can be the lumbar curve. You can also situate it so it curves under your neck.
I have placed it under my IT band on both legs and I love how it relieves the tightness and achiness in my legs. It’s supposed to be great to stand on; however, I have not used it that way very often. I have tried it, but would not do it bare footed. You can place a towel or sheet under your feet to begin with and when you’re ready, try it without.
One of my favorite ways to use the mat is to sit on it while I work. It feels great on the rear end for some reason, and I can sit on it for quite some time, although 20 minutes at a time is recommended. As I sit on an airplane writing this post, I wish I had it under me now!
It is recommended to use the Dosha Mat two to three times per day, 10-20 minutes at a time for optimal results. For someone who works full-time, I recommend using it right when you get home from the office and give yourself 20 minutes of quiet downtime while you lie on your mat. Taking a few deep breaths as you settle into the mat, aids in creating the ideal environment for receiving your treatment.
It’s easy to travel with your mat to local destinations. I put mine in my Trader Joe’s bag with a towel and it fits easily in the car. I’m sure you can pack it in a suitcase if you want to bring it along on your far away vacation.
The points are definitely sharp, so it is recommended that you start by keeping your clothes on or using a sheet, towel or other light material under your skin until you get used to the “needles”. If you go straight from skin to needles, you might be pretty uncomfortable; however, if you have a high “pain” tolerance, it could be worth your while to go “naked” while laying on the mat.
This is my set up at home…the mat is placed on a Mexican blanket under a bolster with a pillow for my head! You can’t see it in this picture; however, there is a couch on the low end of the blanket where I elevate my legs to relax whenever I feel the need. Sometimes I listen to music or a meditation in Insight Timer.
I love the how this mat is made!
According to their website, the mats are “unparalleled in quality and are 100% eco-friendly. Each mat is carefully handmade using the highest-quality, hypoallergenic natural linen. Each mat also contains a removable cushion made of 100% natural coconut fibre. Our mats also feature more than 4,500 high-quality acupressure points in the beautiful shape of lotus flowers. These unique acupressure points are made of toxic-free surgical plastic and have been ergonomically engineered to have the greatest relaxation and healing effects.” I like buying eco-friendly products and as a yoga teacher, I love the lotus design of the points!
I also love the color choices – aqua and lavender – two of my favorite colors!
This Dosha Mat makes a really nice gift for the family member or friend who is into alternative medicine.
It’s priced right at under $100 so it won’t break the bank, and that seems really affordable to me. It sure beats paying $75-$120 per acupuncture session. I do believe that a well-trained acupuncturist can help you with specific issues and know the specific paths in which to influence the movement of chi, so I don’t recommend giving up acupuncture altogether. Use the Dosha Mat in between those times when you need some critical acupuncture care.
If you get a Dosha Mat, let me know how you like it! I don’t sell them, but I do recommend this product because it is very well made and I believe it would make a great addition to any self-care toolbox.
Go ahead…check out the Dosha Mat and see for yourself if it would be a great fit for your self-care routines.