You’ve heard about acupressure, and maybe you’re a little intrigued. Your friend swears by theirs, but thousands of spikes? Bare skin? Relaxed? Sounds kind of painful—we know.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explain what an acupressure mat is and the benefits you can expect. You’ll learn how to use one, first-timer tips, and how to choose the best Shakti Mat for you.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is an ancient practice that applies targeted pressure to specific areas on your body, commonly known as acu or pressure points. You have hundreds of them throughout your body, and you can stimulate them with targeted pressure.
We developed our signature spikes to get into each point without piercing your skin. Any sharper and we'd need to call them acupuncture points. Deep tissue massage works similarly, but thumbs are relatively blunt when you compare them to thousands of small, sharp spikes.
Why do the acupressure spikes need to be sharp?
Acupressure spikes need to be sharp so they can stimulate your acupoints and target deep tissue and muscle tension. When a spike is too dull, it can feel scratchy or uncomfortable without a deep release beneath the surface. When they’re too sharp, you're getting into acupuncture.
What’s the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?
Acupressure uses spikes to press on pressure points. Acupuncture uses thin needles to puncture the skin and requires a trained acupuncturist. The great thing about acupressure is that the benefits are similar to acupuncture, but you get a broader, localized effect.
There’s no need to book an appointment, either, and you can practice quickly at home.
Where does acupressure come from?
Acupressure originates from the East, and the bright and colorful country of India. It's home to century-old wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, the ‘science of life.’
These practices have been around for thousands of years, but the first acupressure mat—the original Shakti Mat—wasn't developed until the early 2000s. Original practitioners were yogis and sadhus who saw the bed of nails as a method to confront discomfort, channel focus, and release tension. Western popularity stems from those same benefits, although the nails have been replaced with much safer alternatives.
India's connection to acupressure is something we don't take lightly, and it's why every Shakti Mat and acupressure tool is made there by hand. You can learn more about the people and places behind our tools here.
What is a Shakti acupressure mat?
The Shakti Premium Acupressure Mat is the modern version of the bed of nails, the ancient tool yogis used as a relaxation aid during meditation.
We've swapped nails and wood for 1st-class ABS and Blissfoam™ to increase safety, versatility, comfort, and effectiveness. Our signature spikes are the sharpest around (because sharp spikes = effective acupressure), and they’ll stay sharp for years of future use.
Beneath each spike is soft organic cotton that protects a spongy Blissfoam™ inner. This plant-based foam is usually reserved for premium mattresses, making it firm enough to support your spine but soft enough to sink into.
The combination is perfect for getting each spike into deep tension and unlocking what we call Shakti bliss.
How does an acupressure mat work?
Lying on thousands of spikes forces your attention inwards. The initial "Ouch!" activates your body’s natural healing systems and kicks your brain into pain response mode.
Each spike applies targeted pressure that promotes the release of feel-good hormones and unlocks tension in tight muscles. Just like acupuncture, each spike also stimulates specific points to help boost circulation.
After a couple of minutes, the sensation fades as your brain realizes your body isn't actually in pain. Each spike releases the pent-up tension in your muscles, warmth from the increase in circulation floods your body, and after around 20 minutes you're feeling very, very relaxed if you're not asleep already.
In the East, it’s believed those spikes are unlocking pent-up energy so that positive energy (also known as chi or qi) can move freely. In the West, we often describe it as an activation of your body’s pain response, triggering the flow of pain relief chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin.
Any redness that occurs is purely from the circulation boost.
And the feeling? It’s a lot like a warm bath.
What about the different spikes?
More spikes = less initial discomfort because your body is spread over more points.
Fewer spikes = more initial discomfort because there are fewer spikes with the same pressure.
Both provide a relaxing experience, but fewer spikes are more difficult to relax into in the first few minutes—especially if you’ve never been on them before.
Shakti Mat benefits/h2>
There are hundreds we could list, but lying on a Shakti Mat boils down to three things: turning tired, sore and stressed into relaxed, restored and reset.
Tranquil sleep
1 in 3 Americans struggle with sleep. Maybe you know one of them.
The clear head, deep breaths and boost in circulation caused by 20 minutes on spikes is enough to put most people to sleep while they're still on the Mat. After getting off, consider yourself fully wound down for an epic night's sleep.
Fewer aches and pains
Muscle soreness comes from tension, microtears and inflammation. When tears heal and inflammation fades, muscles get bigger and stronger. But in the meantime, you have to suffer from tightness and aches.
Just like a massage therapist pressing their thumb into a knot, lying on spikes gets thousands of points into deep tension. The pressure helps your muscles relax, and the circulation boost helps clear stagnation.
Stress: released
We know that lying on a bed of nails sounds more stressful than most things. But when you surrender to the spikes, they release tension and feel-good hormones—your body’s antidotes to stress.
Nothing takes your mind off whatever's stressing you out like a few thousand spikes in your back. But as we've discussed, it's that clearness, feel-good sensation and deep warmth that follow, which lift brain fog and clear your head completely.
How to choose the best acupressure mat
At Shakti, we don’t have one acupressure mat. Why? Because acupressure isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Imagine a world where everyone wore the same shoes, or slept on the same mattress. It wouldn’t work because everyone has specific needs, comfort levels, and preferences.
