Getting a good shiatsu massage chair is a good option if you want to have a regular massage in the comfort of your own home. Having a massage chair saves you from going out regularly to get your massage and paying the price that goes along with the service.
But since shiatsu massage chairs are quite expensive, interested buyers are advised to select the best from those that are available. To do this, they are encouraged to do online research and identify the most reliable products out there, like those reviewed here.
What is Shiatsu massage?
As we all know our body has specific pressure points. In this massage, a Shiatsu practitioner applies pressure with his thumbs, knees, hands, elbows on specific points of our body. The main purpose of putting pressure is to provide ultimate relieve to mind and body. He also rotates and stretches joints and limbs so you can feel utmost relaxation.
According to Shiatsu Society, shiatsu massage therapy boost up body’s natural ability to heal itself. It works not only on physical body of a person but also on his emotional and psychological well-being.
What is meaning of Shiatsu?
The term Shiatsu clearly tells that it is originated from Japan. Shiatsu is translated as “finger massage”. So, it means that fingers are used to perform this massage. However, it is not just the fingers which play the vital role. Let’s find out more about it.
Origin and history
Shiatsu Massage is originated in Japan. It was an essential part of Chinese medicine. This massage was introduced in Japan by a Buddhist monk in 6th century. This massage has evolved and developed over time so it can fulfill requirements and needs of a person. It is used for healing purpose.
In early 20th Century, a practitioner named Tamai Tempaku made a combination of old Chinese treatment methods with western sciences of physiology and anatomy. The result of this combination comes in the form of Shiatsu massage. In 1964, Japanese government recognized this massage as Shiatsu Therapy.
Benefits of Shiatsu massage
Now you have got complete idea about Shiatsu massage, the next thing to do is to explore its benefits.
Relaxation
The goal of this massage is to provide relaxation to body and mind. A person feels light after this therapy. A research is conducted by Shiatsu society, according to which 95 percent of total participant report relaxation. They also report that they enjoy better sleep at night after this therapy.
Get rid of Muscle ache
When a person works for long hours, he feels pain in his muscles of shoulder, back, neck, etc. The best way to get relief from muscle ache is to get this massage. Skin muscles are rubbed, pulled and stretched while pressure is applied on specific pressure points of body with the mean of hands, palm, fingers and toes. According to a study of European Shiatsu Federation, 85 percent of total participants reported that they felt better after this massage. Their muscles got relaxed. This massage is effective to get relief from tension, back pain, and joint pain. Even when you have posture problems, you can correct them via this shiatsu massage therapy.
Constipation Cure
If you are facing constipation problem then it is time to get its solution. It comes in the form this Japanese massage therapy. In this therapy, pulling and stretching technique is used to loosen the abdominal muscles and also to relax colon and intestines. The end results is ultimate relieve from constipation. Improve your digestion through this therapy.
Prevent Arthritis
People who work all day long often encounter inflammation of tissue. So, it is suggested to them to get shiatsu treatment. Pressure is applied on stressed body parts, so muscles get relaxed. This is how you can reduce the tissue inflammation and soreness.
Good for Pregnant Women
Doctor always advise pregnant women to walk more , so they feel less pain during labor. It is good to know that Shiatsu is an ancient technique that is used to provide relief from menstrual cramps and depression. Therefore, pregnant women should consider this massage. This massage also makes labor easier for women and helps babies to turn their sides inside the womb. Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy, the best way to deal this problem is to go for a shiatsu massage therapy. This therapy will help a pregnant woman feels relaxed and stress-free.
Shiatsu Massage Techniques
You need to understand Shiatsu massage technique, so you know how it works for you. As this massage is originated from Japan where concept of Yin and Yang is quite common, so basically this massage is done to make a balance of Yin and Yang (positive and negative body energies). The goal of this massage is to balance both energies within the body. A person faces health problems when flow of energy is imbalanced or simply blocked. With the mean of Shiatsu, flow of energy gets balanced and energy blockage is removed. Therefore, a person who gets this massage notices improvements in his mind and body.
A Shiatsu practitioner tries to make a balance between yin and yang. He determines those parts of body where energy is presnet in excess or simply deficient. He uses finger pressure and even uses toes, legs to put pressure on certain pressure points. Thereby, he addresses this imbalance with care and result comes in the form of body and muscle relaxation.
Shiatsu massage techniques not only include finger pressure but also rubbing, kneading, stretching and tapping. Thigh and leg muscles are stretched to some extent and then a little rubbing can do a great magic for the person. This massage can be performed on all body parts or on specific pain points such as shoulder, neck, pain or foot. Shiatsu treatment is quite effective. A person is able to get rid of his muscles aches and sore easily via it.
Shiatsu Self Massage
Sometimes, you need quick massage for getting pain relief. Good thing is that you can perform Shiatsu massage own your own. All you have to do is to follow some specific steps and apply pressure on your body parts. Whether you are feeling eye pain, back pain or any other body pain, you have a chance to get relief through self shiatsu therapy. Have a look at image , follow steps and instructions. You would be able to enjoy instant relief from pain. Must try it.
Think about Shiatsu Massage Chair
Hope you get an idea about Shiatsu massage therapy. If you don’t find a shiatsu practitioner around you or simply want to cut massage cost then you can consider buying Shiatsu massage chair. Fact is that there are many Shiatsu massage chairs in the market. But what you need is the best one. So, read review of Inada Dreamwave that delivers you a Shiatsu massage like an expert. In this era, a well-designed technology advanced massage chair imitates perfect shiatsu massage techniques. So, when you get a massage from this chair then you get the same enjoyable experience that you have in a massage parlor.
