It wasn’t long after beginning this blogpost that I realised that all the points that I was planning to cover, applied to me. Of course, being a writer means that I spend most of my time hunched over a desk, staring at my laptop, tapping away or if I’m not doing that, I’m on the phone, discussing my next job with someone. So, there normally comes a point in the day where I realise that my shoulders are up by my ears and my poor neck feels like it’s lost all mobility because it’s that tight. The other thing is that it really, really aches. As does my back, glutes, and hips, not to mention the RSI in my wrists and arms. Sitting at a desk, especially one that’s not been ergonomically designed, for a prolonged period, is quite clearly not good for us. 

Things that are good for us are getting up and having a break, stretching, exercise, yoga, massage, and acupressure. Trouble is, even though we know this to be the case, we get drawn into what we’re doing, or after being bombarded with an influx of emails, we inexplicably become cemented to the spot, eager to clear down our never-ending to-do list and simply forget to pause and take a break.

What is Acupressure?

This is an ancient Chinese healing therapy that promotes relaxation, wellness and easing of muscle tension. Not only that, but it’s also been found to soothe aches, chronic pain and ease migraine and cranial tension, which can, of course, be exacerbated by neck strain from staring at a computer all day long.

Some liken acupressure to acupuncture without needles. Traditional Chinese medical theory describes acupoints which lie along meridians, or energy channels in the body. The belief is that energy or qi (ch’i) flows through the 12 major invisible channels and these connect a network of organs which interact and communicate with each other.

When a meridian is blocked, it’s thought that this puts the body out of kilter and it no longer works optimally, causing aches, pain, fatigue and in the worst case, illness, or disease. Acupressure works to restore balance in the body by clearing blockages within the meridians. A practitioner typically uses their fingers, palms, elbows and even feet to apply pressure to acupoints along the body’s meridians. 

How Does an Acupressure Pillow Help with Neck Strain?

There are literally hundreds of acupressure points on the body. That’s why Yogi Bare’s ingeniously designed Acupressure Pillow has 210 pressure points. That’s a lot of points!

Essentially, this acupressure pillow works on the same principle as acupuncture. It’s covered in painless round plastic spikes that create gentle but deep tissue stimulation, applying pressure to various points of the neck where acupuncture would normally apply a needle. This results in a release of muscle tension, easing aches and pains in the shoulder and neck area.

How to Use a Yogi Bare Acupressure Mat

If you’re suffering relentless aches and pains from too much time on the computer or phone, it’s time to apply some much-needed self-care. 

To get the full benefit, use the Yogi Bare Acupressure Pillow, alongside a Yogi Bare Acupressure Mat 20-40 minutes several times a week. The complete Acupressure Set, containing an acupressure mat and pillow is your perfect antidote to a day spent on the laptop, sitting at a desk or holding a phone between your ear and neck (you know you really shouldn’t do that).

Using an acupressure pillow and mat also means that you can create a wonderful relaxation routine, targeting all the areas of your body that need help to unwind. To enhance the experience, why not light a candle, put on some soothing music, or meditate whilst you use your acupressure pillow?

It’s important to experiment with the position of your acupressure pillow until you get the right sensation and level of comfort for you. Position the pillow in the neck crevice behind the head. After use, keep hydrated because acupressure will be stimulating and is likely to kickstart your body’s detoxifying process. Click here for more on the benefits of an acupressure pillow.

Be amazed at how this ancient technique can help address 21st century health and wellbeing issues. We promise you won’t look back once you experience the benefits from using a Yogi Bare Acupressure pillow and mat.