About Shakti
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The Shakti Mat is used as a wellness tool for overall health and vitality. Most commonly it is used to support deep sleep, healthy circulation, relaxation of tense muscles, relief from stress, relaxation, and general vitality. These benefits are accessible through the principles of acupressure, all within the comfort of your home.
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Acupressure is a long-standing and well trusted practice from Eastern roots. While this practice is reasonably new to the Western world, it dates back 2,000 years and is now adopted by reputable practitioners around the world. The Shakti Mat mimics this ancient technique to reproduce the benefits and make the practice of acupressure more widely available. If you’d like to learn more about how The Shakti Mat has helped others experience the benefits of acupressure, read their reviews here.
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When using The Shakti Mat, thousands of spikes apply pressure to your skin and muscles. If you’re like most, this experience can be uncomfortable and prickly at first. This will last a couple of minutes before a tingly sensation occurs, similar to deep heat, as the area warms. Discomfort then evaporates, muscles start to feel relaxed, and tension eases. This process can lead to feelings of bliss, and a state of such deep relaxation you may even nod off to sleep.
As humans, we all have different sensitivity to pain. For some people adjusting to The Shakti Mat can take just a couple of minutes, while for others it can take a couple of sessions. Over time, you will adjust to the initial discomfort, as your body learns to respond more readily to the pressure applied by the Mat.
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For most, the experience can be uncomfortable at first. Often the body goes into 'resistance mode' due to any stress you may be carrying physically or mentally. After around 3-5 minutes, however, discomfort tends to transition into relaxation. Everyone is different. So while your friend might take to The Shakti Mat straight away, you may take a couple of weeks to adjust. Our top two tips for newcomers are...
Tip #1: Relax and give in. The more you resist the spikes and tense your body, the more it will hurt. Use your breath to calm the body, or try distracting yourself with a book, podcast, or TV show.
Tip #2: Be patient with yourself. Don't expect to be a perfect Shakti-er straight away. Rise to the challenge knowing that with time and commitment you will soon love the experience and won't want to miss a session.
If you're wanting more tips for getting over the Shakti 'hump', get in touch with the team or join the lively acupressure community. There are plenty of like-minded people who can help you on your Shakti journey!
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The Shakti Mat works on contact. When you place the Mat against your body, the spikes exert pressure on your skin. For your first session, start by applying the Mat to your neck, shoulders, back, or legs, as these areas are the most commonly affected by tension. However, any area of your body can be targeted. There is no limit for time or frequency of a Shakti session, and it is completely normal to fall asleep on the Mat.
We recommend you aim for 15 minutes or more to experience the full acupressure effect. For your first few sessions, you can wear a thin t-shirt, or place a pillow case over your Mat while your body adjusts. However, bare skin is best to experience the full Shakti sensation. Use your Mat on any surface. Common places include in bed, on the floor, on a seat, or on a couch. Softer surfaces provide more 'give', so this is a great place to start.
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Shakti spikes are sharper than anything you’ll find elsewhere. So, when it comes to building a wellbeing habit that involves lying on spikes, it shouldn’t come with unnecessary discomfort.
We designed Level 1 to tread that line between tension release and initial discomfort perfectly. And while our returns rate is tiny (around 1 in every 271), the main reason people decide Shakti isn’t for them is because they went too far too soon.
Regardless of which Mat or Pillow you choose, the feeling when tension releases never gets old. What changes over time is your tolerance to pain. That’s why, in time, you can take your practice further.
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We want everyone to experience the benefits of The Shakti Mat. That’s why we offer a 60-day free returns policy. If you’re worried the Shakti Mat isn’t right for you, then feel comfortable knowing you can send it back or exchange it, free of charge. You can organise a free return via our Returns & Exchanges page.
Returns & Exchanges
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Unhappy with your purchase? No worries! You can return it free of charge for a refund within 60 days of receiving your order, provided the goods are in the same condition as when you received them. You can start your return online using our Returns & Exchanges form. You'll need to log in with your order number and the email, zip code, or phone number you placed your order with.
Once the item is received and processed at our warehouse, we will refund you the full price of the product within 5 working days.
For Bed of Nails Challenge returns, we'll need to process your refund manually. Get in touch via our contact page and send us your order number.
