Wait what? Yes. I said ‘bed of nails’. Okay, not a bed covered in steel nails exactly. But rather a mat covered in hard plastic spikes. Intrigued? Read on.
Are you tired of feeling restless and constantly tossing and turning at night? Do you suffer from muscle tension and back pain that keeps you from fully enjoying your day? A bed of nails, more commonly known as an acupressure mat, is a simple, effective way to stimulate circulation for increased relaxation.
History of the Nail Bed
The nail bed is an ancient healing practice that has been used in India for over 3,000 years. Hindu fakirs like the one in this 1907 photo, used them in the practice of meditation and healing. These days, its users no longer lie on actual nail beds, but rather on mats with acupressure points made of hard plastic.
Today’s Acupressure Mats
Modern acupressure mats are ergonomically designed versions of that ancient technology to model those same deep healing effects. They target mind and body tension through acupressure, making it a great option for pain and stress relief, muscle tension, soothing headaches, and deeper sleep. All it takes is 10 to 30 minutes a day to experience the full benefits of this practice.
Don’t let the idea of laying on a bed of hard plastic spikes scare you away from trying an acupressure mat.
Although the feeling can be pretty intense at first, you get used to the sensation very quickly and find it not only relaxing but, dare I say, almost ‘addictive’.
The industry standard for acupressure mats is 8,000 acupressure points (Level 1), all made out of hard plastic but experienced users can opt for as few 6,000 (Level 2) or even 4,000 points (Level 3). The fewer points there are, the more intense the feeling. You may feel intimidated at first by the spikes, but you will quickly get used to the sensation. Here’s a chart that details the intensity of each option. Source: Shakti Mat
Levels of Intensity
Does It Hurt?
Yes. And, no. For most users, lying on an acupressure mat stings at first. Acupressure is a powerful treatment, which can initially be felt as discomfort, particularly in areas of the body where tension is high. This soon transforms into sensations of tingling, pulsating, and warmth. It takes a few minutes to get past the intensity and over the ‘hump’ before being left with a sense of calm, well-being, and restoration.
Regular users of acupressure mats feel little or no pain as tension eases in the areas where the acupressure mat is applied. My husband has one and he very quickly went from lying on it for 5 minutes, to 20 minutes, and now up to 30 minutes every day. He finds it so soothing he’s been known to fall asleep on it.
How to Use Your Mat
The most popular ways to use an acupressure mat is to put it beneath your neck, shoulders and back, however your entire body can benefit. Simply lie on your back on the mat and let the spikes apply pressure to your body to experience a deep warming sensation, easing the muscles, relaxing the body and supporting natural restoration. For best results, use your acupressure mat for 20 minutes daily.
Why It Works
As well as restoring energy balance to the body through the application of pressure to the acupoints on the body’s meridians (the paths in the body where the energy flows), acupressure releases endorphins and oxytocin in the body. These chemicals act as the body’s natural pain relief. They also help relax the mind and are sometimes referred to as the ‘happy hormones’, allowing stress relief and promoting positive mental and physical well-being.
Which Mat Is Right for You?
When choosing an acupressure mat, take into account your needs in terms of intensity, price point and personal ethics. The Shakti Mat, for instance, is high quality and ethically made, making it a premium acupuncture mat that you can rely on.
Other mats like the Bed of Nails, offer more nails – 8, 820 vs 8,000 (which is less intense) use non-toxic, recyclable plastic, secured to organic cotton fabric with a melting process rather than environmentally damaging glue, and they plant a tree for each acupressure mat sold.
Different Mats for Different Needs
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Made out of 100% high-quality thick cotton and plant-based foam interior, the cushioned foam mat is large enough to fit your full back, and unlike many mats that only cover your back, this set includes a pillow covered in acupressure points for neck support and more holistic pain relief. The Shakti Mat is considered one of the most effective and ethical acupressure mats on the market.
Shakti supports its employees in India with a living wage, medical funds, and investment in the education of their children. The company gives back 10% of its profits to charities to support India’s most vulnerable. It uses organic cotton and natural dyes. The mat is made of sharp spikes that won’t go blunt and it is hand made in India, the home of the nail bed.
If using their Shakti Mat doesn’t result in increased peace of mind and relaxation, the company offers a 30-day money back guarantee. At $89 USD on Amazon.com ($99 CDN on Amazon.ca and Canada’a bestselling acupressure mat) the Shakti Mat is one of the more expensive acupressure mat options in the US, but a great option for Canadian buyers and also one of the most beautiful. Decorated with a sacred geometric golden flower of life, it comes in 5 different colors and according to their website, only 1 in 241 people returns their mat.
Bed of Nails mats feature 42 non-toxic nails on each plate rather than 25 like most other mats, for a total of 8,820 nails on each mat which stimulates more points with less intensity, making the experience more invigorating and less painful.
The mats are made with recyclable plastic, secured to organic cotton fabric with a melting process rather than environmentally damaging glue, and they plant a tree for each acupressure mat sold. These mats come with a carry bag but pillows are extra. Bed of Nails offer a 60-day return policy on their acupuncture mat products.
At $39.97 USD on Amazon.com they’re an excellent, economical and environmentally sound option. (Definitely not a bargain at $106.56 on Amazon.ca)
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
At just $28.95 USD on Amazon.com (and $43.24 on Amazon.ca) this acupressure mat and pillow set is the most economical option and Amazon’s bestseller with over 46,000 ratings and an average rating of 4.3 (out of 5). The mat is made of 100% natural linen and plant-based interior foam.
It is large enough to fit your full back, and includes a pillow covered in acupressure points for neck support and more holistic pain relief.
This acupressure mat has 6,210 acupressure points, while the neck pillow has 1,782. That’s more intense than most 8,000 point mats but still suitable for first timers. It comes in 13 different colors and two sizes – L and XL.
Before You Begin
Before you launch yourself on your new acupressure mat, here’s what you can do to temper the intensity of your mat experience.
Light intensity – wear a thin t-shirt and pants, then put less pressure between yourself and your acupressure mat.
Medium intensity – Still wearing a t-shirt and pants, use more of your body weight to lay flat against your acupressure mat.
Extra intensity – Lay your bare skin directly against your acupressure mat.
How Long Should I Lie on My Mat?
Spending just 10 to 30 minutes a day on a bed of nails may seem like an unusual practice, but acupressure mats like the Shakti Mat, Bed of Nails and ProSourceFit Acupressure Mat have been used for thousands of years to provide pain relief, relaxation, stress relief, and better sleep. With their long history and expert design, they’re a safe and effective option for anyone looking to improve their physical and mental well-being. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
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