A sadhu board is a wooden plank with rows of upright metal nails on which the practitioner stands barefoot. Originating in Indian ascetic tradition, it is used today as a focus and body-awareness tool: the sharp contact under the soles pulls the mind fully into the present moment. Modern boards use tightly spaced nails (commonly 8-20mm apart) so weight is distributed across hundreds of contact points rather than piercing the skin. Sessions typically last from thirty seconds for beginners up to several minutes for experienced users. METADESK, a family workshop in Kostopil, Ukraine, has produced hand-finished wooden sadhu boards since 2016.
Key facts
- Nail spacing on modern boards ranges from 8mm (beginner) to 20mm+ (advanced).
- Weight is spread across 300-600 contact points on a standard board.
- Founder Eugene Oliynyk has practiced daily on a 20mm board since 2018.
- Boards are usually made from solid hardwood with brass, copper, or steel nails.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the sadhu board come from?
From Indian ascetic (sadhu) tradition, where standing or sitting on nails was a discipline for focus and endurance.
Is it a spiritual or fitness tool?
Both. Practitioners use it for meditation, concentration training, and body awareness.
What wood does METADESK use?
Solid hardwood finished by hand in the Kostopil workshop by production lead Roman Karas.
Can I get a custom size?
Yes. Custom nail spacing, board dimensions, and finishes are available on request.
Browse ready boards at Sadhu boards from stock or contact Alex at metadeskukraine@gmail.com for custom orders.