I TRIED… THE SHAKTI MAT
Lying on a bed of nails doesn’t sound terribly relaxing, and yet fans of the Shakti mat rave about its wellbeing and healing properties. Our columnist finds out more.
Itry not to pay too much attention to the Facebook ads that pepper my news feed each day. But the Shakti Mat caught my eye – mainly because I’d never seen anything like it before.
Shakti Mats are a type of acupressure mat. They’re doormatsized rectangles of foam covered with loads of tiny plastic spikes. They come in a wide range of colours, and are packaged in cute totes that read “happiness in a bag”.
And this is the main selling point: they are based on the premise of a bed of nails. Reading this, I hastily return to my Facebook feed. I’m not sure a bed of nails is quite the thing for me.
But then a week later, I actually come across a Shakti Mat out in the wild. I’m at my neighbour Michelle’s house, and she mentions, in passing, that she’s been using an acupressure mat to help with a running injury.
Michelle, apparently, has been using the Shakti Mat for 18 months. “It has really helped with my foot injury,” she tells me, unrolling the prickly mat and laying it on the floor. “I stand on it every morning when I get up. It does take a bit of getting used to – but it’s really helped me.”
I watch her step onto the mat, and later that evening I find myself clicking on the Shakti website.
I chat to Sophie Walton, a Shakti team member. She tells me that the mats are a Swedish invention, and that 10 per cent of Swedes own one. It is true that the mat is based on the concept of the Indian bed of nails, she says.
“The Indian bed of nails was used to assist with healing physically and spiritually, and to help cultivate mindfulness through the endurance of ‘pain’. Today we have embodied all the acupressure principles in an innovative re-invention with numerous healing benefits,” she says.
A few days later, my Shakti Mat arrives. I unfurl it and spread it out in front of me. Barefoot, I take a step onto the mat – and then I very quickly step off again. Ouch.
I try again, but this time I’m wearing socks – a handy tip from the instructional leaflet. It hurts, but it’s bearable. I stand still and take deep breaths. I last about 30 seconds before hopping off. Next, I decide to lie on the mat – I keep my T- shirt on (I’m a fast learner) and brace myself as I lie back.
But lying on the mat is actually surprisingly pleasant. I can feel the spikes, but it’s not painful. I stay put for a full five minutes. I later read that some people fall asleep on the mat, and that those who use it before bed have a better night’s sleep.
A week later, I’m still using my Shakti Mat. I do wear socks when I stand on it, but I enjoy the warmth that spreads through my feet.
In fact, lying down on the mat has become a daily treat. It’s difficult to know if it’s the benefits of acupressure I’m enjoying, or just a chance to lie down.