The Shakti Mat is a portable bed of nails used to relieve pain, promote relaxation and help with a range of health problems including insomnia, pain relief and recovery from injury. It is very popular in Sweden where it is used by an estimated 10% of the population. So we thought it was worth trying – we were so impressed we now use it in clinic. Why? Because we have seen this simple self help option make a difference to many common problems that western medicine does not offer sustainable solutions to. It helps us help ourselves – with no harmful side effects.

What is it?

Originally, a bed of nails was constructed out of wood and metal nails. Today the mat is available in a portable user friendly design. The metal nails have been replaced with plastic spiked discs and instead of a wooden base there is a comfy Styrofoam padded insert within a 100% cotton material ‘pillowcase’. Each mat has 230 plastic discs and each disc has 27 points. This results in potentially 6000 points of contact with your skin which surpasses traditional models.

How the mat works:

“From a physical viewpoint the points on the discs stimulate the body to release endorphins – a family of neuropeptides concentrated in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus involved with pain relief. These endorphins are the body’s response to stress and help determine mood. Membrane receptors for endorphins are found in large quantities in the pain pathways of the nervous system. The release of endorphins triggers a self-healing mechanism in the body and blocks pain. The result is a sense of deep relaxation and well-being, even high levels of happiness.” Use of the Shakti mat also prompts the body to release a range of other calming hormones and it increases the circulation of blood and lymph. This too has a detoxifying, stimulating and healing effect.

» Read more: Review – Original Shakti Mat