Poly-needling for physical relief?:
Finding joy in an accupressure Pillow routine
If you haven’t watched The Fuzz Speech yet, delivered by Gil Hedley, Ph.D., I highly recommend it (trigger warning: cadaver images involved). I first checked it out this fall after a dear teacher shared it in my community. The explanation revolutionized how I think about massage as a tool for introducing movement to fascia tissue that hasn’t moved for too long.
Also known as the “bed of nails” method, using an acupressure mat is healing method by which pressure, combined with the point of each spike pressing into different acu-points and superficial fascia regions. While there has been little research done on acupressure mats, I am one among many who have found great relief from its use.
This series of photos and captions are relevant to my own personal routine using only the pillow, not the mat (the pillow comes with most mats). Clothing can be recommended- it depends on the body region and desired pressure. My recommendation is to go slow and find the right pressure for you. Do not push hard around the joints if at all. Any time you’re not comfortable with what you’re doing, stop.
Cushion pressing into top of thigh. Control pressure strength and location with upper body.
Move cushion up, avoiding getting close to/putting pressure near knee.
Lengthwise press on thigh, avoiding pressing on knee.
Inner thigh lengthwise press, avoiding knee.
Outer thigh lengthwise press, avoiding knee.
Seated calf press, needles down, pressure adjusted with body weight.
Upper hamstring seated press, needles up, pressure adjusted with body weight.
Partial glute press, needles up, pressure adjusted with body weight.
Foot press. A lot can be done with this. Feet can go single at a time, or together. Gently rolling on the edges of the feet can also be relieving.
Similarly, a lot can be done with hand pressing. Go with lighter pressure on the tops and be cautious around the wrist area.
Neck press in bridge. Place pillow under neck and slowly press up into bridge, being careful to make sure there is enough space under the chin. Slowly come down before removing pillow.
Upper back press with bridge. Similar to previous neck press, place pillow under upper back and slowly press up into bridge.
Lower back press with knees up. Place pillow beneath lower back before gathering knees.
Sacral and glute press with legs up.
Light chest press. Set up pillow, lift arm out to the side and slowly lower onto upper, outer pectoralis muscle, avoiding under the armpit.