Our Story

Shakti as we know it was founded in 2014 when two best friends went to Thailand for a holiday.

Design, manufacture, and sale of acupressure-based wellbeing products, including acupressure mats and pillows, focused on natural pain relief, relaxation, and holistic wellness.

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It was supposed to be a short break before one of us returned to law studies and the other began an internship at a bank in Hong Kong. But a chance discovery of the modern bed of nails led us to its inventor, and within two weeks abroad, everything changed.

We experienced the power of acupressure firsthand and quickly became inspired by Shakti’s ability to restore a sense of wellbeing. We tested the waters before heading back home, and soon enough, 2000 mats showed up at our doorstep.

We believed in using business as a force for good, but convincing people that lying on thousands of sharp spikes could actually feel relaxing wasn’t easy at first. Three months later, it was time to return to our studies and corporate paths, but by then, the spark had already been lit.
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It didn’t take long before we stepped away from the corporate path in search of something more meaningful. Choosing to take that leap and use business as a force for good felt like an opportunity too important to ignore. Even after a decade, it still feels like we’re only just beginning.

Along the way, we’ve helped revive a practice that was once fading, given people a way to reconnect with themselves – and with a broader sense of wellbeing – and contributed to meaningful change in developing communities. Because while improving the lives of those who use wellbeing tools is deeply rewarding, creating a positive impact on the people and places behind them makes it even more powerful.

That’s Shakti.
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Why we do it

Over 200 million people regularly practice yoga, acupressure, and meditation. These ancient traditions are deeply rooted in India’s culture, yet many of the people behind them receive little in return for their contribution.

It’s something we’ve witnessed up close. After experiencing the benefits of acupressure and discovering the bed of nails, we felt compelled to take action.

Shakti stays true to the original purpose of these time-honoured practices by creating some of the world’s finest acupressure tools and reinvesting profits back into India. We believe that leaning into discomfort can be a powerful force for good, and that tools designed for healing and mindfulness should be created with the same intention.

And that’s what brought us here. Over 2 million people (and counting) embracing discomfort to unlock their best selves—while supporting meaningful causes along the way.
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How Shakti is made

Learn about how Shakti tools are made, the certifications we expect from our production partners – and how they support the people who make it possible.

How It's Made