Sissel Acupressure Mat

• used to reduce pain and tension
• increases blood circulation, activates the "energy" flow
• alleviates:
• - stress
• - muscle soreness
• - reduces sleep problems

• easy to use
• total size: 40 x 60cm, two-piece, nail height: 1.5cm
• material: TPE, recyclable, washable, can be disinfected
• full instruction leaflet

The Gate Control Theory of Pain
Observations that raised questions in the then-current thinking on pain and pain management led to a new theory. It is called the Gate Control Theory of Pain, and it was initially developed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in the early 1960's. In the gate control theory, the experience of pain depends on a complex interplay of two systems (fast nerves and slow nerves) as they each process pain signals in their way. However, in the gate control theory, before the signals can reach the brain these pain messages encounter “ nerve gates ” in the spinal cord that open or close depending upon several factors (including messages coming down from the brain - endorphins). When the gates are open, pain messages “get through ” more or less easily and the pain can be intense. When the gates are closed, pain messages are prevented from reaching the brain and may not even be experienced. After hitting one’s elbow, rubbing the area seems to provide some relief. The rubbing (stimulation) activates other sensory nerve fibres that are “faster ” and these "faster" fibres send information about pressure and touch that reaches the spinal cord and brain to override some of the pain messages carried by the"slower" fibres.

The action of these other types of nerve fibres helps to explain why treatments such as massage, acupressure or even acupuncture are often effective in treating pain. The same principles apply to back pain. The nerve endings that detect pain are present in many structures in the back including the muscles and ligaments, the disks, the vertebrae, and the facet joints. When one of these parts is irritated, inflamed, or mechanically malfunctioning, a pain message is transmitted. These messages can be overridden by other signals produced by nerve fibres activated by the SISSEL® Acupressure Mat.