Varieties of massage rugs and their manufacture
The massage mat will be useful to any person, regardless of whether he has any health problems or just feels tired after a working day. A large number of different models allows you to choose a product, the use of which will become not only effective, but also as comfortable as possible.
Peculiarities
When it comes to massage mats, foot products are most often meant. The principle of their action is based on the fact that the relief surface of the device presses on special points on the feet of a person and thereby affects the functioning of internal organs. As a result, when working out the active areas on the legs, the general condition and immunity are improved. The constant use of an orthopedic device is of great benefit to the legs themselves: it helps to cope with pain and swelling, circulatory disorders and prerequisites for fungal diseases.
Natural exfoliation prevents calluses and calluses on the soles.
It should also be mentioned that the massage device ensures the prevention of flat feet and guarantees the healthy development of the arches of the feet. Large acupuncture models have a positive effect on the condition of the back. The orthopedic unit is very useful for young children. Timely measures taken make it possible to carry out treatment in the event of flat feet or improper positioning of the legs. In addition, the massager relieves stress on small feet and helps shape the correct foot.
As for the disadvantages of such devices, they are very subjective. Many people experience discomfort the first time they get up with their feet on bumps of different sizes, and therefore find it difficult to start training. However, with constant exercise, the foot quickly adapts to irregularities, and the unpleasant sensations disappear.
Views
There are many orthopedic mats available.
By device
A conventional foot massager looks like a base on which various irregularities are fixed in a certain sequence. The base itself can be round or rectangular, or it can have an unusual shape, for example, in the form of a turtle or a heart.
Acupuncture models are formed from a base filled with a soft filler, to which special applicators with small needles are glued or sewn on. Such a product is compact and lightweight, and a sufficient number of needles provides a simultaneous impact on several important points. By the way, it is the acupuncture varieties that are made not only for the legs, but also for the whole body.
Puzzle mats are suitable for children of all ages. They usually have a thicker base made of rubber or polymers. Often such massagers are prefabricated, that is, they consist of several modules with sides of 25 centimeters, each of which recreates a different coating: sea pebbles, grass, thorns, bumps, bumps.
The hemisphere rug has short spikes and makes it possible to place only one foot, so you always have to purchase a set of two pieces. A special valve is responsible for regulating the pressure. This massager is suitable for working out the reflexogenic zones of the feet, as well as training the vestibular apparatus.
It is worth mentioning that children's treatment mats have a different relief compared to samples for adults: in the latter, it is smaller and more rigid. If a child uses it, he can provoke an injury. In turn, adults are not prohibited from using children's models.
There is also a special electric heated mat such as the jade one. At its base is an infrared film, like the one used to organize warm floors and create room heaters. Smooth pebbles are tightly glued on top of it. The infrared rays emitted by the film not only have a positive effect on the human body, but also warm up the surface of the massager. Exercising on these rugs will have an additional relaxing effect.
We should also mention the massager with magnets. Usually it is an acupuncture mat, some of the needle applicators of which are equipped with magnets that enhance the effect of the massage.
By material of manufacture
As for the materials for the manufacture of massager rugs, the most common are rubber models. Nevertheless, today on the market there are devices made of silicone, plastic, natural rubber, PVC, polyethylene foam and even carpet. There are varieties covered with natural or artificial, streamlined stones.
The material used for the massager must be hypoallergenic, non-slip, easy to clean and at the same time maintain firmness, but still cushion the step. Artificial materials correspond to all these characteristics, but specimens with natural pebbles will not be able to absorb and will be poorly washed.
Top brands and models
In fact, the body will benefit, even if you buy a banal Kuznetsov applicator in a store and use it every day. But manufacturers still regularly supply the market with innovative models for self-massage.
So, the top includes Dr. Stone from Casada is a thermal jade mat for warm massage. On its surface are fixed 36 tourmaline and jade stones, warming up to 30-70 degrees.The resulting heat improves blood circulation and relaxes, which also helps to fight insomnia. The base of the massager makes it possible to treat not only the legs, but also the whole body.
Of the simpler models, we should mention the products of the EcoMat brand. In its assortment there are massage mats and rollers necessary for the implementation of acupuncture massage. Massage flowers are made of 100% medical plastic, and natural coconut fiber for the rug and buckwheat husk for the pillow are used as fillers. The inner cover is made of cotton and the outer one is made of natural linen.
