ShaktiMat Acupressure Mat for Tension Release, Classic Level 3 Black

The mat came very well packaged with a nice set of instructions and plent of information. There was no excess plastic used and the company definitely puts priority of using sustainable materials for the packaging. I love that I can scan a bar code to see who made my mat and the name of the person that made it is handwritten on the label. All these small touches make me want to purchase from these kind of companies. On to the mat. This is one of the more intense versions, so if you're new to these mats, follow the instructions and don't give up. They do feel kind of painful at first, but I promise, this doesn't last long. These are my personal feelings when using acupressure mats, especially this one. There is a strong sense of warmth on my back and this is due to the blood starting to flow properly. I then feel it working on (in my case) my shoulder blade where I have a trapped nerve. I do like to bend my knees up, so my feet are flat on the floor because this puts pressure onto my lower back which feels amazing. Then I start to feel extremely relaxed and have been known to fall asleep. It does help me wind down in preparation for bed so I tend to do it shortly before that. I just love these mats because they honestly do work and consistency is key but results can be felt after around 10 or 15 minutes in my case. I place mine on the floor which is recommended but they do say you can place on a bed if you're new to them, I personally wouldn't because you won't get the full effect and it's just around 5 or 10 minutes of discomfort until your body gets used to it. Highly recommend for anyone with muscle aches, back issues, anything of the sort. The design is also really nice with the black and gold.

I tried it, but I just couldn’t enjoy it. You’re supposed to relax on these mats, but it just made me uncomfortable. The sharp points are supposed to stimulate you in a positive way, but I just didn’t feel it. I really wanted to like this thing, but it just wasn’t for me. I plan to let my wife try it next. I’ll update this review if she has a different opinion.

While I really wanted to write something along the lines of, “this begins and ends with pain,” the reality is, it wasn’t really painful at all. Mind you, this Shakti Mat Level 3 Acupressure Mat is a level three, and is supposedly the toughest one around in terms of pain level, but for me, the primary hurdle was the anxiety of the fact that you are essentially laying on a bed of sharp objects. This part really was ultimately the hardest test of willpower through the experience. If you’re stuck, “take the plunge” is really the best answer I can give, as feeling the full contact of the edges at once actually significantly lessens the discomfort, and you may be surprised at how little (or a lot, depending on the person) pain you feel. For me though, as I did my 20 minutes, it felt a little itchy. A little uncomfortable at first, but I got used to it “quickly”—like under 20 seconds quickly. Then it was mostly just itchy. I will note, I didn’t particularly feel anything special beyond the perceived itchiness over those 20 minutes, as I continued writing other things on my phone to pass the time, and the redness of my back as I got up, with some sharp-looking holes pressed into my skin checking the mirror. You could say it didn’t work that well for me, really, despite the increased pain level of the mat. Now to get into the mat itself: it is about an inch thick of polyurethane foam inside a removable outer covering with the plastic spiked ribs, which does appear washable. The foam actually makes it feel like a pretty quality mat, and you can lay down on a hard surface no problem without much discomfort. This does not come with a case or anything—just the mat, rolled up, and a quick start guide. Value-wise, at roughly $85 at the time of writing, it’s expensive. Wow, even. For what it is, I’d say it’s a bit jarring for me. On a personal level, given my lackluster experience, it is difficult to recommend at this price. If you’re new to this sort of thing, I recommend trying to find out if it works for you first at a lower pain level, and then moving into this level 3 max pain if you’re looking for further stimulation. In that case, perhaps the value would be significantly higher. Ultimately, I am a sample size of one, so take my experience as but a grain of sand on the beach. I just simply tell it like it is. If you feel you need some sort of physical tactile sensation to alleviate daily stress, by all means, it is interesting enough to give a try.

Before trying the Shakti Level 3 mat, I honestly wasn't sure I'd be able to handle it. The first couple of times I used it, it felt really intense, and I questioned whether it was for me. But after a few sessions, my body adjusted, and now I actually look forward to using it. I use it for about 15–20 minutes at a time, and when I get up my back feels noticeably looser and less tense. It's not that the pain magically disappears, but it gives me relief and helps me relax in a way I wasn't expecting. If you're trying the Level 3 for the first time, don't let the initial discomfort scare you off. Give your body a few sessions to adjust—it was completely worth it for me.

Basically just a bed of needles. I don't buy hype around acupuncture but it is needles, they are sharp, and this is very portable. I won't verify any acupuncture claims however I can verify that it is very secure and sturdy. If you've ever wanted to lay down on a bed of needles this will fulfill that wish.

