The 8 Best Acupressure Mats Of 2023 To Help Ease Muscle Tension & Relieve Stress

You may have seen this viral acupressure mat and pillow on your TikTok or Instagram feed, and it fully lives up to the hype. The mat itself is filled with coconut fiber and the pillow contains memory foam—and they're each wrapped in a linen cover, and covered in plastic acupressure spikes. The set comes with a carrying case, so you can bring it with you for quick relief while traveling or while on the go.

What our editor says:

"I'm a self-proclaimed acupuncture junkie, so I was a bit doubtful that I'd be able to achieve the same benefits from home. This mat proved me wrong. Even just 15 minutes on the mat makes me feel relaxed and refreshed—especially after a long work or travel day, or heavy exercise. While I won't be stopping acupuncture treatments anytime soon, this mat is a great way to stretch my time between sessions. It's helped with stress reduction and muscle recovery, and it truly relaxes me before bed." —Carleigh Ferrante, commerce editor

This acupressure mat and pillow set is an excellent choice for anyone seeking relief from back pain, and it comes recommended by Bacharach. "A full-coverage mat with 6,210 acupressure points spanning the width of anyone's back, no matter your size, the Prosource has the coverage necessary to soothe problem areas and surrounding areas alike to ensure complete relief. The acupressure points stimulate meridians in the back to promote circulation for quick and long-term relief," she explains.

It's the most affordable option on this list, and it doesn't skimp on quality. The foam is plant-based and the cotton is organic, and the materials feel durable. One downside is that it doesn't come with a carrying case—but it does have small loops and buttons sewn in, so you can roll it up for storage. There are a variety of colors to choose from, and it's available on Amazon with free shipping and free returns.

What customers say: 

This mat has 28,000 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon. One reviewer shares, "My back hasn't felt this loose in many years. I definitely feel relaxed both in my mind and my back. I'm super excited to use it again." Another says, "I've had lower back pain off and on for years. I also get tension headaches. The first time I laid on this mat I loved it! I laid on it for about fifteen minutes and my headache was gone. It says to start off laying on something soft. But I dived right in and laid on the floor with it. It wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all." 

It's worth mentioning that, while most stress that it's a good kind of pain, the majority of this mat's reviews do mention how painful it is.

The Kanjo Acupressure Memory Foam Foot Mat is designed specifically with your feet in mind, but its smaller design is great for any part of your body. In fact, you can even use the Velcro strips to fix it in a rolled position, for use on your neck or lower back (similar to the way you would use an acupressure pillow). Although there is no carrying bag included, it does have a built-in carry strap. If you're looking for a small, portable option that can help reduce general foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and more, this may be your best choice. 

What customers say:

This mat has a 4.2 out of five-star overall rating on Amazon. One reviewer states, "I got this product for my brother who runs marathons and struggles with plantar fasciitis! It's been a great help on his foot!" Another raves, "It TOTALLY takes away my severe foot pain. I stand on it for only 5 minutes, sometimes less and sometimes more, and WOW! Pain gone."

As with most acupressure mats, some people do say this is too painful, especially when standing on it with their full body weight.

For a more cost-effective option than many others on the market, this mat and pillow set gets the job done. It includes a carrying box with a handle, which makes it easy to store or transport, and it can also be folded and packed without the box. You can also remove the cover to hand wash it with soap and water—just be careful: It's spikey!

The brand provides videos and images outlining different ways to use the mat, including options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users.

What customers say:

This mat has nearly 5,000 perfect five-star reviews, with a 4.3 overall rating on Amazon. One reviewer says the mat provides "life changing and immediate pain relief," and another raves, "This is my new relaxation and pain relief for lower back pain, compressed disc issues, and the stiffness that comes from aging and osteoarthritis. I will never be without this kind of mat again. It is that good." 

Negative reviews express concerns over the quality of the mat.

While this mat and pillow set rings in at a significantly higher price tag than some alternatives, the company prides itself on its quality materials and sustainable choices (which moves it way up in our books). It uses only renewable materials (Certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX) and has plans to move toward zero-waste processes. It's also the largest mat on this list and has research to support its claims.

Clinical trials performed by the Experimental Medicine Institute showed this mat to provide significant increases to local microcirculation, reduced inflammation, and increased production of beta-endorphins (which help block feelings of pain). Following 30 days of usage, the majority of trial participants reported reduced back pain, relaxed back muscles, fewer headaches, and better sleep. 

The brand offers a 30-day trial period and provides a five-year warranty. Just note, these terms may vary depending on which retailer you purchase from.

What customers say: 

This acupressure set has a 4.5 overall rating on Amazon, with customers mostly raving about immediate results they experience when using it. One writes, "The very first time I tried a Pranamat, I was shocked!!! Shocked of how great my body feels during and after the session. It helped me sooo much to unwind and recharge, WOW!!! And the quality is absolutely AWESOME!!!"

This mat set is less expensive, but the company still focuses on using quality natural materials—including plant-based, CertiPur-US Eco-foam—and it isn't lacking in features either. The set comes with a second travel-size mat that can be rolled and used on the neck or head and a spiked groove ball for foot massage and reflexology. It's also one of the few acupressure mats that''s made in the U.S.

Psst: This acupressure mat is currently on major sale on Amazon.

What customers say: 

It's earned over 2,000 five-star reviews, with a 4.3 (out of five) overall rating on Amazon. People do say it takes getting used to, but many reviewers share how it has helped reduce their pain. One says, "Had bad shoulder and back pain. I was looking for an acupuncture mat that helps the pain. I was skeptical at first but I read all the reviews were great so I tried it and I was amazed by how this thing worked for me."

Bacharach says this mat is "An excellent choice for individuals with sciatica." There are three intensity options to choose from (light, original, or advanced), so you can tailor your experience based on the severity of your conditions (or your threshold for pain). The light is suited for softer massage fans, the original is great for deep-tissue massage lovers, and the advanced is best for people who are experienced with acupressure and acupuncture techniques.

Rather than using glue for the spikes, these mats utilize a unique clipped-on design—plus, the cotton is 100% organic. The company offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days but states that only 1 in every 271 customers return their mat.

What customers say: 

This mat is a popular option on Amazon, with over 1,500 five-star ratings and hundreds of positive reviews. One person writes, "One of the best 'self care' purchases I have ever made. Yes, it's initially uncomfortable. All good things usually are. The mild pain subsides to warmth, endorphin rush, and serenity." Another reviewer adds, "Just get it. It works. I got it to ease the fibromyalgia and it has also helped my slipped disc, sciatica and a hip bursitis!!"

An excellent option for beginners, this mat uses more nails per plate than standard mats—but the spikes are less sharp. The surplus of nails helps stimulate more acupressure points, while the duller spikes give a less intense sensation overall. TL;DR; if you don't want to physically feel the pain but do want to achieve the benefits, this mat is a great way to dip your toe in the acupressure waters.

The brand uses nontoxic, recyclable plastic on all its mats, with organic cotton fabric and no glue. There is also one tree planted for every mat sold.

What customers say: 

This mat has over 300 five-star ratings on Amazon, with a 4.2 overall score. One reviewer writes, "I really notice a difference when I use my mat and pillow regularly. My back doesn't hurt as much the next day, less headaches. And when I have a headache, putting the pillow under my neck while I lay down really helps get rid of it." The negative reviews are generally focused on the gentleness of the mat, which speaks to this being best for beginners.