Spoonk Space is an acupressure massage mat. We received a freebie for the purposes of this review, put it to the test, and here’s what we found:

It’s painfully cool. As crazy as it may look and sound, the hub and I both agree — this thing really works. It’s an easy to use, stress-buster. You just have to get over the scary first impression. There are over 6000 little points jutting up, ready to make contact with your skin.

There’s a fine line between pleasure and pain. When I first tried the mat, face-up with my back on the mat, I wasn’t sure I’d live to tell the tale. After overcoming the initial pain similar to lying on a bed of nails, we found that some of those aches and pains like shoulder and neck stiffness are alleviated.

It’s not a permanent fix, but much like acupressure, a temporary state of relief is achieved. After a 25-minute session, your back looks like it was hit with a meat tenderizing. And we experienced almost a light burning sensation. But that dissipates within a few minutes. In addition to feeling more relaxed, the hub has an increased range of motion in his shoulder area.

We’re on day four and much to my surprise, we actually look forward to using it. I use it to relieve tension in my neck and shoulder areas as well as on the bottom of my feet. The plastic points are pretty prickly, Spoonk advises wearing socks and standing on the mat for a foot treatment. My feet are pretty sensitive so I’m too chicken to try that. Instead, I sit down, place my feet on the mat and apply as much pressure as I can take. There’s a hurt so good feeling afterward.

The mat itself is made in an eco-conscious manner:

• available in hemp/cotton blend or cotton
• recyclable non-toxic ABS plastic points plant-based eco-foam is created without the use of chemicals (no off-gassing)
• foam does not contain any fire retardant chemicals: neither polybrominated dephenul ethers (PBDEs) nor chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are used to create the padding.

backstory:  The Spoonk acupressure mat is designed to stimulate specific reflex points throughout the body in order to: release blocked energy, ease tense muscles and create deep mental and physical relaxation.

It’s based on the ancient principles of the Indian bed of nails and healing art of Japanese shiatsu massage known for centuries to promote deep relaxation.

The mat aims to increase circulation on your back, shoulder, hip, feet, and face. And it seems to do just that, it approximates an acupressure treatment. We also like that it’s both portable and washable. Made in the USA and retailing for $79, you can find @ spoonkspace.com.

full disclosure: Spoonk Space provided us with a mat for the purposes of putting it to the test for this review.
photo credit: spoonk space.