I first heard about a "bed of nails" from a massage client. This client, like so many others who find their way to my table, suffers from chronic pain. To try and decrease their reliance on the opioid pain killers used to manage their pain, their doctor had prescribed regular massage. Massage is one of many alternatives those suffering from chronic pain are using to either avoid or decrease their reliance on opioids. This client in particular was especially proactive in seeking holistic, natural and non-invasive remedies to help manage their pain.

I must admit, I was skeptical (and a little afraid!) to try the product. But, if the bed of nails was effective, it would be a great tool to share with my other clients who were seeking pain relief.  The ability to manage your own treatment at home when you need it is a big selling point for the bed of nails.  They are relatively inexpensive and portable, so that you can purchase one and use it at home, at work, traveling, or whenever you need pain relief.  The bed of nails uses acupressure and research on acupressure always highlights the fact that it is a safe treatment option that can be used on a long term basis with little or no side effects.  Because it is non-invasive it can be tried without the element of risk.  And, when you compare the bed of nails acupressure mats to other therapy options for pain, the mat is a relatively affordable choice.  Depending on the size, brand and style you choose, it is possible to purchase a mat from $20.00 - $100.00.  So I ordered one to try for myself (mine was about $25.00).  Unlike my client, I am not suffering with a chronic condition.  But I DO experience muscle pain and soreness, especially after "heavy-use," like a long day at work, repetitive movements (like raking or shoveling), or intense physical activity (I love to hike, bike and paddle).

The origin of the bed of nails, or kantaka-sayya ("bed of thorns"), has been traced to the Mahabharata, one of the two epic Sanskrit poems of ancient India, written between 400 and 200 BCE. 

The bed of nails has been used in Eastern spiritual and physical healing practices.  Ancient gurus and yogis used it for healing and meditation.  The bed of nails was also used as a circus sideshow act meant to impress the audience with the performers "superhuman" ability to ignore pain and defy gravity by walking or laying on the nails.  The development of the bed of nails into a modern acupressure mat originated in Sweden.  These modern mats have several thousand rounded spikes made from plastic embedded in a pad similar in size to a yoga mat.

Acupressure verses Acupuncture

The effectiveness of the mat is based on the ancient Chinese therapy of acupressure, which is similar to acupuncture.  Acupuncture and acupressure both stimulate acupoints, but while acupuncture uses needles that pierce the skin, acupressure is non-invasive and uses pressure to stimulate the points. 

Benefits of Acupressure Mats

The "nails" on the mat stimulate the surface of the skin to promote circulation..  Studies have shown that when the mat is used on the back, back temperature is higher, (a sign of the increased circulation) and the heart rate is lowered, indicating greater relaxation.  The pressure of the "nails" stimulates pressure points that encourage the body to release endorphins, the body's very own "happiness drugs."  Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body to relieve stress and pain.  They act on the opiate receptors in our brains.  They reduce pain and boost pleasure causing an analgesic effect in a manner similar to prescribed morphine or opioid drugs.  The points also trigger the production of oxytocin, the bonding hormone responsible for feelings of love, calmness and relaxation.  Oxytocin is sometimes known as the "cuddle hormone" or the "love hormone," because it is released when people snuggle or bond socially.  This amazing hormone is currently being tested as an anti-anxiety drug, since it promotes feelings of love, social bonding and well-being.

Acupuncture has a proven effect in chronic pain management across a range of conditions.  And acupressure has been proven to improve sleep and been shown to have a positive impact on chronic headaches.  Users report that the bed of nails helps alleviate a number of pain issues including chronic neck and back pain, sore muscles and headaches, daily stress and insomnia.  All of the symptoms of being alive today, basically.

Acupressure Mat Product Review

So here's my report.  When you first ease onto the mat it can be uncomfortable, or even painful if your weight isn't properly distributed.  After a few minutes, I find that any discomfort fades.  I just feel warmth, like the feeling of sitting on a beach while the sun warms your skin.  I especially enjoy the neck pillow.  I find that I hold a lot of stress and tension at my neck and the base of my skull.  The "nails" in the pillow help to relax the muscles and ease any tension - something that I've also found helps with headaches.  Like many other users reported, I find the mat so relaxing it is not uncommon for me to drift off to sleep.  The only downside - when i get up off the mat, I do have thousands of little non-permanent marks on my skin from the spikes, but these quickly fade.

Now, I use my mat to help me relax when I feel stiff, sore, or if I'm holding tension somewhere.  I sometimes use the mat when I'm trying to meditate, to help me focus on the present moment.  Other people report using their mats differently.  One user reported that the day after long runs she would often have sore muscles.  For her, lying on the mat helped to alleviate her discomfort enough that she didn't need to take her usual anti-inflammatory or pain medication.  She found that the use of the mat encouraged her body to produce enough pain blockers to provide relief, and the increased circulation was enough to stimulate her muscles to loosen on their own.

How to use a Acupressure Mat

The most popular ways to use the mat are lying on it, standing on it, or using it as a cushion under the neck.  It is possible to reduce the pressure and skin sensation by wearing clothes or modifying your position.  Some users choose to lay back against the mat in a chair, instead of lying down fully on a bed or floor.  Others use a chair and sit before placing their feet on the mat.  The greater the amount of body weight put on the nails, the more intense the sensation.  Keep in mind that our hands and feet have the most nerve endings and the mat may feel more intense to the touch in these areas than it does on your back or other body parts.

Purchasing an Acupressure Mat

When choosing a mat, I encourage you to read reviews and choose a product that fits your style and price point.

So are you brave enough to try a bed of nails?