Don’t let the spikes scare you — an acupressure mat could be the recovery tool you need

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.WellnessAcupressure mats: what to (and not to) expect when you add a ‘bed of nails’ to your recovery routineDon’t let the spikes scare you — these mats are beneficial for the mind and body, and they start working in minutes.July 14, 2026, 11:47 AM EDTZoe MalinReporterSkip to table of contentsBeyond helping your muscles relax, experts say using an acupressure mat for 10 to 20 minutes can force your mind to slow down, leading to stress relief and better sleep.Courtesy of Zoe MalinIn this articleOur top picksWhat are acupressure mats?What are the best acupressure mats?How I picked the best acupressure matsHow to use an acupressure mat correctlyFrequently asked questionsMeet our expertsWhy trust NBC Selected?See 5 MoreAt first glance, an acupressure mat doesn’t necessarily look like something that helps you relax — it’s a pad covered in spikes whose nickname is “a bed of nails,” which is understandably intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with it. But as someone who’s used one for years, I promise: an acupressure mat is the recovery tool you didn’t know you needed. Within minutes of laying on mine after hunching over my computer all day or doing a tough workout, I feel my body melt into it as my muscles relax, and a 30-minute session forces my mind to slow down, too. Don’t just take it from me — all the experts I interviewed agree that an acupressure mat can help relieve tightness and soreness, reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Below, I break down everything you need to know about acupressure mats, including what to consider while picking one, how to use one correctly and why calling it an “acupuncture mat” is totally inaccurate.Selected.Our top picksBest for beginnersProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set$undefined$29.99AmazonLearn moreBest for full-body reliefSivan Health and Fitness Extra Large Acupressure Mat and Pi...