The proven hypoallergenic model "Sea Bottom", which is used for gymnastics of the feet, can be purchased for the child at the pharmacy. The embossed surface of the massager imitates the silhouettes of seahorses against a background of sand, small pebbles and seashells. The basic massager has a mild therapeutic effect.
For adults, the budget model "Comfort" is suitablecoping with foot massage.
Secrets of choice
To choose a suitable rug, you need to decide for whom it is intended - a child or an adult, since they differ not only in size. You can buy a children's model only after consulting an orthopedist. For babies from 1.5 to 2 years old, varieties with soft elements are more suitable, and the older the child becomes, the tougher the rugs can be. This means that for the smallest it is worth buying softer rubber covers, and after two years you can switch to silicone models.
Of course, it is better to choose those samples that are easy to wash and dry, and also do not cause difficulties with cleaning the gaps between needles or villi. For example, for children, the model "Footprints" is produced from rubber based on natural rubber and the "Bear" model, imitating coastal pebbles. Puzzle "Pebbles" allows you to connect several modules with different surface rigidity.
It should be remembered that a baby under 2 years old can slip on solid, rounded products. Children after three years need a more active foot massage. The shape and dimensions must be appropriate for the age, otherwise too small devices will restrict the movement of an older child.
For adults, doctors recommend purchasing orthopedic massagers made of materials of increased rigidity, for example, pebbles or wood. Also, acupuncture varieties are especially useful for them, allowing them to work not only the feet, but also the whole body.
For people with sensitive feet, mats with a soft massage effect, for example, made of silicone, are suitable. In all cases, the product must not be toxic and emit chemical odors.
How to use it correctly?
It is strictly forbidden to use a massage mat if fungal diseases, inflammations or wounds are found on the soles. In addition, make sure that there are no restrictions from the orthopedist, including with ankle instability.
The massage mat is laid out on a straight and firm surface that has been cleared of the carpet. You should stand on the orthopedic device with bare feet, after which you can proceed to various exercises. The duration of the classes is selected depending on your own condition and goals, starting from 5 minutes a day.
If the massager is intended for the back, then it will be enough to just lie on it for 10 to 20 minutes daily.
If dull pain appears while on the mat, the procedure ends immediately. Warming up of the feet must be included in the workout: walking on the massager with hands on the belt. Then it's time to move on to alternating walking on the inner and outer sides of the foot, rolling from toes to heel and moving on heels and toes at different rates.When the above exercises are no longer difficult, you can run on the rug, squat, move in single file, or even jump.
For a child, exercise on a massage mat should not exceed 15-30 minutes per day. After the active phase, the child can perform several exercises while sitting: connect the feet, bend the toes and perform a circular slide on the surface.
How to do it yourself?
You can make a high-quality massage rug yourself, using a variety of improvised items. As the base of a homemade rug, a sufficiently strong material should be used that will retain its shape even with active use. For example, it could be a plastic board covered with felt, laminate flooring, a piece of rubber or a standard yoga mat, an old blanket, or a fabric like jeans.
The massage elements can be buttons, pebbles, smooth stones, beans, ribbons and strings of varying density, or champagne corks. Plastic bottle caps, wooden and acrylic beads, pencils and curtain rings are often sewn onto the base. Even unexpected details like hot coasters, dishwashing sponges and curlers - anything you can sew on will do.
Adhesives often include coffee beans, dry peas, walnut shells and wooden cubes. If desired, it is possible to sew small bags filled with sand or grains into the bedding.
The whole work is very simple: first, the base is prepared, and then homemade applicators are fixed on it. If there is no time to fasten each individual detail, then you can sew a pocket to the base and place figures in it. Before classes, it will be enough just to spread them out on the base.
When creating a homemade massager, you should avoid elements with sharp corners, and be sure to create soft areas for resting your legs. The size of the orthopedic device is determined depending on who will use it.
For a simple model for a child, you will need to use a large number of buttons, a thick fabric for the base, for example, a sheet of hard felt, a thinner fabric and a thread with a needle. Large and small rounds are sewn in random order with dense threads on a thin fabric, and that is then connected to a dense base. The finished canvas can be decorated with a border.
For an overview of the Pranamat Eco massage mat, see below.