*Returns and exchanges do not apply to wholesale/B2B orders.
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If you find your Mat or Pillow too light, or too intense, you may exchange it for another intensity within 60 days, provided stock is available and goods are in the same condition as when you received them. You can start your exchange online using our Returns & Exchanges page. To log in, you will need the order number and email address, zip code, or phone number you placed your order with.
*This applies to Shakti products bought directly through the Shakti US website only. Products bought from any of our retailers are not eligible for returns, or exchanges directly with Team Shakti Distribution Limited. In the event you are wanting to return/exchange a Shakti product that has been purchased through one of our retailers, you must arrange this directly with the retailer you bought it from. Each retailer will have their own return & exchange policy.
Please note that we only offer 1 exchange per order.
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If you know the Order Number (on the shipping label) and Gifter's Email/Zip/ or Phone number, then follow this link and click on 'Returning a Gift'.
If not, please contact us with the full name of the person who placed the order and we'll get back in touch with instructions for how to exchange.
Shipping
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Good news - shipping is FREE for all USA economy shipping orders over $60.
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When you order using Express - your order will arrive within 2-3 business days. For Economy shipping services (the default option), expect 3-5 business days. Please note the delivery time frame begins on the day after we dispatch the item/s.
Shipping to Hawaii and Alaska - Economy shipping by default, expect 5-10 business days.
We will email you a tracking number once your order has shipped. Please allow 24 hours for your tracking number to update.
You can also track your package on our contact page, please use the email/phone number you placed your order with.
Wholesale/B2B orders may take an additional 2-3 business days.
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We currently ship to New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom and USA. And we cover most areas in Canada, Europe, and Asia.
If you would like to place an order for a friend/family member located in a different country to you, please contact us to organise a custom order.
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Unfortunately, we cannot ship to APO/FPO addresses.
Orders
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All orders are dispatched from fulfilment centres based within the United States. You’ll receive a tracking number once your order has shipped, please allow 24 hours for your tracking number to update.
You can also track your package on our contact page, please use the email/phone number you placed your order with.
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Once an order has been placed, it begins processing for dispatch. After this point we are unable to make any changes.
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Cancellations or changes to your order are unable to be made once your order has been placed.
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If there has been an error in your order, please contact us and we will send out the correct item you ordered along with instructions for returning any incorrect items.
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Due to the handmade nature of Shakti products, this can happen on occasion. Luckily it’s an easy fix! If you still have both the spike and back disc, you can reattach them by simply pushing the smaller disc up through the fabric, and then clamping down the spike on top so both parts connect (something heavy like a book will work well). You should hear a “click” when the spike is attached to the disc.
If the spike/clip has been lost, start by checking inside your Shakti Mat. You might find the clip hiding in there! Otherwise, let us know if you need a hand and we will get a replacement in the mail for you as soon as possible. Please contact us with your order number and we can arrange this.
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Unless stated otherwise, products will come back in stock. Timelines vary because every product is handmade. Signing up for back in stock notifications on the product page is the best way to know when a product becomes available again.
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Shakti Mats has partnered with Flex to allow you to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). This means you can now use your HSA or FSA debit card to buy specific Shakti products with pre-tax dollars, resulting in net savings of 30-40%, depending on your tax bracket.
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To use your HSA or FSA debit card, add products to your cart as usual. At checkout, select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA” as your payment option, enter your HSA or FSA debit card, and complete your checkout as usual. If you don’t see “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA,” you may be in Shop Pay. Select “checkout as guest” to view more payment options.
Product Use
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Unfortunately we do not recommend use of the Shakti Mat to women who are pregnant, especially in the first trimester. The Shakti Mat uses acupressure, which has been used to induce labour in some cases. Always consult your medical professional before using the Mat. However, The Shakti Mat is a wonderful and completely safe tool in the postpartum stage. New mums may suffer from back tension, tightness in hips, sleeplessness, stress and more—all for which The Shakti Mat can provide great natural support.
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Do not use The Shakti Mat or Accessories if you have any of the following conditions:
Coagulation issues, or if you are using anticoagulant medication. The Shakti Mat can affect circulation and therefore can not be recommended to people with circulation and/or clotting issues.
Epilepsy - The Shakti Mat is covered in thousands of sharp spikes, making it hazardous if a person were to have a seizure while using the Mat.
Significant skin damage in the area of use, including pronounced skin inflammation, or large papilloma's. Skin conditions are at risk of being aggravated by The Shakti Mat.
Neuropathy that has resulted in loss of sensation or sensory impairment, as this may impact a users ability to feel the sharpness of the spikes.
Pregnancy acupressure points are used in some cases to naturally induce labor (see previous FAQ).
Cardiovascular conditions - The Shakti Mat can affect circulation and therefore can not be recommended to people with cardiovascular conditions.
Thrombophlebitis - See coagulation issues, and cardiovascular conditions above.
Fever or other acute illnessIf you have any other medical condition or disease, we recommend you consult your physician before using this product. If you are, or are planning to become pregnant, consult your physician prior to use.
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It is also okay to use The Shakti Mat with tattoos except during the healing period. Do not use The Shakti Mat if you're experiencing any form of irritation in the area of the tattoo. Always consult a professional prior to use if you are unsure.
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Yes, children can use The Shakti Mat. We suggest children are thoroughly supervised though due to the sharpness of the spikes.
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We find it’s the person's level of skin sensitivity that determines what they feel, not their weight. Use The Shakti Mat and Accessories to create a Shakti experience that works for you. This might mean combining two Shakti Mats or a Shakti Mat and Pillow for a more effective session.
It's important to note that The Shakti Mat doesn't need to be touching every area of your back to provide an effective treatment. If you want more tips for targeting your trouble areas effectively, don't hesitate to email our support team, or reach out to fellow acupressure mat users on the Acupressure Facebook Group.
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Organic Cotton - The outer of every Shakti Mat is made from organic cotton coloured by non-toxic dyes. Cotton and dyes are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS certification is recognised as the world's leading standard for processing organic textiles.
Spikes - Each Shakti Mat is hand-clipped with recyclable ABS plastic. ABS plastic is incredibly durable and resistant to impact, allowing The Shakti spikes to maintain their sharpness, strength, and effectiveness after years of consistent use.
Blissfoam™ - Premium Shakti Mats and Pillows feature 100% plant-based Blissfoam™. This unique fill is made entirely from sustainably grown trees and it’s encased in organic cotton sleeves for natural rubber sensitivities. In Acupressure Mats, it’s a single piece of organic foam. In the Premium Pillow it’s shredded and recycled. Both mold to your body and set the standard for tension release. Soft enough to sink into, yet firm enough to push back. -
The name Shakti has deep meaning that thoughtfully reflects the concepts and intentions behind the business, the people and the Mat itself. In Vedic culture physical health is seen as something inextricably bound up with mental health, and general well-being only results when both are working well together. The name Shakti and the symbols used, represent the Vedic culture that The Mat arose from and are there to remind us that the mind and body are inseparable.
In Hinduism, Shakti is the Goddess of Primal Energy. The concept of Shakti refers to sacred force or empowerment, and is the representation of divine feminine power and energy. It manifests outwardly as physical nature and inwardly as spirit or energy. Shakti is seen as the life force energy behind your breath, your heartbeat, and your muscles.
The Shakti Mat was created and designed with the intention to ignite these qualities of Shakti energy and offer users a way in which to harness this strength (mentally) in order to reestablish well-being (physically). Through regular use of The Shakti Mat, users can learn to become more present, resilient and aware of physical disharmony and imbalance in the body, prompting steps towards restoring the body as a whole.
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The symbols on Shakti Mats and Pillows all stem from what is called Sacred Geometry. Sacred Geometry exists all around us, and especially in nature. It represents harmony, balance, connection, healing, and the natural patterns of growth or movement.
The Seed of Life symbol on the top corners of The Shakti Mat symbolizes the building blocks of life and existence. It implies that all life on Earth is interconnected.
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Blissfoam™ is pre-washed three times and sewn inside an organic cotton sleeve before being inserted into the organic cotton outer of a Shakti Mat or Pillow. Layering it this way reduces airborne allergens and prevents direct contact between skin and latex.
We can’t confirm individual circumstances as all allergies are different. If you’re unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor or a healthcare professional.
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Shakti Acupressure Mats are now filled with Blissfoam™ only. Transitioning from standard PU foam has always been a goal of ours, and Blissfoam™ is a plant-based alternative that offers an even better experience.
