BED OF NAILS: HOW THIS ACUPUNCTURE MAT CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

Do you have chronic pain, anxiety or suffer from lack of sleep? This ancient practice could help you live a more stress-free life.

No doubt, you’ve heard of the mystical bed of nails. It originated over 1,000 years ago in Asia, used by gurus in the practice of meditation and healing. Sound too New Age-y for you? Think again.

I was a convert when I tried the Bed of Nails. It’s an acupuncture mat that I’ve been laying on to relieve tense muscles and neck pain. To my surprise, it actually does make you feel light, refreshed and pain free. It works wonders.

The plastic nail-like points on the mat is similar to acupuncture; the pressure of the rounded nails against the skin that helps the body release endorphins - the body’s very own “happiness drug.” It therefore provides a sense of energy, pain relief, and oxytocin, which induces a sense of calm, which in turn can help you sleep better.

Lying a plastic little needles may scare some folks away, but as painful as it may seem, you only endure a slight sting for only about a minute when lying on the mat. The short sting that is initially felt disappears as you completely fall into relaxtion mode. You’ll be amazed at how comfortable your body starts to feel.

According to experts, these pressure points trigger the body’s natural healing hormones, kicking them into high gear. They also gets the blood flowing and help the body rid itself of toxins. And, just like having an intense massage, it’s important to drink water after your nail mediation to help release the toxins.

The Bed of Nails claims it may assist you with the following:

Increase energy level

Reduce blood pressure

Reduce stress and anxiety

Alleviate headache

Relieve tension and muscle aches

Improve sleep and relieve insomnia

Relieve chronic neck and back pain

Activate the parasympathetic nervous system

Benefit weight loss by reducing cortisol levels

Improve heart rate variability

Revitalize and rejuvenate

Improve skin complexion

Relieve constipation

Alleviate malaise

—Toni-Marie Ippolito