When it comes to fighting cellulite, you know your stuff. You’ve tried so many techniques you could talk about them for hours… But what about the flower field mat? This acupressure mat is said to be effective for a range of concerns — and cellulite may well be one of them. Read on to find out everything about how it works!
What is a flower field mat?
A flower field mat is a nerve stimulation mat based on the principles of acupressure. It gets its name from the small soft plastic flowers — often made from hypoallergenic, certified safe silicone — that cover its surface, with pointed petals designed to stimulate strategic points on the body. A flower field mat typically features around 200–250 flowers, also called stimulators. Simply by the force of gravity, when you lie on the mat, the flower field applies uniform, simultaneous pressure to more than 5,000 acupressure points across the back.
Acupressure, a therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is based on the same principles as acupuncture. The idea is to stimulate specific areas of the skin to rebalance Chi (or Qi), the vital energy. These areas correspond to points located along meridians — channels that run throughout the entire body. With the flower field mat, stimulation focuses primarily on acupressure points along the back, targeting the extraordinary (or curious) meridians:
- The Ren Mai, or Conception Vessel, governs psychic functions.
- The Du Mai, or Governing Vessel, associated with gynaecological disorders.
- The Chong Mai, or Thoroughfare Vessel, which governs digestive functions.
- The Dai Mai, or Belt Vessel, associated with abdominal concerns and joint health.
It can also partially stimulate the 12 main meridians, which run from the feet and hands up to the groin and shoulders.
What are the benefits of the flower field mat?
Enthusiasts of the flower field mat point to three key positive effects:
- Triggering endorphin release and easing discomfort.
- Deep relaxation of the back muscles and the entire nervous system.
- Stimulation of blood circulation and nerve impulses.
The benefits are said to become noticeable after just a few days of use:
- A sense of release and deep relaxation.
- Relief from discomfort, whether occasional or chronic, muscular or tendon-related.
- Improved sleep — more restorative and with fewer night-time wake-ups.
- A release of stress and a renewed sense of well-being.
This is why some osteopaths incorporate the flower field mat into their practice.
But what about its effect on cellulite? Acupressure — the foundation of the flower field mat — does act on one of the key factors behind cellulite: venous and lymphatic circulation. Poor venous and lymphatic flow can indeed worsen cellulite :
- Poor venous return tends to make blood vessel walls more permeable. Partly filled with water, they allow it to leak into the connective tissues. Water retention sets in, made worse by the compression of hypertrophied adipocytes.
- Poor lymphatic flow amplifies water retention and also leads to a build-up of organic waste in the deeper layers of the skin. Saturated with water and toxins, the skin tends to take on an unsightly « orange peel » appearance.
Regular acupressure mat sessions could therefore help improve venous and lymphatic circulation and, in turn, the appearance of cellulite. The effects will be most visible on water-retention cellulite, which is directly linked to circulatory issues, but far less so on adipose cellulite (largely caused by lifestyle habits) or fibrous cellulite (resulting from connective tissue disruption combined with adipocyte hypertrophy).
How to use the flower field mat for cellulite?
Just 2 to 3 weekly sessions on the flower field mat may be enough to notice a visible difference in the dimpled and puffy appearance of cellulite. Each session should last a maximum of 20 minutes, and it is also recommended to place the acupressure mat under the buttocks, thighs and legs rather than under the back.
The first session can be uncomfortable and may leave impressive redness. However, this is manageable discomfort and redness that fades quickly, caused by increased blood flow. If you have very sensitive skin, it is advisable to use the flower field mat while clothed, or to cover it with a layer of fabric at first. The sensation generally eases over time, giving way to a pleasant warmth. After a few weeks of regular use, the body adapts: muscles loosen, and the prickling sensation becomes almost imperceptible.
That said, it is worth noting that the flower field mat is not recommended for those with:
- Blood clotting disorders and/or anticoagulant treatment
- High blood pressure, with or without antiplatelet treatment
- Epilepsy
- Damaged skin, skin conditions, or dermatological diseases
- During pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Stomach conditions
Flower field mat and cellulite: alternatives and complements
As you’ll have gathered, the flower field mat is not the anti-cellulite revolution of tomorrow. At best, it may help slightly improve the puffy appearance of water-retention cellulite, but it won’t address cellulite at its root. Without a balanced diet, a regular exercise routine, and targeted cellulite treatments, saying goodbye to dimples will remain a challenge.
Our advice is simple:
- Opt for home-cooked meals based on fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, and low-GI complex carbohydrates.
- Keep an eye on your fat intake and choose quality sources.
- Cut back on sugar, salt and saturated fats.
- Stay well hydrated, especially with water, herbal teas, green tea, and fresh fruit juices.
- Move every day and build a daily walking habit — the best activity for getting sluggish circulation moving again.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for 2 to 3 sessions per week.
- Massage yourself daily to help drain adipocytes, tone the skin, and boost microcirculation.
And if you’re looking for a great anti-cellulite skincare routine, take a look at our Maxi Anti-Cellulite Pack. It includes:
- Our Cellulite Scrub, enriched with lipolytic caffeine, to use 2 to 3 times a week on wet skin.
- Our Cryo Anti-Cellulite Cream, inspired by cryotherapy, which targets dimples through cold. Enriched with coffee and green coffee, it helps reduce subcutaneous fat storage.
- Our hand massagers, the Cupping Cup and the Orange Peel Massager, which make it easy to perform classic anti-cellulite massage techniques at home: smoothing and skin rolling.
- The Cellulite Oil, a timeless essential, to use your massage accessories without any risk of irritation.
- Two coaching guides to support you every step of the way in your anti-cellulite routine — tips, recipes, and targeted exercises.
