As you have learned I’m always researching the latest and greatest in holistic healing therapies. When I first read the rave reviews in the wellness world, I have to admit I was a little skeptical and freaked out. But, the curiosity was killing me and I had to test it out. I thought that this bed of nails experiment might be at the top of my list for the nuttiest ideas I’ve tried! I kept reading about the Spoonk and thought I would order a beautiful bed of nails in a bright shade of hot pink to increase the fun with this daunting torture mat experience.
Let’s get to the details …
This acupressure mat arrived in 2 days (thank you Amazon Prime!) and appeared to look like the bottom of my golf shoe…YIKES! The Spoonk mat consists of small plastic nodes, containing a total of 6,210 stimulation nails. This exact number of points is enough to distribute your weight across them safely when you lie on it. Trust me I have been laying on mine for 5 years now and have had no injuries to report! The Spoonk was invented in Sweden though it comes from the healing practices of acupressure, which originates in India then later developed in Japan as Shiatsu massage.
I’m a big fan of acupuncture and all the incredible healing benefits, but I don’t have the time or money to get acupuncture every week. This was all the more reason for my interest in a similar therapy to enjoy in the comfort of my home every night.
Let me woo you with the benefits…
Induces sleepiness
Promotes better blood circulation
Helps to relieve back and neck pain, muscular tension, aches, and pains
Increases relaxation and reduces stress
Increases energy levels and helps with fatigue
Helps stabilize digestion issues
Increases the release of endorphins and oxytocin “feel good or happy” hormones
Are you still with me?
Ok, here’s what to do and expect. I recommend placing your mat on the bed 20 minutes prior to bedtime. Place your favorite reading material next to the mat. From the base of the tailbone gently roll on to the mat and slowly lower the rest of the body. The mat should range from your tailbone to the base of your neck or shoulders, depending on your height. It’s completely normal to feel uncomfortable at first, go ahead and cuss my name out loud! Grab your reading material or simply mediate for a distraction.
Miraculously in about 1-2 minutes, with the increase in blood flow to your neck and back you will notice a warm feeling and will relax into the mat. Your body literally melts into the tiny points, this is when the magic happens. Time goes by and you forget you are even laying on the torture mat. This is a sign that it is working! The instructions for my bed of nails recommended laying still on the mat for just a few minutes the first time, slowly increasing the time with each session.
Now as a 5-year pro I stay on it for 20 to 40 minutes. After one week the noticeable benefits for me were deep relaxation throughout my whole body, release of any tension held from head to toe, promoted intense sleepiness, and an overall sense of well being.
Funny side story, when Chris first saw me lay on the bed of nails he thought I had completely fallen off the deep end with all the other health freaks! After my first week and noticeable benefits I felt I told him, “don’t knock it until you try it!” It took a lot of courage for this large 6’6 230lb man to lay on the bed of nails, but he did it because I challenged him. Do you really think this tough NHL defenseman would be scared of 6,210 nails?! After crushing his first session at 20 minutes he woke up the next morning after one of the best night’s sleep of his life and asked me to order him one ASAP.
Now if you walk into the Pronger master bedroom at 9pm most nights you will see one navy Spoonk lined up on the left and one pink Spoonk on the right. Who would have ever thought a bed of nails would be such a gift?
As I have discussed, it is vitally important to maintain your health and wellness practices when traveling as well so you will definitely find our his and her Spoonks in our luggage. They have a handy Velcro siding to easily fold up and pack. I always wonder what the housekeeping crew thinks when they stumble across these bed of nails in our hotel room!
