Yoga on a Nail Mat - Why Would You Do It?

The Acupressure mat also called <a href="http://www.acupressurematstore.com" target="_blank">Shakti Mat</a> can also be used as a tool to deepen your yoga practice. Experiment with your mat to see which poses you can perform, starting with the basic routine outlined below.

Some people find it more comfortable to keep a thin cloth over the acupressure mat while they get used to it. As you grow more used to the feel of the spikes, you can discard the cloth.

Begin with a simple routine, such as the one listed below.

Start with the Tadasana, and balance your weight evenly on the acupressure mat. Inhale, and as you exhale stand up straight with your weight on the balls of your feet. Draw your shoulders back and down as you tuck your pelvis under. Hold the pose for five deep, even breaths before moving into the next pose.

Uttanansana Standing Forward Bend Inhale the arms up above your head. Exhale and bend forwards from the hips, bringing the hands to the Acupressure mat. Inhale as you look up and lengthen through the spine then exhale your head back down. Remain here for a few breaths then slowly inhale back up to standing.

Vrksasana, the Tree Steady your balance on one foot, feeling the spikes of the acupressure mat against your foot as you slowly bring your right foot up as you inhale. Rest your foot against your left leg, and when you have your center, slowly bring your arms together into the prayer position. Hold this pose as long as you feel comfortable before releasing it.

To come out of Tree pose, inhale and on the exhale bring the arms down, releasing the right foot back down to the Acupressure mat. Repeat on the other side.

Now, lower yourself to the acupressure mat and move into the Pascmottinasana. Place your feet straight out ahead of you and stretch your spine. As you exhale, bend forward to lower your head to your knees while keeping your back straight. Stretch your hands down your legs and reach for your feet.

Draw the head closer to the legs with every exhale. Feel the spikes of the acupressure mat energising the meridians along the backs of your legs as you draw deeper into the pose. Inhale to come back up.

Salabasana Locust Lie with your lower abdomen on the spikes of the mat. The legs are straight out behind you, arms by your sides, chin supported on the floor. Inhale and lift the legs, arms and chin off the floor, holding the pose as long as is comfortable. Exhale down and repeat for three sets.

Continue from here into Dhanurasana, bow pose. To finish this routine, come onto your back, rocking backwards and forwards on the Acupressure mat, then perform your favourite spinal twist and come into Savasana, corpse pose for relaxation and meditation.

A simple fifteen minute routine on an acupressure mat can change your whole <a href="http://www.acupressurematstore.com" target="_blank">Yoga workout</a> ! Feel your body's reaction, how the meridians are open and the way your energy is flowing. Never again will you wish for a regular mat when you can use an acupressure mat to keep your body alive and open. Increase your routine in depth and complexity, and eventually remove the blanket from the spikes to truly enjoy the full benefit of the Shakti Mat. Namaste!