OrthoMatte: Do the fakir - acupressure mat with vibration from Orthomechanik

Professional athletes have masseurs, physios and mental trainers - but what do we hobby bloggers do when we fall out of the saddle completely exhausted and have to manage our regeneration on our own? We look for ways and means and find, for example Fascia rollers, Massage guns, Regeneration boots and -Sandals and Recovery drinks.

Or we lie down on an acupressure mat with hundreds of little spikes and hope that it does what it promises, namely RELAXATION. We tried this out with the new OrthoMat from Orthomechanik. This is the manufacturer from Teltow, which is known for its Massage-Guns is known. So they know all about tired body parts and vibration!

Acupressure mat: 7425 spikes on the OrthoMat for the troubled back

According to the manufacturer, the OrthoMat is the first acupressure mat with a vibration function. It combines classic acupressure with soothing vibrations. The red and white device in my living room is designed to relieve tension, promote blood circulation and ensure an increased sense of well-being.

>> Regeneration: More than 10 good tips for recovery after sport

>> Fitness series: What you need to know about regeneration

What is acupressure?

With a total of 7425 bright red spikes - we didn't count them, it looks dramatically painful enough at first - the mat is designed to stimulate the body's meridian system and allow a free flow of energy (known as "Qi" in Chinese medicine).

The mat does not act mechanically on the tense area like a massage gun, but rather activates the self-healing powers and works on a physical and mental level.

The additional vibration function is also intended to stimulate blood circulation and loosen deeper layers of tissue. This also relieves tension and alleviates pain.

The OrthoMat - acupressure mat in practice

The packaging is Acupressure mat from Orthomechanik The 73 x 43 cm mat is conveniently packed in a linen bag, into which it can simply be folded back in the centre. There is also a cushion with additional spikes that fits into the bag - more on this in a moment - and a power supply unit with cable for the vibration machine drive.

The technical operation is simple: 1 button on the corner of the mat. On, slight vibration, more, even more, off. However, it takes some getting used to before you can use it. Orthomechanik recommends trying out the acupressure mat first with a T-shirt or similar.

At the first attempt, I chose a cotton shirt. The spikes were barely noticeable, but the vibration was, of course. For the second session, I wore a thin bike jersey, which kept the spikes away from my back a little. On the third application - no filters! With my bare back on the red prick plates. And the vibration on level 3!

>> Alcohol-free beer: How good is beer without alcohol for us after biking?

>> Healthy eating: Cooking - and eating - for cycling

Emotional roundelay in 15 minutes

During the recommended 10 to 15 minutes - for me it was the whole 15 - I experienced the following changes in sensation: In the first few minutes it is almost unpleasantly prickly, you notice exactly which areas of the back you are resting on the most (e.g. shoulder blades or spine). After 10 minutes, the vibration is the predominant sensation - pleasant and the relaxation sets in well.

After 15 minutes, the mobile phone alarm clock says "Wake up!". Before getting up from the Matter, the question briefly arises: How? Because the changing and, above all, less evenly distributed load means that the pain is again somewhere else. So roll sideways onto the cold tiles...

What happens next is curious. At first, your back feels slightly warm, as if you've just got up from the sofa. After 1 or 2 minutes, however, a feeling sets in that experienced village children know from bathing in stinging nettles. The sensation of pain is in no way inferior to that of the more than 7400 thorns - and lasts about 5 minutes. But then: at least I feel more upright, my back and shoulders still feel looser and the warmth reaches from my neck to my bum. Very pleasant.

The thorn cushion

The small thorn cushion is practical as a pillow if you don't want to or can't lie completely flat. However, the author wears his hair cut a millimetre short. Without the protection of a flowing mane, the thorns poke directly into the back of the neck and back of the head, which took another two sessions to endure. However, you can tuck the pillow into a thin jersey to defuse the thorns.

BIKE conclusion

Provided you are healthy and have intact skin on your back - the manufacturer also mentions a few other contraindications (e.g. skin diseases or haemophilia, taking anticoagulants, pregnancy, diabetes or neuropathies, etc.): Skin diseases or haemophilia, taking anticoagulants, pregnancy, diabetes or neuropathies etc.) - anyone can use and enjoy this acupressure mat. A certain familiarisation phase is certainly necessary, but then I found the effect after lying on the spikes remarkable, very pleasant and relaxing.

Fortunately, I rarely have back problems, so I can't say what effect the treatment would have on it. But the psychological effect should certainly not be underestimated. On the one hand, you simply lie still for at least 15 minutes, do something for yourself and can come down a little. On the other hand, the medical effect of acupressure and acupuncture has been proven in many cases - and is also backed up by personal experience.

So now my choice is: first a massage gun for the legs, feet or other acute problem areas, then the mat for relaxing. In theory, I could also imagine Recoveryboots to wear. And after that, a World Cup is also possible... right?!

Facts & figures about the Ortho-Mat

• Price: currently available at Orthomechanik for 79.95 euros (incl. cushion)
• 7425 Acupressure tips for targeted stimulation and activation of self-healing powers
• Vibration function To promote blood circulation and relieve deep tension
• 3 intensity levels
• Robust and ergonomic design for maximum comfort and durability
• Easy handling
• Weight: Approx. 1.5 kg
• Dimensions of the mat: 73 x 43 x 4 cm
• Material of the mat: 55 % linen, 45 % cotton fabric
• Filling of the mat: Foam
• Material of the cushion: 55 % linen, 45 % cotton fabric
• Filling of the cushion: PP foam
• Material of the acupressure tips: Plastic
• Vibration module wattage: 5 W
• Mains voltage: 100 - 240 V, 50 Hz / 60 Hz
• Care: Removable cover, washable at 30 °C

Questions about the acupressure mat from Orthomechanik

1 - How does an acupressure mat actually work?

According to the manufacturer, acupressure mats are designed to promote blood circulation and trigger the release of endorphins. This interaction helps to relieve muscular tension. The improved blood circulation warms the muscles, supplies them with oxygen and supports regeneration. The application can therefore provide relief after a long day or intensive training.

2 - For which complaints do I use a Acupressure mat in?

Acupressure mats can be used especially for back pain, neck tension, stress and inner restlessness, headaches and muscle tension.

3 - How long should I stay on the Acupressure mat lie?

For beginners like me, 5 to 10 minutes a day was enough to feel the first effects. That's also what the manufacturer says. Over time, the body gets used to the mat and you can increase the duration to 30 to a maximum of 45 minutes per session.

4 - Can I use the acupressure mat every day?

Orthomechanik states that the acupressure mat can be used daily. Daily use even improves the results and promotes relaxation and pain relief in the long term.