Shakti Mat Review: Do Acupressure Mats Really Work?
Stress levels are at an all-time high, and the CDC has declared that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. So it’s no wonder that health and wellness products, meditation tools, sleep aids, and sleep trackers have become increasingly popular. Sifting through the myriad of available tools can in itself seem overwhelming!
Here at ASL Reviews, we are constantly looking for products that improve our sleep and quality of life. In our Shakti Mat review, we’ll discuss the benefits of acupressure mats, how to use one, and if an acupressure mat could be right for you. Let’s take a look!
- Last Updated: December 12, 2022
Shakti Mat Review Summary
What We Love –
- Reduces Stress & Improves Sleep
- Promotes circulation, easing aches and pains
- Available in 3 levels of intensity
Considerations –
- A small number of users found the spikes to be too painful, may not be ideal for individuals with a low pain threshold.
What Is A Shakti Mat?
A Shakti Mat is a brand of acupressure mat designed to improve health and wellness. It’s made with GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton and non-toxic dyes, a thin layer of polyurethane foam, and recyclable ABS plastic spikes. The Shakti Mat is available in 3 different intensities: light, original, and advanced.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that involves the application of pressure to various pressure points to free blocked energy. Generally, acupressure is applied to specific points to address pain, tension, stress, GI disorders, etc. The Shakti mat is designed to distribute pressure evenly rather than target a particular pressure point.
Shakti Mat Benefits
Acupressure mats provide a host of benefits, including:
- Improving Sleep
- Promoting Circulation
- Relaxing Muscle Tension
- Reducing Stress & Anxiety
- Soothing Aches & Pain
Related: Benefits of Weighted Blankets
How To Use An Acupressure Mat
Your Shakti Mat can be used wherever you’re experiencing muscle tension. Most common applications include the back, neck & shoulders, belly, and feet. Shakti recommends using your mat just before bedtime.
Position the mat on your bed with the spikes reaching your neck and shoulders, just below your head. Position yourself at the end of your mat and slowly lower yourself down. Shakti recommends 20+ minutes on your back, so I set a timer because nine times out of 10, I’m passed out after the first 10 minutes.
*I like to have a blanket over me and use this time to disconnect from technology and other stimuli. For the ultimate nighttime routine consider using a sleep mask to block out light and a sound machine to reach a deep state of relaxation before bed. Making this a part of my nighttime ritual has dramatically improved my sleep experience.
Bare Skin or With Clothes?
Bare skin is recommended to maximize the benefits of your acupressure mat. However, should you find the spikes too intense for bare skin, you can either slide a pillowcase over the mat or wear a thin t-shirt to reduce the intensity until you work yourself up to bare skin.
Do Shakti Mats Work?
Scientific studies proving the efficacy of acupressure mats remain limited, but our personal experience owning and using the Shakti mat is clear. We experienced fewer aches and pains, deeper, more restorative sleep, and improved focus and mindfulness.
Do Acupressure Mats Hurt?
When using your acupressure mat for the first time, you’ll likely feel quite sensitive to the pressure; it may even feel painful. The first 1-2 minutes are the most uncomfortable as your body adjusts to the pressure from the prickly spikes. During this time, it is essential to focus on breathing and relaxing your muscles.
As blood moves to the targeted location, you’ll start to feel warm and tingly. As your body adapts to the constant pressure, you’ll begin to feel your stress and anxiety melt away. You should feel warm and relaxed as you experience any tension leaving your body.
Some areas may be more painful or sensitive than others; this is generally an indication of greater tension and pressure build-up. While uncomfortable, this is often a sign of an area that needs targeting.
Shakti Mat Review: Final Thoughts
Since being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, I’ve experienced heightened stress, sleep disturbances and sleep deprivation, muscle and joint pain, and more. Having read about the benefits of the Shakti mat, I decided to take the plunge and purchased the Shakti Original.
Since including Shakti in my routine, I’ve experienced deeper, more restful sleep. I also use my acupressure mat for acute and chronic pain issues to help alleviate muscle tension. In addition to nighttime sessions, I like to use my mat in combination with my N.O.W Tone Therapy meditation speakers in the mornings to energize and focus my day. I’ve gotten my money’s worth from it and highly recommend it to anyone struggling with stress, poor sleep, aches and pain, and muscle tension.
References:
