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Best Shiatsu Massage Chairs Reviews 2023

May 20, 2020 last updated

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.

Our tip
You may also be interested in our selection of the best massage chairs overall.

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
  Real Relax Massage Chair Recliner Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Recliner 3D Massage Chair 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 Dollar coin icon Dollar coin iconDollar coin iconDollar coin iconDollar coin icon Dollar coin iconDollar coin iconDollar coin iconDollar coin iconDollar coin icon
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
Buyer rating
Amazon reviewers have given this chair a 4.5-star average. Many buyers describe the chair as exceeding the expectations they had based on price. A common complaint is that the foot and calf massage tends to be a bit too intense and even painful. Several buyers describe the assembly as easy. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself
Pros
  • affordable
  • zero gravity
  • a few massage methods
  • extendable ottoman
  • user-friendly remote
Cons
  • 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
Buyer rating
The Inada DreamWave has a 3.9-star average on Amazon. One reviewer was extremely satisfied with the massage performance itself but described it as being “hideous” and having an overwhelming amount of options. Another reviewer agreed, saying that she would probably enjoy the chair more if she took the time to read the manual and understand all of the settings. A few people found the chair to be lacking, but the overall verdict is that this is a high-quality chair that provides effective massage relief. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself
Pros
  • tons of customization
  • comfortable
  • heat
  • a few different massage techniques
  • pocket for phone
Cons
  • 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.

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Article author

Peter Lloyd
Peter Lloyd

Author and editor with LeisureRate.com since 2017.

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