Long COVID and Fibromyalgia. If data and is to be believed, then the difference between both conditions is really negligible. However, despite COVID being a relatively new illness and there being a lot still, we don’t know about it. It stands to reason that there isn’t anyone way to treat the symptoms and alleviate the condition.

However, with the two being so similar in symptoms, it would lead you to believe that what would work for me would work for another, right? At this time, I am living with my Fibromyalgia symptoms and in the recovery phase of covid, meaning that on principle, due to my one physiology, it is simply taking longer for me to recover.

This has meant that I have been stuck at home for almost two months, resting, recuperating, recovering and waiting for my body to finally get over covid and let me get back to usual.

Except it doesn’t seem to want to. Misery loves company, as they say, and apparently so does Fibromyalgia. During one late-night google search on ways to help aid my covid recovery, I came across an article that was exploring the health benefits of using an acupressure mat to help rest your body’s natural energy and physiology.

The more I read, the more I decided it was worth looking into. Then I realised I have actually owned one for nearly a year now. The brain fog is something I could definitely use some help with. So out the mat came.

My acupuncture mat is one of my best lockdown 1.0 purchases. Randomly popping up on my recommended products list on Amazon, I was instantly curious and thought, why not.

What is an Acupressure Mat?

My mat is a small green mat with a foam insert covered in many round plastic dots with spikes. It also comes with a small half-moon pillow covered with the same plastic spikes. The half-moon cushion is ideal for the shoulder, neck and base of your spine.

The idea is that the spikes replace the need to use needles as you would expect in acupuncture, but instead of piercing the skin, they use pressure to alleviate the pain. By applying the spikes to your body at a pressure level you are comfortable with, the spikes will draw blood to the pressure points where the spikes come into contact with the skin.

The pressure then stimulates the pressure points and releases endorphins to reduce tension, stress and reduce pain levels.

Much in the same way acupuncture works by following traditional Chinese therapy, the acupressure mat is a less invasive and cheaper alternative to acupuncture.

While there hasn’t been much in the way of studies to prove or disprove the benefits of using an acupressure mat, there are many anecdotal reviews online from people who have purchased such mats and rave about the benefits they have noticed since using the mat.

How do you use an acupressure mat?

All you need to do is to lay the mat somewhere comfortable so that you can apply direct pressure to your body from the spikes. For first time users, or those with sensitivities, such as Fibromyalgia or sciatic pain, it may be useful to use sitting in a chair where you can easily adjust the amount of pressure your body places on the mat.

The first time I used the mat, it was in a zero gravity recliner. Then I moved straight to the floor. You can use the mat on any surface you feel comfortable on, sitting down or lying. You can choose how much pressure is applied by varying what you do or don’t wear when using the mat. At first, you may prefer to use the mat wearing loose clothing.

Lie on the mat for at least 5 minutes. It will hurt at first, especially for your first time using it. However, if you can stick with it, you will notice you don’t actually feel the spikes anymore and instead notice a warm feeling where the blood is rushing to your pressure points once the first five minutes pass.

Many people can comfortably use the mat for longer than 5-10 minutes. Personally, I prefer 10-15 minutes, and you really do stop feeling the spikes after the first five minutes.

These days, I lie on the mat in my underwear on the floor as I need the firm base the floor provides to distribute my weight evenly and hit the pressure points properly.

When I first used the mat, my main pain point was my neck and one of the major fibromyalgia pressure points. I could only move it in certain ways, and particular positions caused a lot of pain. After the first 2-3 uses, this pain went completely. Not permanently, but for a few weeks without the use of the mat.

I’ve never been able to commit to using it daily for long periods, so I notice the results last for a few days to weeks, depending on the area and pain level. But for me, it is a better alternative to painkillers. As crazy as it sounds, I actually feel better after using the mat, and it really does work on my pain levels.

I don’t know so far how effective it will be at helping boost my covid recovery. But honestly, I am so glad I remembered I had it and will be aiming to use it 4/5 times a week now to see how many health benefits I can gain from regular use.

If you are on the fence about trying acupressure mat, you can buy them relatively cheaply on Amazon.