This is a typical acupressure mat. Lots of prickly plastic discs stitched into the mat. I don't know who can sleep and relax on this, but I suppose some people who can lay down on broken glass or hot coals can easily tolerate this. Depending on your pain tolerance, it's either going to be soothing or extremely uncomfortable. It'll promote circulation, alright! It appears to be made well, and the discs are sewn on securely. But I've always thought "acupressure" had to follow traditional Chinese medical theory (points, meridians, elements, zang-fu, etc.) or some other form of healing arts, but this is just a mat that's designed to create tiny pressure points everywhere, and that can very well work as well as any out there. But the huge negative for me is that this mat had a very foul smell out of the box--something that smelled like a cross between recycled cardboard, sewage and a garbage incinerator. It might get better once it's washed or aired out, but it did not create a positive initial impression.

I was so scared it try this level- level 3. I’ve used levels 1 and 2 previously. I also worried because I am not a small woman and the points did not look like they could hold my weight. However , I was wrong. Set up was easy. You just roll it out. The material is a smooth and silky on the one side, and the sharp plastic pins / points on the other side. It does take some getting used to. I would recommend starting with a short period of time first. It has vastly improved my lower back pain. Lastly , I have two small issues. The first being that straight out of the box this had a strong plastic odor. I had to let air out. Second, while this mat is good, there are other mats that exist that are far less. I hope in the future, perhaps they can make a value mat for those who want to experience this without spending too much.

Acupressure is an excellent concept, especially considering its proven effectiveness in alleviating back pain. I’ve personally found acupuncture to be incredibly helpful, so I was eager to try acupressure. I gave it a few tries, and it wasn’t as painful as I imagined based on the imagery. I believe it may have provided some relief, but I can’t say for sure if it’s made any significant improvement. If you’re willing to try an effective treatment like acupressure, I highly recommend it. However, I don’t believe the cost-effectiveness of the pain relief I’ve experienced has been worth it for me personally.

Should come with a health warning that going from level 1 to level 3 will initially feel like a form of medieval torture. I’ve used a level 1 Shakti Mat for a while and got to the point where it felt weirdly comfortable and even the dog didn’t mind it! So, saw the level 3 mat and thought let’s cut the middle mat out and just go all in, how much more ‘spiky’ could it be! So to clarify, the first time I used the level 3, I couldn’t see for 5 minutes due to my eyes streaming, and not could I talk due to my clenched teeth. The accompanying burning sensation felt like someone had applied copious amounts of tiger balm and deepheat then dried it with a blowtorch. But, after 5 minutes of seeing ‘Jesus’, that sensation subsides and the relaxing feeling is amazing and my quality of sleep has improved since using it. Much like eating hot curries the I tail pain is felt twice, once when you get on and secondly when you try to peel yourself off it, other than that, amazing product, worth the extra money and supper relaxing once you get used to it. 😀

Great. I love my Shakti mat. Wouldn't be without it. I sit down at my desk all day 9-5. I lay on this and it releases the stiffness in my back and hips Anyone thinking of getting one, don't think, just buy

I’ll be honest and say I scoffed at this, getting targeted on instagram….how wrong was I. This is incredible for relaxation, both physically and mentally. I opted to go in with the highest level, purely due to not wanting to have to buy another in the future. The first 3 sessions were tough…I wanted to get off after 30 seconds. Once you ride through that discomfort it’s really incredible. I can compare this to having an amazing deep tissue massage. Wonderful before sleep or any time in the day when you want to switch off and relax

I've done yoga and meditation on and off for years so I'm familiar with relaxation techniques - been using the level 3 version twice a day for a week and had really high hopes, so many reviews saying its life changing and incredibly relaxing. Cannot say I feel absolutely any different during or after 20 minutes lay on it bare skin than I would of if I'd of laid on the floor - literally nothing, no relaxation, no stress relief or anything at all. It feels like you're lying on something very spikey, the pain sort of subsides but absolutely no relaxation follows, you're literally just lying down as if you were lay somewhere else slightly uncomfortable and then you get up 20 minutes later with zero effect other than painful skin on your back - yoga and meditation actually have a effect, both psychologically and mentally - this doesn't. At first I thought ah this is like an ice cold shower, you battle through the discomfort and feel incredible once you acclimatise and then the positive feelings persist long after you've stepped out of the freezing shower, the effect of cold shock are scientific. I know acupuncture isn't real, over 2000 separate studies haven't shown more than a placebo but I assumed the pain and crazy life changing stress relief people claim would be brilliant, that's not the case. When's the last time you couldn't get comfy in bed and after 20 minutes thought 'wow I'm so relaxed now' This is the equivalent of sitting on an uncomfortable bar stool then getting numb to it after a while - literally zero benefits to the experience, just a waste of time.

I’ve been sleeping much better since using the mat