Most people have a preference for the type of massage they enjoy most. Different massage techniques and styles can lead to different results when it comes to dealing with pain, tension, and stress. Shiatsu massage chairs feature one of the most popular massage styles – Shiatsu, known for a deep application of pressure that can lead to an incredible release of tension.
For when you can’t get to the masseuse, some massage chairs let you experience a Shiatsu massage in the comfort of your own home.
Best Shiatsu Massage Chairs Review 2020
Here are a few options to consider to find the right Shiatsu massage chair for you.
Real Relax Massage Chair Recliner | Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Recliner 3D | INADA DreamWave Massage Chair | |
BUDGET OPTION | EDITOR’S PICK | BEST OF BEST | |
PROs | affordable zero gravity a few massage methods extendable ottoman user-friendly remote |
Full review pending. | tons of customization comfortable heat a few different massage techniques pocket for phone |
CONs | massage heads are stationary no body scanning not much customization |
Full review pending. | very large and heavy no zero gravity difficult assembly |
PRICE | |||
BOTTOM LINE | good value for the price | Full review pending. | incredible customization options |
GO TO STORE | GO TO STORE | GO TO STORE |
BUDGET OPTION Real Relax Massage Chair Recliner
Although this Shiatsu massage chair is quite basic, it does provide a lot of value for the money. It doesn’t have a roller track system but instead features eight zones with stationary Shiatsu massage heads. The chair does have zero gravity and that positioning does help to give a deeper massage.
Unfortunately, the massage heads are stationary and can’t be adjusted for an individual’s exact body shape. In addition to the Shiatsu massage heads, this chair has heat, air massage, and vibration options. The chair is fairly bulky and heavy but there are castors on the bottom that make it pretty easy to move.
Features:
- Size: 82.7 x 36.6 x 47.6 inches
- Weight: 265 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year limited
- affordable
- zero gravity
- a few massage methods
- extendable ottoman
- user-friendly remote
- massage heads are stationary
- no body scanning
- not much customization
Bottom Line
This is definitely not the best chair on the market and has its drawbacks, namely the lack of ability to customize the massage heads for your body. However, the Real Relax Massage Chair Recliner does offer an adequate Shiatsu massage and provides good value for the price.
EDITOR’S PICK Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Recliner 3D Massage Chair
Full review pending.
BEST OF BEST INADA DreamWave Massage Chair
This high-end Shiatsu massage chair has a hefty price tag but also a long list of features that offer a lot of value. Body scan technology detects the location of an individual’s shiatsu points to give a massage targeted to specific needs. The Shiatsu massage technique is used throughout the upper body whereas other parts of the body get a gentle air compression massage. Infrared heating in the lumbar and seat regions help deepen the massage. The DreamWave has 16 preset massage programs and a lot of customization is available.
If you’d rather design your own massage, there are an astounding 1,000 possible manual massage combinations. A unique feature of this chair is a setting designed especially for kids. Although its performance matters more, it’s also worth noting that this chair has quality construction and a design inspired by a Japanese aesthetic. It also has a convenient cell phone pocket.
Features:
- Size: 82.7 x 36.6 x 47.6 inches
- Weight: 265 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year limited
- tons of customization
- comfortable
- heat
- a few different massage techniques
- pocket for phone
- very large and heavy
- no zero gravity
- difficult assembly
Bottom Line
This chair might be a bit overpriced but it offers incredible customization options and has the potential to give a great Shiatsu massage.
A few Additional Shiatsu Massage Tools to Consider
These aren’t full massage chairs, but the following Shiatsu massage tools can help you get a deep massage at very affordable prices.
Zyllion ZMA13BK Shiatsu Pillow Massager
Four powerful deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes help to relieve the tension in the back, neck, and thighs. Three-speed settings along with adjustable heat intensity offer a significant degree of variability. It is very affordable, small in size and easily transportable.
Gideon GD-MSG-CS2 Luxury Six-Program Customizable Massaging Cushion
This cushion targets the entire back from neck to hips with customizable Shiatsu massage action. It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and very highly rated.
Nekteck Shiatsu Deep Kneading Massage Pillow with Heat
This unique massager wraps around your neck like a scarf and provides deep Shiatsu massage to an area of the body where many people carry a lot of tension.
About Shiatsu Massage
In Japanese, Shiatsu means finger pressure. Shiatsu massage is rooted in the Japanese evolution of Chinese bodywork. Along with acupuncture and herbalism, Shiatsu was practiced in Japan for centuries. In the 20th century, Tamai Tempaku took the ancient practice of Shiatsu and combined it with the perspective of Western science.
Shiatsu massage tends to focus on acupuncture points in the body and almost always uses a strong, focused pressure.
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
There are myriad benefits to Shiatsu massage. These include the following:
- relieves muscle tension
- promotes relaxation
- can lower stress, anxiety, and depression
- reduces muscular pain
- improves circulation
Below you can see a video on performing Shiatsu back massage the traditional way.