plansrme Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 (edited) So many months ago, I learned about Shakti mats on this page and promptly ordered one. I've had a very sore back upon waking up for months, maybe a year. A session on the Shakti mat (15 minutes or so) cleared it up. I use the mat every couple of weeks to keep the pain from returning. My husband has used it for headaches. I big-puffy-heart-love my Shakti mat. You should all get one. But here is the question: If you were my extended family, would you think it is weird if I gave you one for Christmas? I'm talking parents, in-laws and siblings. This is a typically hard-to-buy-for group. In the past, gifts that I've given that have gone over well included the very awesome Picnic Time folding chairs (I removed the backs, opened up the seam and had them embroidered) and a slow cooker (this to my then-60-yo dad when he was single--he raved about it but has since remarried a lovely woman who cooks, so kitchen stuff is out for him now), so there is some history of practical but oddball gifts going over well. So, verdict? Weird or, "Oh, hey, that looks cool! Everyone gets sore muscles once in a while; thanks for sharing!" UPDATE: 'Cause I know y'all are dying to know how my Shakti mats went over. I gave three of them last night to: my brother/SIL, my dad/his wife, and my mom. I rolled them up inside this yoga mat carrier that I use for mine, printed out some instructions to include in the carrier pocket and then gave a mini-lecture on Shakti mat use as they opened them. My demonstration and lesson included a disclaimer that they may think this was the weirdest gift ever but that I love mine. So, this morning, I got a gushy text from my brother who woke up back-pain free for the first time since he can remember after using the mat before bed last night. He is delighted, and his back issues are much worse than mine ever thought about being. No word yet from my dad/his wife. My mom and I barely tolerate each other, so I'm quite unlikely to hear anything from her (but that would be true regardless of what I got her). But still, even if only 1 of 3 loved it, I think that's pretty good! Edited December 20, 2015 by plansrme 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I'd be weirded out by that as a random present from a family member. And I have back problems. Maybe save it for the family members you know would be appreciative once you explained how to use it and just get gift cards or theater vouchers for everyone else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I would love that! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share Posted October 28, 2015 I'd be weirded out by that as a random present from a family member. And I have back problems. Maybe save it for the family members you know would be appreciative once you explained how to use it and just get gift cards or theater vouchers for everyone else? Gift cards would be weirder coming from me--I am very much in the "what's the point of swapping gift cards" camp; but if you have back problems, you should try it! Well, if they're muscular, I suppose; I doubt it's going to do much for serious stuff--bulging whatever and the like. (I don't know anything about back problems except that it fixed mine.) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share Posted October 28, 2015 My back was hurting the night before and I woke up this morning with my neck hurting. So, I would love one! If I end up getting them, and they don't go over well, I'll send you one. :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I am actually standing on mine as we speak.I would love to recieve a practical gift like that. But I know a lot of my family would roll their eyes at that kind of a gift. My suggestion would be to go ahead and gift one but maybe show them how to use it? Lot of folks get intimidated when they don't know what or how something is supposed to be used. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I have bought one on Animal Crossing (the video game). I did not know they really worked in real life. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I'd love something like that!!!! Love practical gifts. You are more than welcome to send it my way if they don't want it... I have back and neck issues and could put it to good use :) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaKim Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I would love it because it is something I would love to try, but don't really want to spend the money on myself. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 What sort of gifts do they give you? I love, love, love practical gifts. My mother and MIL hate practical gifts. We were at cross purposes for years. I begged and begged for doorknobs for Christmas one year and I was really stung when they wouldn't get them for me. And I know I gave them useful gifts and probably insulted them with them. "Doesn't my daughter (DIL) know me well enough to get me something special? If I wanted a crockpot, I'd have bought my own." But with that said, I think this fits into both categories. I think it's both a useful and personal gift. I would get it. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennay Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I think it's a great idea! I'd love to get one and think I might just buy them for my extended family this year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share Posted October 28, 2015 Okay, ArcticMama, I value your opinion and usually agree with you, but I'm going with the Shakti mats. They can't think I'm any weirder than they already do. I'll include some cinnamon rolls; then they'll think, "This is the weirdest gift ever, but these cinnamon rolls are awesome." 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 That would be an awesome gift in my family! Everyone would probably end up spread out and laying on the floor. We're weird like that. One year my grandfather made homemade kazoos for the whole family which started a twenty minute Christmas carol kazoo-along. It's one of my fondest Christmas memories. I say go for it! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennay Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I just bought three. One for myself and two for gifts. Probably for the in-laws and brother-in-law & wife. Might get one for my mom & dad too after I try it out. I am always wracking my brain for what to get everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nd293 Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I really like practical gifts, but I'm not into alternative medicine so that probably wouldn't go down well with me. So that would be the decider for me: are they interested in alternative health type subjects or not? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabelen Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I would absolutely love one. It would go very well with my family but we are all ethnic anyway so we are used to weird stuff like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I thought I saw mats like those at a store a few months ago with a sign that said "as seen on Oprah." Which would make it more ... understandable? ... for some people if it's been shown some place like that. I'd love one, by the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knoxinsox Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 Do these work on sore feet? Hubs is on his feet at work all day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 Okay, ArcticMama, I value your opinion and usually agree with you, but I'm going with the Shakti mats. They can't think I'm any weirder than they already do. I'll include some cinnamon rolls; then they'll think, "This is the weirdest gift ever, but these cinnamon rolls are awesome." Do that and then demonstrate on yourself and then each of them exactly how to use one, and that should smooth over any raised eyebrows :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 okay, I'm buying one. The boards sure do influence my amazon shopping... :thumbup1: I have shoulder pain that is bothersome, but mostly, I have trouble falling asleep. This mat intrigues me. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I dunno. I got one for DH and he doesn't like it at all (though DS and I are Shakti fans). Is it something that they could return and be comfortable returning? I don't think it is a weird gift, just that it is not for everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freesia Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 okay, I'm buying one. The boards sure do influence my amazon shopping... :thumbup1: I have shoulder pain that is bothersome, but mostly, I have trouble falling asleep. This mat intrigues me. I just added it to my Christmas list. I'd never heard of one before, but I definitely need one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share Posted October 28, 2015 Is this one size fits all? One of the YouTube videos showed one that looked small to me. Even the Amazon picture shows it only cover one area at a time. So do you do two sessions to cover a wider area? Yes, it is one size, although there are smaller, padded ones designed to fit under your neck. The larger one (maybe 18" x 30") also can be used under your neck, though--just put it over a rolled-up towel. You move it around to lie on the body part that is bothering you. One tip: it works eminently better for me if I am skin-to-plastic, not shirt-to-plastic. I pull up my shirt to lie on my back on my bed. The slight squishiness of my mattress makes it conform better to my back. There are YouTube videos, but I have never tried them out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 Okay, ArcticMama, I value your opinion and usually agree with you, but I'm going with the Shakti mats. They can't think I'm any weirder than they already do. I'll include some cinnamon rolls; then they'll think, "This is the weirdest gift ever, but these cinnamon rolls are awesome." This is what I was going to suggest, but I was afraid to offend, so I'll just like your post! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaeFlowers Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 I would love these. I just added one to my Christmas list. I think Amazon must love the WTM boards! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpyTheFrog Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 My kids sometimes fight over who gets to use mine or sneak in and steal it from my closet when I'm not looking. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Okay, ArcticMama, I value your opinion and usually agree with you, but I'm going with the Shakti mats. They can't think I'm any weirder than they already do. I'll include some cinnamon rolls; then they'll think, "This is the weirdest gift ever, but these cinnamon rolls are awesome."Lol! Every present looks better with cinnamon rolls. Oh, and Amazon should pay you for advertising their product :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiMi 4under3 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 I would love to get one as a gift! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Hey, there's a groupon offer for this thing! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share Posted October 29, 2015 Hey, there's a groupon offer for this thing! No way! That's a great deal--$16, and it includes a tote bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Hey, there's a groupon offer for this thing!Link? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 No way! That's a great deal--$16, and it includes a tote bag. Yes it is, especially if you were buying several! I want free shipping and haven't figured out how to do that yet. I hate paying shipping. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-shakti-acupressure-mat-with-tote-bag-6 The linkie thing worked, I think! (I hope...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraw4321 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Well, I read this as Shakti MEAT, and was afraid to click on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share Posted October 29, 2015 Yes it is, especially if you were buying several! I want free shipping and haven't figured out how to do that yet. I hate paying shipping. ;) When I pulled it up, the header across the top said free shipping today only, apparently Groupon-wide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Never heard of that mat but I'm putting one in my Amazon cart. My back has been very tight lately. I think it's too much time sitting at the school table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matrips Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Groupon question- free shipping for all? Or over a certain price point? Didn't see it. I want one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Which color? On the group on it looks like different colors have different acupressure points. The description tells you about the colors. From memory, I think the green, orange and brown are 6000, the blue is 4000 and the other colors are 8000. The higher the number the lighter the pressure. They call the blue "advanced." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 I am not patient, couldn't wait til Christmas :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 I am not patient, couldn't wait til Christmas :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 I think that in my family, a "modern-day bed of nails" would be viewed as a gag gift. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 A month or so ago, I heard about these on the WTM when I asked about dealing with chronic pain. OK, I want one!! I am going to try the original orange. The pain is in my hands -would I place my hands on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share Posted October 29, 2015 A month or so ago, I heard about these on the WTM when I asked about dealing with chronic pain. OK, I want one!! I am going to try the original orange. The pain is in my hands -would I place my hands on it? I would think hands and arms, maybe arms extended in a Superman pose, but with your arms lying on the mat? I don't really know; I've never had hand pain. The weight is what makes the "nails" dig into you, so the heavier the body part, the more interaction you get with the mat. Hands alone might not be enough weight. The comments in the Amazon reviews have a lot of good advice (well, advice--I shouldn't vouch for how good it is). Maybe someone in the Amazon reviews has a suggestion. It's really not as painful as "bed of nails" would imply. If I stand on it, I have to put it in front of me while I am sitting, though, and then stand up on it with both feet at the same time. Stepping onto it with one foot and then the other does hurt because it's my entire body weight on the sole of one foot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share Posted October 29, 2015 Which color? On the group on it looks like different colors have different acupressure points. I have orange. I think it's the strongest, which means it has the most nails? Or the strongest nails? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 I am not patient, couldn't wait til Christmas :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-shakti-acupressure-mat-with-tote-bag-6 The linkie thing worked, I think! (I hope...) It worked, thank you very much. I tell ya, the hive is more effective at marketing than the most appealing end cap at my favorite grocery store. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 Got mine and have used it a few times. Fell asleep for a couple hours on it tonight...I don't recommend doing that :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 I would like to get it, but I am weird and into alternative things like that. Full disclosure: we have one and a neck roll. We call it "bed of nails" and I'm impish enough to make sure recipients of such a gift knew that. ;) Here's the combo for not much more than the groupon offer: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N24PK42/ref=twister_B00I3FNAUQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted December 20, 2015 Author Share Posted December 20, 2015 Update in original post. Went over surprisingly well! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 20, 2015 Share Posted December 20, 2015 Great update! I'm glad he liked it and hopefully the rest of the family will, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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