Sadhu Board: What Is It, and Do You Need One

An article by Tetiana Kunianska—psychologist, body-oriented psychotherapy specialist, yoga teacher, and Sadhu board nail-standing master

In a world where emotional expression is often suppressed, methods for safely releasing emotions inevitably emerge. Yogis have long understood how to process and express intense emotions in a healthy way.

Breaking the Stigma of Emotional Expression

Society teaches us not to cry: “You’re a man, why are you crying?” or “Strong women don’t cry.” These beliefs discourage emotional expression.

Psychologists, regardless of gender, face even greater pressure to suppress their emotions. We often hear: “You’re a psychologist,” implying that we must never make mistakes or show feelings that don’t fit within rational limits. But this is a topic of its own...

We are discouraged from expressing anger or aggression, and even joy must be displayed cautiously out of respect for those who can’t share it. Now, more than ever, Sadhu boards have become a valuable tool for emotional release.

My First Experience with Sadhu Boards

The first thing I encountered while standing on nails was "endurance." My jaw clenched, my muscles tensed, and I thought: “I am a yogi, I can do this, I must endure.” This first experience revealed how much tension I unconsciously carried in my daily life—I was "enduring" my existence.

Everyone has their own personal insight during their first nail-standing session. Over the years, I have witnessed countless emotional reactions—bottled-up feelings being safely released. No one was harmed.

Understanding your true emotions and experiencing them safely is one of the most powerful reasons to try Sadhu board practice.

Why People Stand on Sadhu nails board

There are many benefits: the stimulation of pressure points on the feet has been widely discussed. Morning nail-standing feels like "waking up"—more effective than a cup of coffee. In the evening, it can replace a glass of wine, serving as a relaxing and rejuvenating ritual.

Sadhu board practice is used to combat anxiety, depression, apathy, and burnout. Regular practice restores a zest for life and deepens self-awareness.

A greater sense of self-worth and appreciation for life is an unexpected but welcome bonus of this practice.

Can Sadhu board nail-standing Become a Daily Ritual

Can standing on nails become a daily mental and emotional reset, just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower? I hope so. Healthy habits should become part of modern life.

That’s why I’m happy to see nail-standing expanding beyond yoga and becoming an accessible practice for everyone.

Is This Practice for You

If you ask me whether you need this practice, my answer is: everyone should try it or at least consider it. Simply imagining it already activates your awareness—your relationship with your body and fears will immediately surface.

Many believe you need a "call" for Sadhu board practice. I suggest starting with clear intentions for your first experience. These simple questions can guide your journey and help you achieve results faster:

• Can I resist the urge to step off the nails?
• Am I taking care of my body, or am I using it?
• What is my deeper reason for proving I can stand?
• What do I expect from this practice?

The Role of a Guide in Your Sadhu board Practice 

An experienced guide—someone supportive and empathetic—will help you formulate the right questions.

Sadhu board instructors introduce a whole new level of experience, so it’s best to start under the guidance of experienced practitioners.

Working with an intention in nail-standing practice is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Many seek answers, want to develop action strategies, or finally recognize the obstacles preventing them from achieving their desires.

Your Answer Lies in the Experience

The answer to “Do I need this?” can only come from standing on the nails. It’s a deeply personal and unique experience, just like life itself. The choice is yours. Living consciously means always having a choice.

Hear this again: You always have a choice!

Find Your Own Sadhu Board

Choose your personal Sadhu nails board by Oh! Sadhu

Listen to yourself as you make this choice. And remember how, in Ollivander’s shop, the wand chose Harry Potter—because their meeting was destined.

Author: Tetiana Kunianska—psychologist, body-oriented psychotherapy specialist, yoga teacher, and nail-standing master