Product FAQs
What are the nail boards? Is this a new practice?
Nail boards work on principles of acupressure – a well-trusted practice with a long history coming from Eastern traditions. Nail boards take their origin over 2,000 thousand years ago in India, where similar devices used by yogis are called “sadhu boards” or “bed of nails.” In Chinese medicine, similar principles of stimulating energy points have been used for thousands of years in acupressure and reflexology.
How does it work?
According to Ayurveda and Chinese philosophies, our feet and palms have thousands of acupressure points linked to internal organs and all systems across the body. Standing on nail boards stimulates a release of endorphins, increases blood and lymph circulation, triggering self-healing mechanisms and eliminating pain.
Beside physical healing, nail boards are an excellent tool for the mind: training the brain to respond to any external stimulation or stress with calm focus (if you’ve tried an ice bath you might know what it’s like 👌).
What are the benefits of the nail boards?
Nails boards are used to:
-relax body and mind;
-release stress, anxiety, pain & blocked emotions;
-enhance focus on intentions;
-energize body & mind;
-deepen presence & meditative state.
How does it feel?
Most people at first experience strong sensations on their feet. In couple minutes of focusing on exhales, tingly sensations similar to heat starts arising as circulation warms the area. In about 5 min discomfort will gradually begin to fully disappear, releasing physical and mental blocks. This state might lead to blissful and even euphoric feelings, crystal clear presence and focus of the mind, lightness in muscles and whole body. Perfect state for the deepest and unshakable meditation.
All people have different sensitivity: some adjust in first few minutes, some need several session to gradually increase meditation time and get over their threshold of sensations into a blissful calmness. With repeated practice body & mind learn to respond to the stimulation with more ease and more focus on breath and present moment.
How to use the nail boards?
It’s best to prepare yourself with some body movement and breath work before stepping on nails. Practices like yoga, run, qigong or dance are a great warm up for the body and mind. See further instructions on the Learn page.
Should I wear socks?
For your first few sessions, you can wear socks while you explore the practice and your body adjusts. Try to get to 1 min on boards and increase your time every day slowly. Once you feel ready you can practice barefoot.
How often and how long should I practice?
Time is not the goal, your reaction to stimulation is. It’s best to stand at least for 1 minute to start feeling the effect and slowly develop a better reaction. We recommend to aim for 15 minutes or more to experience the full acupressure effect. Longer meditations of 30-60min can be done about 2 times per week. As always, listen to your body, slowly increase your time and observe effects.
What is the difference between Gravity Mind boards?
We offer two wood options. Dark walnut is a beautiful hardwood. It is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, so it’s best for home practice. Bamboo is resistant to weather changes. It’s perfect for outdoor practice or traveling to different climates.
Concerns:
Can nail boards puncture my feet?
Your feet are safe. All nails are of identical height and evenly distributed on the boards creating even surface area that will hold your weight. However, nails are still sharp objects, so handle the boards with adequate attention and care. Always close the boards after practicing to avoid accidentally running into open boards. Don’t jump on or off or rub your skin against the nails’ surface.
Who should not stand on the nails?
The practice is not recommended for people with current menstruation and pregnancy, heart problems, coagulation (circulation or clotting) issues, epilepsy, significant skin damage or skin inflammation, healing tattoos and wounds, neuropathy, cardiovascular conditions, thrombophlebitis, fever or other acute illness.
We do not recommend that children use nail boards due to the sharpness of the spikes.
Always consult your Doctor prior to use if you are unsure.
Will my height and weight affect experience on nails?
We find it’s the person's level of skin sensitivity that determines what they feel, not their weight. Start with beginner boards (10 mm). Also wear socks to allow your body to gradually adjust to practice.
What are Gravity Mind boards made from?
Our nail boards are handcrafted in California using natural materials: stainless steel or copper metal nails, walnut or bamboo wood, rubber cushion, rose crystal. We use cardboards & paper packaging. Each board set is crafted for longevity.
What does the engraved symbol on the boards mean?
We engrave a “torus” sacred geometry on our boards. It represents an energy vortex that can often be seen in nature, for example patterns of pine cones, sunflowers etc. We also instal rose quartz in the center of the engraving symbolizing love which is driving force of life.
Warning of use:
Contains sharp metal nails - please use with care and only as directed. Keep out of reach of pets and children. Information provided on this site is for general knowledge and is not a substitute for a medical advice. Consult with your Doctor before using our product.
Liability Release:
Gravity Mind and its all representatives disclaim responsibility and liability, including but not limited to any injury or damage of any kind which may occur while using our products.
Other questions?
If you don’t find information you need on Home, Learn and this pages, please write us an email to: hello@gravity-mind.com