I’ve recently got to try one of these, and already noticed a few interesting effects. Used together with meditation it can keep me grounded to my body (it’s kinda hard to ignore a few thousand little spikes poking your back! ). Together with mindful breathing and doing a body scan it can create a very intense physical focus.
The spikes have also helped me with mental blocks and restlessness, and given a temporary relief to muscle and joint pains. I haven’t tried acupuncture or acupressure (yet) but I’d imagine this would be a kind of “brute force” approach to that - just poke every single point there is, you’ll hit the right one inevitably! There is also a strong endorphin “high” after getting up from the mat that feels pleasurable. I’ve heard of people falling asleep on these but I don’t think I could do that, even though it’s lovely to use just before sleep.
Have you tried this curious little device that looks like it belongs in a torture chamber?
I was picturing some kind of torture-like device, but most of them look really normal, like something you’d see at the yoga studio There were a few scary-looking Spike Mats- but it looks like these (although they have the same name) are a whole different product designed to keep naughty cats out of trouble
I read an article about Acupressure Mats on Healthline- it looks like you have to endure the discomfort for about 10-20 minutes before the good feelings settle in. I’m not sure if I’d be able to handle the pokey pain for that long- but if the opportunity ever arises, I’d be up for giving a spike mat a try!
Thanks so much for sharing about this, @CelestiaMoon! Enjoy your mat and happy meditating
Thank you @CelestiaMoon! I wonder if this would help my back? I want to look into it, I’m very intrigued. Especially if it helps before bed! Although I did sleep through the night last night, a nice surprise! I’m going to see what I can find out about them now. I may actually fall asleep on it, I fell asleep during a tattoo session. Thank you so much for sharing!
I have tried using a bed of nails and I can’t find one that made the type that I used. I’m picky. It was way back in the early morning of 1999. I was just getting into the midst of my meditation phase and it never ended. I loved using it. I had my uncle’s help to guide me. Rip but I can’t find one yet. Maybe it’s the memory of us that I don’t wanna change. Or maybe I should use that to fuel the fire to get a new one!!! Once you eventually get past the pain, it is worth it!!!
I was surprised how easily I could find them here, too! They have sneakily found their way into pretty much every department store. They look very non-intimidating in pictures (good job marketing people ), but the spikes are surprisingly sharp!
Now this one looks a lot more painful!
The spikes don’t look like they’d keep straight enough to lay on but maybe someone crafty could cast them into a plastic frame or something…
Ooh I have one of these! I call it my stab mat
I bought it to help with back pain.
The first time I used it I thought it was insane and was questioning what on earth I was thinking trying to ‘relax’ on this torture device haha but now I absolutely love it - I use it most nights alongside my sleep meditation app - it’s so relaxing!
I’d definitely recommend it. I’ve fallen asleep on it so many times
I’m happy to hear you slept well! And excited for you, I hope it’s something you can try safely and that it could give you some relief from the pain, especially before sleep.
Something like this maybe? I’d love to get one (but they’re expensive! ), the spikes look longer and there aren’t gaps between them. There are different hardnesses to them available too, and specially molded ones with straps for wearing.
I’m definitely going to look into it. I am so excited as well, a lot of things are aligning for me recently. Even my daily pain has gotten way more manageable & I can do a lot of things that for a few years I was unable to do. Anything that means NOT adding another medication I will try out. Right now I am working on coming off of 1 of my pain medicines so I am only taking the pain medicine as needed instead of twice a day & as needed. We’ll see how this goes.
I was more open to it having experimented with pain before (cough) but (call me evil ) the shock and disbelief of people new to it is definitely part of the fun!
@Limeberry & @CelestiaMoon I love that both of you call it a torture device. I have a TENS that I use for pain. It feels like pins & needs that send an electrical current through your muscles. It’s like a gift from the Gods & Goddesses for back pain. So I will literally try anything before medication or surgery.
Only in the most loving way
I’m that weird girl who looks at a medieval torture device and goes “ooh, that looks fun!”
That sounds fun too () and I’m happy that it works for you! My mother had chronic back pain too and went through two surgeries that gave her only temporary relief, so I know better than to recommend that. Instead I hope you’ll find more weird and wonderful gadgets to experiment with!
Ooh I had a little machine like that called Cefaly - I used to stick it on my forehead for my migraines! Unfortunately I had to resort to lots of meds in the end but HA that was quite the experience too
oh definitely call me evil too then because I love getting people to try it to see their horrified reactions
That should say needles thinking faster than I was typing
I the TENS unit. I have gotten a few people to try after some weird looks. I didn’t think it would work until my Physical Therapist used it on me. I was in heaven after that!
I’ve always wanted to try one of those! I remember having a cheap 20€ “electric play” thing that allowed setting an intensity and gave out electric impulses, mostly to the hand holding it rather than the target area I liked the sensation, and can see how it would also be helpful with soothing pain, but it might be wise to invest a little more on the device…
Some of the play ones really aren’t worth the money you spend on them.
Mine is a reconditioned vintage one from Austria, bought from a lovely Austrian gentleman on eBay. It has some kick to it, which I like. I’ve always been a bit of a weird relationship with electricity
). Together with mindful breathing and doing a body scan it can create a very intense physical focus.
There is also a strong endorphin “high” after getting up from the mat that feels pleasurable. I’ve heard of people falling asleep on these but I don’t think I could do that, even though it’s lovely to use just before sleep.
There were a few 
Enjoy your mat and happy meditating 
they have been added to my wish list 
), but the spikes are surprisingly sharp!
but HA that was quite the experience too 
thinking 
faster than I was typing 