Benefits of Shiatsu massage Chair
Here are some benefits you can grab from this massage chair.
Convenient
Use it whenever you like. No need to book an appointment. If you need a massage, get it.
Economical
If you get a massage from massage parlor, you need to pay high fees to shiatsu practitioner. However, it is not the case when you buy a chair and use it. Onetime payment will help you get pain relief for lifetime.
Home Massage Therapy
People don’t like to visit salon often, they often rely on home remedies. One can save his time and money when he gets a home massage therapy from a massage chair. What do you think?
Best Shiatsu Massage Chair Reviews
1. Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner w/ Heat Stretched Foot Rest EC-06C Review
The Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner w/ Heat Stretched Foot Rest 06C from BestMassage is currently considered as one of the best products in its class since it bundles a number of useful features that make its users feel relaxed and enjoy the shiatsu massage it provides.
The EC-06 Massage Chair features an updated design and functions. It is very flexible and conveniently conforms to the shape and contours of the user’s back. It is fully automatic and most of its basic functions such as the raising and reclining of the backrest, leg or foot can are controlled with just a push of the appropriate button.
The EC-06 Massage Chair comes with four automatic programs and more than 30 airbags built using the Heat Intelligent roller system. The product is equipped with massage heads that are designed to target the “tsubo points” found on the neck. It also performs an extensive range of motions that enable the roller heads to reach the user’s tailbone area.
Its ultra long-range massage feature allows the chair to reach and massage the user’s thighs and feet. Finally, the air-massage function that uses about 20 air bags located on the chair’s lower body further relieves the user from fatigue by massaging the feet, legs and thighs.
Pros
- Comes with a classy, functional and durable design
- Made of high-grade materials
- Provides an excellent shiatsu massage
- Equipped with rollers and airbags that target the user’s vital points from head to foot
- Comes with more than 30 air bags
- Fully automatic
- Features a number of massage programs
- Has roller heads that target the tailbone area
- Offers a relaxing, stress-relieving and rejuvenating effect
- Sold with a 1-year limited warranty
- Decently priced
Cons
- Might require a longer learning curve to utilize some of its functions
- Relatively heavy
- Might not be readily available in some areas in the US
- Not available for shipping in some countries
With its decent price and comprehensive massaging function, the Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner w/ Heat Stretched Foot Rest 06C still remains as a good buy for consumers. It is also backed by a 1-year limited warranty which further makes it a good deal.
2. Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner Heat and Long Rail EC161 Review
Another good shiatsu massage chair is the Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner with Heat and Long Rail EC161. This is because the product massages the user from the neck all the way to the thigh. It is equipped with a super long massage track which is L-shaped and carefully presses the body’s stress points thereby giving the user a soothing feeling.
Aside from its functional shape, the product features zero-gravity technology. Many massage experts consider this a good feature since it makes the user take deep breaths and feel more relaxed. The relaxing feel reduces the pressure exerted by the weight on the joints and backbone thereby allowing the massage rollers to conveniently massage the targeted body parts.
Finally, the product comes with a user-friendly operating setup. With this, the user can conveniently explore the other features of the seat. As a result, the probability of getting all of the benefits offered by the chair is increased.
Pros
- Features an upscale and functional design
- Made of high-grade materials
- Has a durable construction
- Offers a user-friendly operating setup
- Massages the body from the neck all the way to the thighs
- Decently priced
- Features zero-gravity technology
- Massages both sides of the body
Cons
- Lacks the needed head and foot massage functions
- Might not be available in some parts of the US
- Not eligible for shipping in some countries
- Not offered with a warranty
The Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner with Heat and Long Rail EC161 is regarded as a best buy by a lot of buyers. This is because the product is decently priced and equipped with the features needed to satisfy the shiatsu massaging needs of its users.
3. Osaki OS-4000 Zero Gravity Heated Reclining Shiatsu Massage Chair Review
Aside from the two exceptional massage chairs discussed earlier, many consumers also consider the OS-4000 Zero Gravity Heated Reclining Massage Chair Upholstery as a good option. The product offers six massage programs that the user could choose from. It is designed to massage the arm, hip and neck using a heated method.
In addition to that, the Osaki OS-4000 comes with the Swedish five speed levels providing the user with the speed options that best suit their massage needs. Dealing with differently sized users is also not an issue with the product since it features three adjustable width levels. Finally, it is equipped with an LCD display along with a wireless mini-controller that makes its operation much more convenient.
Pros
- Made of high-grade materials
- Features an elegant and classy design
- Has 6 massage programs, 3 width adjustments and 5 speed levels
- Has an LCD display and wireless mini-controller
- Massages the arms, hip and neck well
- Features a very user-friendly functioning setup
- Uses 32 air bags, an intelligent 4-roller system and a powerful 11 motor system
Cons
- Sold at an expensive price
- Does not massage the head and the feet
- Not backed by a warranty
- Not available for shipping in some countries
Despite of its expensive price, the Osaki OS-4000 Zero Gravity Heated Reclining Massage Chair Upholstery is still regarded as a good buy. This is because the product offers a lot of functionalities and features a lot of advanced massaging mechanisms.
Conclusion
Out of the three products discussed earlier, the 06C Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair can be considered as the best option since it covers the areas from the head all the way to the foot and is sold at a decent price.
The 161 Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner proves to be the second best option since it provides some of the features provided by the EC-06 minus the head massage.
The Osaki OS-4000 Zero Gravity Massage Chair settles in at third since it is very expensive. Although it provides a lot of detailed features, only a few buyers can really afford its price tag.