Warranty
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All Shakti products are backed by a 5-year Warranty that covers defects in craftsmanship and materials. We use materials such as GOTS certified organic cotton and ABS medical-grade plastic, selected for their quality, longevity and strength to ensure you’re Shakti-ing for years to come. Should you face any product issues beyond wear and tear, please contact us, with photos and details of the defect, and we’ll guide you on submitting a warranty claim.
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Normal wear and tear.
Weighted Wrap Heating Instructions
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Always follow these exact instructions while heating.
Fold into a square shaped bundle and place on a clean, dry microwave safe plate. Never place your Weighted Wrap directly inside your microwave as contact with residual dirt or oils can result in the fabric burning.
Heat for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and carefully test temperature on both the inside and outside of Weighted Wrap bundle. If desired temperature has not been reached then flip the wrap and heat for a further 30 seconds. This ensures even heating. Repeat until desired heat is reached but never exceed the maximum heat time in total. Do not overheat.
- Never heat for more than 30 seconds per cycle.
- Never exceed the maximum total heat time of 3 minutes (700-1000W) 4 minutes (0-700W).
Monitor constantly while heating.
Take care when removing from the microwave and check it is at a comfortable temperature before use.
Reheat only from room temperature.
Do not allow children to heat the Weighted Wrap.
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Your microwave must have a rotating tray. If it does not rotate hot spots can occur resulting in overheating or fire. It must be able to fit the Weighted Wrap comfortably without touching the tops or side so that it can rotate freely. Minimum size for the interior of the microwave is 30cm x 30cm and 14cm in height.
Unfortunately, our Weighted Wraps are not compatible with dual function / built in / convection microwaves. These devices often contain metal grills and lack rotating trays. Contact with metal, or close proximity while microwaving will result in damage to the wrap or fire.
Never use with incompatible microwaves.
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Never heat in an oven or stove top.
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Check temperature is comfortable before applying to the body.
Never use in confined spaces that can trap heat, such as under blankets or in bedding. This can result in fire. Never warm your bed with The Weighted Wrap, we recommend a hot water bottle instead. If using inside your Shakti Mat ensure it is in a well ventilated environment such as the floor or a yoga mat. Do not use inside your Shakti Mat on a bed.
Not recommended for people who may have reduced awareness of temperature or feeling in their skin, e.g. diabetics, people with nerve damage, or people with an impairment that prevents them recognising they may be burnt. This product can cause burns when overheated. Avoid prolonged direct contact with the skin.
Inspect at regular intervals.
Discard if found worn or damaged. Discard if you notice an overcooked or burnt smell. Do not ingest contents.
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Unplug the microwave. Leave the door shut, until you are completely sure that any flames have extinguished themselves.
Remove the weighted wrap only once it has cooled to room temperature.
Dispose if you notice any damage or overcooked odor.
Care Instructions
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Follow these 5 simple steps:
1. Remove the inner foam from your Mat or Pillow
2. Hand wash the Shakti cover in warm soapy water
3. Scrub any dirty spikes with a scrubbing brush or old toothbrush
4. Rinse and hang to dry in the shade
5. Re-insert the foam and you're good to go!
Tips:
As tempting as it might be, avoid putting your Shakti Mat Or Pillow through the washing machine.
Wash your Mat with a mild or eco laundry detergent or powder. For more serious stains, directly apply a stain remover soap to the area.
Avoid soaking your Mat & Pillow or drying them in direct sunlight. Shakti products are made from organically certified cotton and dyes. Drying them in the shade will help to preserve the colour.
When reinserting single-piece Blissfoam™ inners (Classic Mats and Pillows), turn the cover inside out, line the seam up with the foam, and fold the cover over.
The Shakti Headband can be cleaned by following the same steps above (no foam removal necessary).
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The external cover of The Shakti Eye Pillow can be gently machine washed with mild or eco-friendly detergent.
Both The Eye Pillow inner and Weighted Wrap can be hand washed. Simply spot clean with a damp cloth and liquid laundry detergent or hand wash in warm soapy water. Rinse and hang to dry in the shade.
Avoid: wring and tumble drying, irons, and harsh detergents or bleach.