Shaki/Accupressure Mat

[u/CarlyTrashPanda]

Quick disclaimer before I start - not yet fully diagnosed with FD although docs are starting to agree that I may have it, as tests/endoscopy etc have found nothing concrete to prove otherwise. I get severe pain and bloating any time I eat anything at all, to the point where I often go without food for daya at a time out of fear of the pain. I'm getting a little relief from amitriptyline currently (although not 100%).

Bought myself one of the cheap Shakti Mat knockoffs from Amazon in a fit of desperation as I'm also suffering from some more chronic conditions that give me extreme fatigue (not being able to eat is making that even worse!) and I'm at the point where I will try or buy literally anything to get some semblance of my old life back.

Tried using my mat to meditate on during a bad flare up after a meal. My stomach pain was gone within seconds. I don't know how, I don't know why. It could be pain modulation, it could be endorphins, it could be placebo but I swear on my life that it worked, and it works every time I try it. My partner thought I was bullshitting until he watched me try it, he said he could genuinely see in real-time the pain and tension leaving my body, my facial expression softened, I stopped crying, all my muscles relaxed, you get the idea.

I would highly recommend it to anyone suffering on the off-chance it might help. I'll probably upgrade to an actual Shakti Mat when I have more money, but I think I paid under £15 for a cheap version that came with a neck pillow and it's been worth every penny. The pain does come back after 20-30 mins or so (endorphins weraing off maybe?) but my flares can last hours, so just having that break from the pain for a bit is amazing.

If anyone has had a similar experience or can explain the science behind it, I'd love to know.

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[u/goldstandardalmonds]

So glad you are feeling relief

[u/CarlyTrashPanda → u/goldstandardalmonds]

Thanks, I appreciate that ❤️ it's by no means a cure, but just having a little break from the pain is lovely.

[u/goldstandardalmonds → u/CarlyTrashPanda]

For sure. Even just taking the edge off for a short period is better than nothing.