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? Many benefits are claimed for this acupressure mat, but there is no evidence that it has any effect on cellulite. Here’s how it works, what is said about it, how to use it, when to avoid it and which habits to pair it with.
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? Some people link acupressure, the principle behind the flower field mat, to venous and lymphatic circulation, but this link has not been proven. If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our guides to what cellulite is, water retention and orange peel skin.
The cupping tool that replicates pinching and rolling, 3 minutes per zone
- The professionals' technique, at home: you lift, glide, and release, and the tool grips the skin fold like a manual pinching and rolling
- Soft silicone that fits thighs, buttocks, stomach, and arms
- 3 minutes per zone, every day, always with a massage oil so the tool glides
There is no evidence that the flower field mat has any effect on cellulite, whatever the type: water-retention cellulite, adipose cellulite or fibrous cellulite.
How to use a flower field mat
Fans of the flower field mat suggest 2 to 3 sessions a week, focusing on the areas where cellulite dimpling appears. Each session should last a maximum of 20 minutes. It is also suggested that you place the acupressure mat under your buttocks, thighs and legs rather than under your back.
The first session can be uncomfortable and may leave noticeable redness. This discomfort is usually bearable and the redness tends to fade quickly. If you have very sensitive skin, it’s a good idea 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 feeling of warmth. After a few weeks of regular use, the prickling sensation often becomes barely noticeable.
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: what’s the verdict?
Fans of the flower field mat mainly talk about relaxation and a feeling of warmth after sessions. The first sessions can prickle and leave redness, but this discomfort generally eases over time. When it comes to cellulite, no effect has been proven. It is no substitute for a balanced diet or regular physical activity. If you have any doubts about your health, check with your GP before trying one.
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. There is no evidence that it has any effect on cellulite, and it isn’t a long-term solution. A balanced diet, a regular exercise routine and targeted skincare remain the cornerstones of an anti-cellulite routine.
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 and fresh fruit juices.
- Keep moving every day and build a daily walking habit, a simple activity that anyone can fit in.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for 2 to 3 sessions a week.
- Make self-massage a regular part of your skincare routine.
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 caffeine, to use 2 to 3 times a week on wet skin.
- Our Cryo Anti-Cellulite Cream, inspired by cryotherapy, for a cooling sensation on dimpled areas. It is enriched with coffee and green coffee.
- 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 help your massage accessories glide smoothly.
- Two coaching guides to support you every step of the way in your anti-cellulite routine, with tips, recipes and targeted exercises.
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Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Care.
The scrub that leaves skin smooth and skin texture refined*
*User test on 21 volunteers over 4 weeks, based on participants' feedback.
- Olive & apricot kernels: these natural grains gently sweep away dead skin cells
- Caffeine & monoi scent, so your shower instantly smells like a holiday
- In the shower, two to three times a week, massaging your thighs, bottom and stomach
