Marma Mat: The Ultimate Guide, Benefits And History

The marma mat is one of the newest trends in our life. And if I could put money on it, I’m going to say this acupressure mat is here to stay. The marma mat gets its origins from Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems of health which dates back between 5000-10000 years BCE. This 12 inch by 12 inch mat has many benefits that we will get into here. But let’s start with the basics.

What are Marma Points?

Marma points are different points on the body where energy or chi flows through. Ayurveda notes that we have 107 marma points distributed all around our bodies. As with the more prevalent acupressure therapies, marma point massages are similar or could arguably be called the same.

The discovery of marma points was a result of war-time fighters in Southern India who recognized that these points could be used to destabilize a person. However, the same points could be used to benefit people who didn’t have a clear flow of energy through those points.

Since this discovery, the marma points have been used for the purpose of health care. And in Ayurveda, they are used as a tool to bring people back to a place of perfect health.

Are Marma Points the Same as Acupressure Points?

No. While marma points are based on the Ayurvedic science about 107 points through the human body, acupressure points are based on the 14 meridians that are pathways to psychic energy according to Chinese medicine.

What is the Marma Mat?

A marma mat is a silicone, wood, or plastic mat that is about the length of your feet and about two feet wide. The mat is used to create pressure on the marma points in your feet.

Simply put, marma mats are acupressure mats that provide focused pressure on your body’s marma points.

You can use the mat anytime during the day, but preferably in the morning. The reason for morning use is to release the additional stagnation of energy that has built up during the night while you were asleep.

How Does the Marma Mat Work?

Similar to other acupressure mats, the marma mat has several points that apply pressure to the “marma points” on your feet. The action of your body weight pushing down on your foot causes the right amount of pressure on your marma points. The pressure causes the stagnant energy in your body to release and move out. Once this energy moves out, pain starts to move out too.

Related: 5 Best Marma Mats of 2021

Benefits of Using a Marma Mat

There are many benefits to using a marma or acupressure mat. And while the “modern science jury” is still out on this one, there have been recent studies pointing to the fact that acupressure points that release stagnant energy in the body. The release of this energy allows for “fresh” energy to move through and and keep the energy channels clean (for lack of a better word). Easiest way to remember is a still lake versus a flowing river. which is cleaner and feels good to be around? You decide. The marma mat is one of the simplest self massage therapies you can use to massage points in your foot and get some incredible benefits.  This includes (but are not limited to):

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Insomnia
• Sciatica pain
• Improved energy
• Stiff muscles

Safety before Using this Acupressure Mat

While the mat has its many benefits, and should be part of your morning routine, there are a few things to consider before using one of these mats. If you are in one or many of the following groups, do not use the mat. I suggest you try a different approach to acupressure therapy. The following list are groups of people that should consult with their physician first before using a marma mat.

• Pregnant women
• Children and babies
• People who have with sensitive skin
• People with wounds on the soles of their feet
• People with hypertension

Conclusion

The marma mat is one of my daily routines, and I do it for as long as it takes me to scrape my tongue, brush and floss my teeth, and swish my mouth. Once that is done, so is my marma routine. To make it easier to remember and use, just place the mat on your bathroom floor in front of the sink (or wherever you brush your teeth). Keep massaging your feet while you brush and you’ve saved time by accomplishing both!

I got my first marma mat from amazon. For an inexpensive option, check this one from Amazon or check out this article for 3 of the 5 marma mats I own! #marmamat overload 🙂

Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before using any products reviewed and suggested here.

Featured photo courtesy of thesisterscience.com

Article last updated on January 19th, 2022

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