What is a shakti mat?
A shakti mat, also known as an acupressure mat, is a flat mat about 3 feet long covered with small, hard spikes. The mats are easily folded up for storage or transport. A lot of mats come with a small pillow, similarly covered in spikes. I have written specifically about the Yoke shakti mat because I own one, and love it.
What is a shakti mat used for?
A shakti mat, or acupuressure mat, is used to stimulate blood circulation. It is also used for general health and wellbeing in a way similar to acupressure which stimulates various pressure points along the body, that have specific effects on your energy flow.
Depending on how you position yourself on the mat, there are many different acupuncture points that you could stimulate.
Acupressure mats are also used to calm the mind and assist in meditation and yoga practises.
Shakti mat benefits
- Encourages relaxation of the body and mind
- Helps improve mental clarity
- Helps improve sleep quality
- May be beneficial for chronic back pain, neck pain, and headache
- Use in bed, on the couch
- Doesn't require much space to use
- Easily stored and transported
How to use a shakti mat
The most common way to use a shakti mat is to lie back on it. The neck pillow can be used at the same time to support and stimulate the neck and back of the head.
For beginners, it is recommended to start by placing the shakti mat on a soft surface such as a bed or couch, before lying onto it. You could also make it more comfortable by placing a towel or thin blanket over the spikes before your first use.
The initial few minutes may be uncomfortable, but after 5 minutes or so, your body will begin to respond and you will feel more relaxed as your brain releases 'feel-good' endorphins.
Don't push yourself, over time, your body will become more accustomed to the sensations and you can try placing it on a hard surface, and/or using the mat for longer periods of time (20+ minutes).
It is also useful to set yourself a timer just in case you fall asleep!
Shakti mat dangers
- It is not recommended to use a shakti mat while pregnant. There are some acupressure points that are traditionally used to induce labour, and these may be stimulated by using a shakti mat
- Avoid using a shakti mat if you differ from coagulation or blood disorders that increase the chances of bruising or bleeding
- It is not advised to use shakti mats if you suffer from seizures as the spikes may cause injury if you have a seizure while using the mat
- If you have loss of physical sensations or numbness in the body, avoid using the shakti mat
- It may be especially uncomfortable to use a shakti mat if you have skin disorders or sun burn, refrain from using until your skin has healed
- Always set a timer for a reasonable amount of time (one hour or so) just in case you fall asleep and end up damaging your skin
What is the Yoke shakti mat made of?
The Yoke shakti mat is made of 100% organic cotton and sustainable coconut fibre. The spikes are made from eco-friendly HIPS (high impact polystyrene) which can be recycled.
The yoke shakti mat is delivered using 100% bio-degradable packaging, and a donation to charity is made with every purchase.
Where can I buy a shakti mat?
You can take a look at Yoke shakti mats here:
(This is an affiliate link so if you purchase through this link, I will receive commission).
