Acupressure mat: contraindications, who should not use it, side effects
Contraindications of the acupressure mat: who should not use it and when to ask a doctor
The acupressure mat is safe for most adults: in the published clinical studies (Kjellgren 2011, Hohmann 2012, Frizziero 2021) no significant adverse effects were reported.
It should not be used during pregnancy, with clotting disorders or anticoagulant therapy, on broken, infected or diseased skin in the contact area, with serious heart conditions or uncontrolled very high or very low blood pressure; under the age of 10, only under medical supervision.
The spikes do not pierce the skin: they may leave a redness that disappears in a few minutes. In case of acute pain after an injury, radiating pain with tingling or loss of strength, or fever, see a doctor first.
The spikes don’t hurt: they do you good
Thousands of spikes spread over an area as wide as the back do not penetrate; on the contrary, after a few seconds they turn into a pleasant sense of warmth and release. But Mysa is a medical device, we invented it in its modern form, and as such it tells you clearly when not to use it. It’s your back.
Who should not use the mat
| Condition | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Intense stimulation of back and abdomen has not been studied in pregnancy | Do not use; resume after childbirth, if your doctor agrees |
| Clotting disorders, haemophilia, anticoagulant therapy | The pressure of the spikes can cause small bruises | Do not use without medical advice |
| Broken skin, wounds, burns, eczema, active psoriasis, skin infections in the contact area | Risk of irritation or infection | Wait for healing |
| Serious heart conditions, uncontrolled very high or very low blood pressure | The mat changes heart rate and blood pressure (Olsson 2011) | Ask your cardiologist |
| Epilepsy, neurological conditions with altered sensation (diabetic neuropathy) | Reduced pain perception: risk of overdoing it | Ask your doctor |
| Children | Thin skin, not enough weight to spread the pressure | From age 10, only under medical supervision; not before |
| Fever, acute infections | The body needs rest | Postpone |
| Allergy to materials | Non-toxic plastic flowers, cotton cover, plant-fibre padding; the Original (green) versions are nickel-free | If allergic to nickel, choose the green Original version |
When to ask a doctor first
- Back pain that appeared after a fall or accident
- Pain that runs down the leg with tingling or weakness
- Night pain that doesn’t ease when you change position
- Unexplained weight loss
- Herniated disc diagnosed in the acute phase
- Prostheses or implants in the area to be treated
- Pacemaker (for biomagnet models)
- Recent surgery
The mat supports treatment, it does not replace it, and it is not a diagnostic tool.
Biomagnet models: specific warnings
The Magnetic, ThermoMag, ErgonoMag and SuperBooster models contain permanent biomagnets. They must not be used by people with a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, insulin pump or other implanted electronic devices, nor during pregnancy. Keep away from magnetic cards and sensitive electronic devices.
Heatable models: specific warnings
The Thermo pillow and the Hot ErgonoPad have an organic spelt husk filling that is warmed in the oven, microwave or with any heat source, for a maximum of 1 minute.
- Check the temperature with your hand before placing it on the skin
- Do not exceed one minute of heating
- Do not use on areas with reduced sensation
- Do not fall asleep with the freshly heated pillow
Normal effects and when to stop
Normal
Intense pressure in the first 1-2 minutes, warmth, skin redness that fades within 30 minutes, slight drowsiness, a feeling of lightness.
Stop and assess
Pain that increases instead of decreasing, dizziness, nausea, marks on the skin that don’t fade, bleeding. If in doubt, pause and seek medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does the acupressure mat have contraindications?
Yes: pregnancy, anticoagulants and clotting disorders, broken or diseased skin in the contact area, serious heart conditions, children under 10. For magnet models, also pacemakers and electronic implants.
Can it hurt you?
The spikes do not pierce the skin. Redness is normal and fades in a few minutes. In the clinical studies no adverse effects were reported.
Can it be used with a herniated disc?
Not in the acute phase; in the chronic phase only with medical advice.
Can it be used with a pacemaker?
Biomagnet models no; the Original and Thermo models without magnets yes, with medical advice.
Can children use it?
From age 10, under medical supervision.
Medical notice
The information on this page and on mysa-mat.com is for information purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor. The Mysa acupressure mat is a Class I CE medical device intended for home use as an aid in the management of musculoskeletal pain and tension; it is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease.
Anyone with a medical condition, taking medication or in doubt about their own case must consult a doctor before use and must not start, stop or change any treatment on the basis of what they read here. Mysa updates its content with care but cannot guarantee that it suits every individual situation; Mysa is not liable for damage arising from use of the product or the information that does not comply with the instructions. Third-party pages linked from the site are not under Mysa’s control.
By Annika, Mysa · Updated 6 November 2026