Which intensity do I need?
We’ve designed our spikes to cover everyone new to acupressure, and anyone looking to take their practice further.
Level 1
Level 1 is the perfect place to start. With 8,000 spikes, it's ideal for anyone new to acupressure.
Level 2
Level 2 is for the bold. More initial discomfort but a deeper release.
Level 3
Level 3 is for the brave. It's a serious sensation, with plenty of reward when you're ready.
Still can’t choose?
Take the Shakti Mat quiz to understand which level is best for you.
If you’re unhappy with your purchase, you can return your Mat free of charge within 60 days of receiving your order, or exchange it for one that’s better suited to you.
Do I have to buy another Shakti mat to ‘level up’?
No. Acupressure is about finding what works for your body, which is unique to everyone. Levelling up isn't about making acupressure a competition because there isn't one. It's all about how comfortable you are with discomfort.
Every Shakti Mat guarantees all the benefits of acupressure. What changes with fewer spikes is the initial "Ouch!" when you first lie down, and the depth you get on the other side.
How to use an acupressure mat
Picture this. Your Shakti parcel arrives and you unfurl your beautiful acupressure mat. Pristine and… sharp. You look at it apprehensively, poking a point tentatively with your finger. You think, "Am I really about to lie on this?"
Step 1. Find a flat surface and gently lie down
Lay your mat on a soft, flat surface (your bed is perfect) to keep your spine aligned. Sit in front of it with your legs out straight or on the floor, and gently roll back.
Step 2. Make sure your back and shoulders are on the Mat
Your back and shoulders are the key areas you want to target, as they're home to several pressure points. Ensure they're in contact with the mat by carefully adjusting yourself so that the spikes are flat against your body.
Step 3. Breathe
Lying down on a mat covered in spikes is a shock to the system, and it's going to feel uncomfortable for the first few minutes. Remember, that's all part of acupressure, so take deep breaths and try to relax into the discomfort—no matter how strange that sounds.
If you’re new to the practice, try five minutes at a time and gradually work up to 15+ minutes.
Tips for your first time (we’ve all been there)
You might feel nervous if it’s your first time. We get it. Doing things out of your comfort zone is, well, uncomfortable. But just remember that it’s okay to be unsure. You can always stop if you want to, and you’re doing this for wellness—no one else. So, here are some of our top tips for a first-timer.
Go somewhere nice and quiet
The last thing you want when lying on a thousand spikes is a slamming door, howling dog, or children running rampant. Acupressure is a form of self-care, a time to put the world on pause and chill out. So make sure you’re somewhere you won’t be disturbed.
Wear a thin top
You can wear a light layer the first few times using a Shakti Mat to get used to the sensation. Not a thick, fluffy jumper, but something like a loose T-shirt, and slowly work up to bare skin
Take it slow getting on and off
When getting on the mat, mindfully roll yourself down. To get off, turn onto your side and use your hand against the floor (not the mat) to slowly push yourself upright. It might feel like unsticking yourself from Velcro, but that means you surrendered to the spikes.
Keep it short and sweet
There's no time limit when it comes to relaxing, but 20 minutes is a great time to aim for. When you're starting, you can build up 5 minutes at a time, but you can keep it to a few minutes if you’re new to the practice.
A Shakti mat isn’t about being ‘the best’ by staying on as long as possible. It’s about building a self-care habit, and that can take time.
Acupressure Mat FAQs
Having queries about placing your bare skin on tiny spikes is natural. So, we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions to put your mind at ease.
Does lying on a spiky mat hurt?
Your acupressure mat shouldn’t hurt, but you will experience temporary discomfort. It will feel like a skin-tingling warmth that spreads across your back as the points activate circulation. It ranges from ‘Ouch! This is prickly’ to "Where did the last hour go."
If your acupressure mat is causing you agony, it’s a sign you need a different level.
Can I lie on my front on an acupressure mat?
Yes, lying on your front can ease tension in your chest and stimulate healthy digestion. Just make sure to check in with yourself and stay on the mat as little or as long as you’d like.
How long should you lie on an acupressure mat?
We advise lying on an acupressure mat for 15-50 minutes, but there’s no strict time limit. It all depends on the time you have and what you enjoy.
The real aim of a Shakti Mat is to build a wellness habit. So, if you only have the time or tolerance for 5 minutes, do that! It’s better to be consistent each day than push yourself to do 3 hours once a week.
When’s the best time of day to lie on a Shakti Mat?
The time of day depends entirely on your wellness needs and how the practice best fits into your lifestyle. Try the morning for a calming, grounded start to the day or the evening to unwind before bed. You can even use it over lunchtime as a quick pick-me-up. Or try all three (the feeling is pretty addictive).
Can children use a Shakti acupressure mat?
While we don't recommend the Shakti Mat for kids, teenagers can benefit from acupressure as long as they're comfortable lying still on the spikes.
We suggest starting with Level 1 and using a thin T-shirt for the first few sessions to ease into the sensation.
If your teen has any pre-existing health conditions or concerns, please consult their doctor or healthcare professional before starting.
Do you wear clothes on an acupressure mat?
The ultimate aim is to use the mat on bare skin so the points can work their magic. But if you're apprehensive, unsure, or just getting started, you can wear a light layer of clothing.
