“Bed of nails” fad, patterned on ritual of ancient Hindu yogis, engulfs Europe & USA
Based on the “bed of nails” used by ancient Hindu yogis; a new cure-all “nail mat” fad has inundated Europe, USA and the
West; which fans are using for “mental and physical renewal”.
According to reports, over 300,000 of this modern bed of nails, usually measuring 16”X28”, have been sold. It reminds
one of famous British-American photographer Herbert Ponting’s 1907 photograph of “a fakir in Benares”, where a bearded
yogi lay on wooden bed bristling with metal nails. Recently, about 3,000 people reportedly lay on these mats in a
Stockholm (Sweden) park chanting mantras.
About $50 to $115 can buy one a mat containing 4,000-8,000 spikes which is claimed to possibly contribute to decreasing
pain-inflammation, dissolving stress, increasing metabolism, bringing radiance to face, enhancing feet stability,
releasing tension, inducing a state of deep relaxation, lowering blood pressure, strengthening the
liver-spleen-kidney-immune system, alleviating headaches-fatigue-depression-insomnia, easing spinal
problems-sciatica-muscle spasms-cramps-jaw clenching-teeth grinding, activating immune system, relief of
flu-cold-asthma, regulation of digestion-elimination, improvement of conditions of
cystitis-diarrhea-hemorrhoids-PMS-complicated periods- Fibro myalgia-whiplash injuries, encouraging tissue regeneration,
benefitting people with rheumatism and diabetes, etc. It can be basically used over the entire body, it is claimed.
Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged the European, American and Western
seekers to not just sporadically pick-up one single ritual of Hinduism but instead make a methodical attempt at
exploring its vast wisdom and rich philosophy.
Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, suggested Westerners to have more patience and go beyond
the superficial because Hinduism concepts evolved over thousands of years and needed serious study. There were no short
cuts and mishmash created more confusion, Zed added.
Yogi Om Mokshanada (previously Jonathan Hellbom), a former juggler from Sweden; designer of Shakti Mat which is said to
be the largest nail mat manufacturer; claims that after a long time spent in the Himalayas practicing mysticism, yoga,
and meditation; he wandered down and created a bed of nails with the help of ancient Vedic knowledge, which was named
Shakti Mat. He defines yoga as “art of finding unity”.
Headquartered in Hofors (Sweden), Team Shakti, maker of Shakti Mat, points out: The bed of nails is an ancient tool with
its roots in Indian mysticism. With its origin, dating back thousands of years, the bed of nails is a well tested tool
for healing the body and releasing emotional, physical and mental blockages. It has been used by Indian yogis throughout
time to attain perfection of body and mind.
According to its website, this Mat is created through rituals and mantras to the Divine Mother Shakti in “Team Shakti’s
temple factory” in Varanasi (India), which is built according to Vastu Shastra. All employees are women who have been
initiated in Mantra Yoga. Each mat contains 230 plastic discs made up of 27-36 points and a hole in the middle. Back of
the Shakti Mat contains Shree Yantra. It suggests hanging Shree Yantra in the northeastern corner of your home for
prosperity and harmony and protection against accidents.
For optimum results, daily sessions of 20-40 minutes are recommended and it is claimed that even children can use it.
Milder version for sensitive-skin and beginning consumers and tougher advanced version for athletes are also available
besides an ecologically developed version with spikes of environment-friendly material. About a dozen brands of nail
mats can reportedly be purchased over the Internet and in many fitness stores.
ENDS