How to use
How to use Shakti's acupressure products
Lying down on the Shakti spikes activates hundreds of acupoints — many people find it boosts circulation, releases tension and restores their energy. It can feel intense at first, but after 5–10 minutes the tingling usually gives way to a soft warmth that leads you into a meditative state. We call it Shakti bliss.
Shakti mat
The most popular way to use the Shakti mat is to lie on it. Make sure your neck, shoulders and back are in contact with the spikes. Other areas you can try include the back of your legs, and if you're feeling adventurous – your feet.
- Start in a space where you can lie undisturbed. The floor works well, otherwise your bed's softness maximises contact.
- Lie down slowly to distribute your weight evenly. Take a deep breath, exhale, and let the spikes work their magic.
- 20 minutes is the average time to find “Shakti bliss”, but start with shorter sessions, or stay longer if you want to go even deeper.
- Set a timer if you need to return to reality, or unwind with sounds from the free Shakti Shala app.
Shakti pillow
Think of the Shakti pillow as an extension of your Shakti mat. The most popular way to use them is to lie on them.
- The Classic Shakti pillow is perfect for a stiff neck and sore shoulders, but its shape works equally well on tense foot soles.
- The Premium pillow's shape and mouldable fill make it equally effective for the same areas but even more versatile for your whole body. Place it behind an aching lower back, rest your legs on it, or position it wherever your body feels tense.
- You can rest the Shakti pillow against a regular pillow to find the perfect angle when relaxing or reading.
- “Melting” away tension usually takes around 10 minutes, but everyone's different. More tension and stiffness = more time to release. Which makes the results all the more satisfying!
Shakti Headband
Unlike the mat and pillow, the Shakti headband works best with gentle pressure. It doesn't need to be tight to activate the acupressure points around your head.
- Simply wrap the headband loosely around your head when you feel tension creeping in. It's long enough to cover all the key acupressure points – especially at the temples.
- Leave it on for 15–50 minutes while you unwind – on your own terms. Perhaps in bed, on the sofa, or why not on a Shakti Mat?
- It's not just for relaxation – wear it at your home office to boost focus and support deeper thinking too!
Not sure which level to start with?
Take our guidePro tips for acupressure
These are just some of the most common ways to use your Shakti, but the possibilities are endless. Pick a tired or tense area and get started!
The first time on a new area may feel tender, but your body adapts to the sensation over time.
If it feels too intense at first, a pillowcase or thin clothing might be just what you need to dial down the intensity.
Some areas only need a few minutes of treatment, while others, like your back, may benefit from a bit longer.
Areas that hurt most often need the most relief. Pain can be a sign that tension is stored there.
Shakti Shala is your best friend for all things acupressure! In the world's first acupressure mat app, you'll find more tips, Shakti yoga sessions and guided relaxations to give you an even more blissful and deeper Shakti experience. Discover how acupressure can boost your wellbeing and start building a lovely routine with your mat today!
More questions?
Check out our FAQ for answers to the most common questions about acupressure.
Go to FAQRead more before you choose
Guides on acupressure – how long to lie on the mat, which level suits you and when you should not use the mat.
- How long should you lie on an acupressure mat – and how often?We recommend 15–20 minutes on an acupressure mat, with 20 minutes as the benchmark – and there are no frequency limits. Here's how long and how often.
- Acupressure mat benefits: how it feels and who it suitsAn acupressure mat presses thousands of spikes against your skin. Here's what it does, what it's used for, who it suits – and who should avoid it.
- Acupressure pillow: choosing a pillow, a mat or bothAcupressure pillow or mat – or both? How they differ, how to combine them, Classic or Premium, how long to lie on it and which level to choose.