Spiky massage ball: how to use it on your feet, hands and neck

What is a spiky massage ball?

A spiky massage ball is a small ball covered in spikes that you roll against your body to get point-by-point pressure on the skin. The principle is the same as for an acupressure mat: the pressure is spread over many small points instead of one large surface.

Most spiky balls are made of soft or semi-hard plastic or rubber. The Shakti Wonderball is made of 100% brass, hand-cast and hand-polished, with 658 spikes on a ball about 6.5 cm in diameter. The brass makes it hard and heavy for its size – 200 grams – and the spikes are sharper than on a rubber ball.

That means you need less pressure than with a soft ball. Start lightly and increase once you know how the spikes feel – that is also the advice that comes with the ball.

How do you use a massage ball on your feet?

The soles of your feet are one of the three places the ball is made for. You can sit or stand and roll the sole of your foot over the ball, from the ball of the foot to the heel.

Sitting makes the pressure easiest to control, since only part of the leg's weight rests on the ball. Standing increases the pressure, so start seated.

The ball gives concentrated pressure that you move wherever you want: under the ball of the foot, along the arch or against the heel. You decide where and for how long.

If you would rather have spikes under the whole sole at once, an acupressure mat or the Shakti Footpad is a better fit. Then you stand or sit still and let the spikes work against the whole foot – we cover that in our guide to acupressure mats for the feet.

1. Place the cork mat on the floor and the ball on the mat, so the spikes roll against cork instead of a hard floor.
2. Sit down and put one foot on the ball.
3. Roll slowly back and forth from the ball of the foot to the heel, with light pressure.
4. Increase the pressure gradually by leaning forward, or stand up once you are used to it.
5. Switch feet after a few minutes.

How do you use the ball on your hands?

Your hands are the second place. Put the ball between your palms and roll it around with light pressure, or roll it over your wrist.

This is the ball's most discreet use. It takes no space and works at your desk, on the sofa or while travelling. The ball weighs 200 grams and is about 6.5 cm in diameter, so it fits in one hand and in a bag.

One tip is to keep the ball out on your desk or bedside table in its cork stand. What you can see gets used, and short breaks with the ball happen without you having to plan them.

Can you use the massage ball on your jaw and neck?

Yes. The third place is the face, jaw and neck. Roll the ball slowly along the jawline, over the temples and down the neck, with lighter pressure than on your feet – the spikes are clearly felt on the face. Keep the ball away from your eyes.

The neck is easiest to reach by holding the ball in your hand and rolling it along the sides of the neck and over the shoulders.

If you would rather lie down and rest your neck on the spikes, an acupressure pillow is a better fit. We cover that in our guide to acupressure for the neck.

How hard and how long should you roll?

Start with light pressure if you are new, and increase the intensity once you are used to it. That is the ball's own instruction, and it applies to all three places.

A session with the ball does not need to be long. The ball is made for short breaks: a few minutes at a time is enough, wherever you are.

The first sensation is sharp, and the brass spikes make it more distinct than on a soft ball. The skin may turn slightly red where you have rolled. If it feels unpleasant, reduce the pressure or stop.

How do you care for a brass massage ball?

The brass is chosen for sharpness and durability, but the spikes can go blunt if rolled against hard surfaces. So only roll against skin, a mat or the cork mat – never directly against a desk or the floor.

Wipe the ball with a slightly damp cloth and dry it thoroughly afterwards. Avoid harsh chemicals. Wipe the cork mat and stand with a slightly damp cloth too, but avoid water, soap and salt water on the cork.

The brass is of TÜV-tested quality, with no lead and no nickel. Every Wonderball is hand-cast in Noida in India and hand-polished, at a facility certified to SA8000 and Sedex SMETA.

Who should not use a spiky massage ball?

The Wonderball is one of the Shakti mat's accessories, and the same rules apply to the ball as to the mat. Neuropathy with reduced sensation is on the list for a reason that matters especially when you roll the ball under the sole of your foot: it can affect your ability to feel the sharpness of the spikes. That's why we quote our FAQ word for word: “Do not use the Shakti mat or its accessories if you have any of the following conditions:”

Coagulation problems or if you're taking blood-thinning medication. The Shakti mat can affect circulation and is therefore not recommended for people with circulation-related and/or blood coagulation problems.

Epilepsy – The Shakti mat is covered with thousands of sharp spikes and could be dangerous if a person has a seizure whilst using it.

Significant skin damage in the area where you intend to use the mat, including pronounced skin inflammation or large papillomas. Certain skin conditions may be worsened by the mat.

Neuropathy with loss of sensation or reduced sensation, as this can affect your ability to feel the sharpness of the spikes.

Pregnancy – Certain acupressure points are sometimes used to naturally induce labour.

Cardiovascular conditions – The Shakti mat can affect circulation and is therefore not recommended for people with heart and circulatory problems.

Thrombophlebitis – see coagulation problems and cardiovascular conditions above.

Fever or other acute illness.

If you have any other medical condition or illness, we recommend you consult your doctor before using the product. If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before use.