Kanjo, Acupressure, Wellness

The Point of Relief: Acupressure Made Easy with Kanjo

At first glance, acupressure might look like a mat with a bunch of tiny spikes—and, in a way, that’s not far off. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Acupressure is an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that applies firm, consistent pressure to specific points on the body. These points, or “acupoints,” are believed to correspond to pathways of energy (or qi), and when pressure is applied correctly, it can help ease tension, reduce pain, and even boost circulation.


Today, acupressure is a go-to method for people looking to relax, recover, or get some drug-free pain relief. And thanks to products like Kanjo acupressure mats, pillows, and more, you don’t need to be a trained practitioner to feel the benefits—you can bring the pressure home, literally.



Let’s break it down: what is acupressure, how does it work, and why are Kanjo products such a game changer for targeted relief?


What Is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a manual therapy that involves stimulating pressure points on the body, often using the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. Unlike acupuncture, which uses fine needles, acupressure relies solely on touch. The idea is to encourage the body’s natural healing processes by releasing muscle tension, promoting blood flow, and influencing the nervous system.



Acupressure points are located throughout the body, often in areas where muscles feel tight or where nerves are densely packed. By pressing into these points, we can activate a relaxation response that helps ease pain and stress. It’s similar in theory to massage but more specific and focused.


What Is Acupressure?

When pressure is applied to specific acupoints, several things happen:

  • Muscle relaxation: Gentle but firm pressure can reduce muscle tension and knots.

  • Pain relief: Acupressure can stimulate the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.

  • Improved circulation: Applying pressure helps increase blood flow to muscles and soft tissues, which supports healing.

  • Nervous system response: Activating certain points can calm the sympathetic nervous system, helping reduce stress and promote relaxation.

There’s growing research suggesting that acupressure may be beneficial for headaches, back pain, neck pain, anxiety, insomnia, and even menstrual cramps. Best of all, it’s low-risk, non-invasive, and something you can do on your own or with tools like the ones we offer at our office.

Who Can Benefit from Acupressure?

Acupressure is safe for most people and especially helpful for:

  • Desk workers who experience neck and shoulder stiffness

  • Athletes or weekend warriors dealing with tight hamstrings, calves, or glutes

  • People with chronic pain, including lower back pain or fibromyalgia

  • Those under stress, looking for a natural way to relax

  • Individuals with sleep issues, since acupressure can calm the nervous system

Whether you’re trying to decompress after a long day or ease soreness from a tough workout, acupressure is a gentle, accessible tool that can support your recovery and wellness routine.

Why We Recommend Kanjo Products

Here at Peak Performance, we love a hands-on approach to care—and Kanjo lets you take that approach home. Kanjo’s line of acupressure mats, pillows, foot rollers, neck supports, and lumbar cushions are designed to stimulate key pressure points and mimic the effects of a professional session. Plus, they’re easy to use, portable, and made with high-quality materials.



Let’s take a look at some of our favorite Kanjo products and the benefits they offer:


1. Kanjo Acupressure Mat & Pillow Set

Best for: Full-body relaxation, back pain, and stress relief


This is Kanjo’s signature product and a fan favorite for a reason. Lay down on the mat and rest your head on the pillow, and you’ll feel the gentle spikes get to work on your back, shoulders, and neck. At first, it might feel intense, but after a few minutes, most people experience a wave of warmth, relaxation, and reduced muscle tension.


Use it for:

  • Easing lower and upper back pain
  • Releasing tight traps and shoulder blades
  • Reducing stress and promoting deeper sleep



Try lying on it for 10–20 minutes before bed to decompress from your day.

2. Kanjo Foot Pain Relief Ball Set

Best for: Tired feet, plantar fasciitis, and arch tension


Your feet carry you through a lot—literally. The Kanjo Foot Pain Relief Ball Set is designed to target key pressure points on the soles of your feet using firm, textured surfaces that stimulate circulation and release tension. This set includes multiple balls with different densities and surface textures so you can customize your experience depending on your foot pain or sensitivity.


Roll them under your arches, heels, or the balls of your feet while seated or standing to:


  • Soothe plantar fascia pain
  • Release tight foot muscles
  • Improve foot mobility and circulation
  • Reduce tension from standing, walking, or running


Keep one under your desk, beside your bed, or toss it in your gym bag—foot relief is just a few minutes of rolling away.

3. Kanjo Memory Foam Neck Pain Relief Pillow

Best for: Neck tension, headaches, and postural strain


This Kanjo pillow uses a contoured design with pressure-point stimulation to help relieve neck stiffness and tech-neck tension. It’s great after long days at your desk or following a chiropractic adjustment to reinforce cervical alignment and muscle release.


Pro tip: Use this while lying on the floor and let your head relax into the spikes—just 10 minutes can make a big difference.

4. Kanjo Acupressure Lumbar Support Cushion

Best for: Low back support, posture improvement, and driving


Sitting for long periods can wreak havoc on your lumbar spine. The Kanjo lumbar cushion combines ergonomic support with targeted acupressure stimulation. It’s great for office chairs, car rides, or even couch lounging.


Patients with sciatica, lumbar stiffness, or hip tension love how this cushion helps relieve pressure without the bulk of a brace.


Take the Pressure Off—Or On, With Kanjo

Acupressure doesn’t need to be complicated or intimidating. Whether you’re dealing with nagging back pain, tight calves, or day-to-day stress, Kanjo products offer a simple and effective way to support your body. We’ve stocked these in our office because we’ve seen firsthand how much they can help patients prolong the benefits of chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and other treatments.


If you’re not sure which Kanjo product is right for you, stop by and chat with us—we’re happy to help you choose based on your needs, lifestyle, and comfort level. Acupressure might not solve everything, but it’s one small change that can make a big impact.

Visit Peak Performance in Buffalo to shop Kanjo and get personalized advice from our chiropractic and massage team!

Want to experience a demo? Ask about our in-office acupressure mat next time you're in for an appointment.



Bethany Wolcott

D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26

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