Nail Therapy: How It Works and Its Health Benefits

Nail therapy is a unique wellness practice that involves standing or lying on a nail board. Practicing on a Sadhu board, which you can purchase from our Metadesk store, has deep historical roots tracing back to Eastern healing traditions. Modern research confirms that this technique can improve both physical and emotional well-being by activating the body's internal resources for self-recovery. What is nail therapy? Read on to find out.

How Does Nail Therapy Work?

Nail therapy is based on the impact of metal nails arranged at equal distances from each other, affecting specific areas of the body. They apply pressure to the skin, stimulating nerve endings, improving blood circulation, and activating the body's energy channels.

The practice of standing on nails is built upon several key principles:

1. Reflexotherapy Effect. The stimulation of biologically active points on the body through pressure enhances the function of internal organs and the nervous system.

2. Tension Relief. The process of nail therapy helps relax muscles and reduce stress.

3. Mindfulness and Focus. This method requires full concentration, promoting emotional balance and improved mental well-being.

What Are the Benefits of Nail Therapy?

Nail therapy has a comprehensive impact on the body, improving physical health, emotional stability, and energy balance.

1. Improved Blood Circulation. The pressure of the nails stimulates capillaries, enhancing blood flow to tissues and organs.

2. Muscle Relaxation. Nail therapy helps relieve tension in deep muscle layers, especially in the back and legs.

3. Stress Reduction. Standing on nails triggers the release of endorphins, boosting mood and reducing anxiety.

4. Stronger Immune System. Regular sessions activate the body’s defense mechanisms, increasing overall vitality and resistance to infections.

5. Enhanced Concentration. Practicing on a nail board improves focus and mindfulness.

To enhance your nail therapy experience, you can incorporate aromatherapy with Palo Santo sticks.

Are There Any Contraindications?

Any emotional disturbance may decrease the effectiveness of the practice, so it is essential to engage in nail therapy in a state of inner balance. Before you start, review the list of contraindications:

• Mental disorders;

• Open wounds or foot injuries;

• Alcohol or drug intoxication;

• Cold, flu, or fever;

• Pregnancy;

• Varicose veins and other venous disorders.

How to Learn to Stand on Nails?

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand and remind yourself that nail therapy is completely safe, despite the sharp sensation of pain. You cannot get injured even if you stand on the board for a long time.

Building stress resistance, improving mental clarity, and learning to relax even in the most challenging situations—these are the key reasons why you should try nail therapy. Here are a few beginner tips from an experienced practitioner:

• Step onto the board on an exhale so that you are fully on it when you inhale.

• Practice slow, deep yogic breathing to help you endure discomfort more easily.

• Use support objects, like a windowsill, when stepping onto and off the board.

• Learn to relax—standing on nails is impossible if you are tense and holding your breath. Instead, breathe slowly and deeply.

• If you struggle to stand on the board alone, consider taking guided nail therapy classes.

To boost your energy levels for the entire day, just a few minutes on a Sadhu board in the morning can be enough. However, for deeper practices, sessions ranging from 10 to 40 minutes are recommended. The location and environment of your nail therapy practice are also essential. The best results come from practicing under the guidance of an experienced instructor who can help you navigate difficulties and support you throughout the process. This way, you can gradually extend your sessions to 10-20 minutes with ease.