What is the benefit of standing on nails and how to learn how to do it properly

The practices of acupuncture and acupressure, which include standing on nails, came to us from Eastern medicine. It is not just a way of meditation and tempering the will, it is a healing mechanism that triggers restorative processes in the body. What are the other benefits and how to decide to do this practice?

MD, pediatrician, nutritionist, integrative medicine specialist

This practice gives an opportunity to start cleansing and restorative processes in the body.

Why did everyone decide to stand on nails?

Everyone’s needs are different, but most often people stand on nails to get healthy and learn to work with their emotions. In the Eastern approach, the body is seen as a container for the circulation of vital energy Qi. Throughout life, we save energy (the concept of Yin) and spend it (the concept of Yang).

It is believed that Qi energy circulates through meridians that connect the internal organs and the surface of the body, Yin and Yang. Each meridian is connected to a specific organ and connects it to another organ, forming pairs – dual meridians. Each organ has its own flow of energy, which can be directed outward (Yang) and inward (Yin).

Irina: The Chinese, and now followers of Chinese teachings, believe that by restoring the correct flow of energy, disturbed due to genetic features and habits, it is possible to eliminate the cause of disease. Each channel corresponds to a certain point. The largest accumulation of these points is on the feet. All these points are actively worked out if a person walks barefoot on the ground, on grass, on sand and stones. But in the conditions of urbanization almost nobody does this anymore.

Founder of Zen Space yoga studio, teacher of kundalini yoga, yoga nidra, nail formation

The Sadhu Board is a kind of stress resistance trainer that teaches us how to move through tension. Then this skill can be transferred to everyday life, to calmly go through situations where we are tense, afraid, angry.

Plus nailing gives us a charge of vigor due to the release of a large amount of oxytocin – the hormone of happiness. The practice brings us into a state of mild altered consciousness and euphoria.

Wellness is another positive effect of the practice. Standing on the nails or on the applicator (provided the weight distribution is correct), a person works acupuncture points connected with internal organs and improves blood circulation.

Irina: From the physiological point of view, this practice gives an opportunity to start cleansing and restorative processes. It can be compared to an intensive foot massage. In addition to energy points, there are nerve endings on the feet. Due to which signals are sent to all tissues and organs.

What are the contraindications

Specialists believe that any emotional imbalance is capable of violating the effectiveness of the practice. Therefore, it is worth practicing only with a clear head and heart. Before getting up on the nails, check the list of contraindications:

• mental illnesses;
• open wounds, injuries on the foot;
• intoxication and altered consciousness due to illegal substances;
• colds, fever,
• pregnancy;
• varicosis and some other diseases of the venous system.

Irina: From medical contraindications can also be called epilepsy, strokes or heart attacks. Pregnant women can strictly after consultation with a doctor and in the early stages.

How to decide to stand on the nails

Ivan: First of all, you need to clearly understand and remind yourself that it is safe, despite the rather strong painful sensations. It is impossible to injure yourself, even standing on the board for an infinitely long time. Of course, if there are no contraindications, which we have listed above.

Safety, development of stress resistance and the ability to relax even in severe stressful situations can all be motivation to try the practice. Here are a few tips for beginners from a nailing expert:

• stand up on an exhale – so that you take a breath on the board;
• practice slow full deep yogic breathing on the plank – as a tool to get through a stressful situation;
• use a support when getting up and down – such as a window sill;
• relaxing – holding tension and holding your breath is impossible to stand on a plank. It is only possible to get through this with slow deep breathing;
• if you can’t get up on your own, come to the nail standing class.

How much you need to stand on the nails

Ivan: To just recharge for the day, a minute in the morning will be enough to start. But for deeper processes, dwelling on feelings, meeting your unconscious and a sustainable skill of relaxing in stressful situations, 10 to 40 minutes will be needed. A lot depends on where and how you do it. Ideally, the practice should be accompanied by a teacher who will support you and help you through the painful sensations. And then you will be able to stand for quite a long time at once – 10-20 minutes.

We have already told you how to choose the right Sadhu board here.