I just spent 5 minutes lying on an Indian bed of nails. Well, to be more precise, on a Shakti Mat which is a modern replica of a 5,000 year-old Veda tradition. The old school bed was literally a piece of wood embedded with metal spikes. The new school reincarnation is a slightly kinder version using modern plastic and organic cotton. It hurts none-the-less.
What in heavens name prompted me to buy one of these mats, you ask. According to the instructions, I will reach "a state of deepened relaxation," thus providing release from insomnia (among other things). And I need release. Insomnia in some form or another has been my companion for the past 5 years. My mom suffers from it. Like mother like daughter, I guess. So I am always open to non-invasive, non-drug remedies to get a full night's sleep. Sweet sleep.
And I must admit to a curiosity about natural ways of treating my body. Don't get me wrong. If I need open heart surgery I am not going to roll in a bed of dandelions to see if that will preclude me from undergoing this drastic measure. Nope, I'm going straight to the surgery table. But I do feel strongly that we have usurped nature's healing powers in favor of the demigod science. Our grandmothers had a wisdom that we have paved over in the rush to worship at the altar of modern medicine. I'm looking for a balance.
And that takes me back to the Shakti mat. I must admit when I read the instructions I thought "you must be kidding!" How was I going to lie still for 10 minutes on this prickly surface? I was less concerned about the pricklies than I was about lying still for that length of time. We A-type personalities don't do well with just hanging out. Maybe that's the secret of this mat. Hanging out in an undistracted, relaxed manner. However, according to the website, it's not just the hanging out but the "warm, tingly, pulsating sensations (that) will quickly replace the slight (!) discomfort you may feel when you begin using your Shakti mat." The instructions go on to say that "a soothing warmth will soon radiate from the treated areas, and your body, mind and nerves will unwind."
What the heck. For $39.99 it's worth a try. http://www.shaktimat.com/faqs
5 comments:
Ok this was not what I was expecting to read about this morning. I've also had success with accupuncture for insomnia. Keep us posted on how your prickly little mat works!
I've been to acupuncture, too, but haven't had to actually lie down on the needles!
hmmmm- i have had sandals that are prockly- like Dr. Scholls a long time ago.... but not whole bed- but keep us posted
Have you had your vitamin d levels checked? Its the number 1 deficiency in North America and a lack of it will effect your ability to fall asleep. Vit D tells your pituitary gland to release growth hormone and it also helps the release of melatonin. Also Id try to avoid computer or TV light for an hour before bed. These release blue light which is the same light the sun gives off to suppress melatonin. Light bulbs also release this but I dont think in as high of quantities.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5174319_using-vitamin-d3-sleep.html
Yes, thanks,I take Vitamin D regularly and I know about the blue light thing ~ although here I am on the computer at 10:15pm!
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