More and more people are looking for the best shiatsu massage cushion for stress relief, pain relief, and anxiety reduction. According to reports, demand for these cushions with “therapy features,” or features going above and beyond what a standard sleep cushion has to offer, is increasing faster than demand for traditional counterparts.
Customers purchase massage cushions for a variety of reasons. Some use them to relieve and prevent muscle tension and neck, back, and shoulder pain. Others use them to relax at the end of a long day, following an athletic event, or strenuous workout. Some people say they help them avoid and stop panic attacks.
With all these claims and rising consumer demand, many people wonder, “What are the benefits of buying a massage cushion?” The first and most crucial point is that massage cushions are not a replacement for medical or chiropractic care. They are intended to be an additional treatment option that can be recommended or used in addition to medical treatment.
Learn more about the benefits of a shiatsu massage cushion below.
What Is Shiatsu Massage?
Shiatsu massage dates back to ancient Japan but has only recently gained popularity in the Western world.
So, what exactly does the term “shiatsu” mean? The literal translation is ‘finger pressure,’ but don’t be fooled; it’s more than that! Your therapist may use their knuckles, elbows, feet, and knees as part of the treatment.
It’s an excellent way to relax muscles, increase blood circulation, and boost energy levels. The main principle of shiatsu is the concept of energy flow, also known as ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) or ‘Ki.’ Practitioners believe any disruption in your energy flow is the root cause of illness and disease.
Shiatsu focuses on releasing any imbalances or blockages in the Ki flow and rejuvenating your body by restoring energy to where it’s most needed. The practice entails stretching or applying pressure to any points along the lines of energy, which are known as ‘meridian channels.’
What Is a Massage Cushion?
Massage cushions are available in two varieties. One kind resembles a cushion or small pillow. The second type fits on top of your chair and typically includes a back cushion and a seat (attached, not separate).
These devices attempt to replicate a masseuse’s finger and thumb pressure.
Massage Cushions: How Do They Work?
There are multiple massage cushions, but they all serve the same purpose and perform similarly. Most massage cushions employ three types of pressure to stimulate blood circulation and muscle movement. Massage cushions stimulate your muscles by using ball-shaped nodes, or rollers, moving in a predetermined direction.
These nodes are sometimes heated like in the quad shiatsu massage cushion, sometimes optional, and sometimes models do not come with heat. Which version you buy is a personal preference, though a chiropractor or doctor may advise you to get a heated model based on your specific needs. Each person has a varying opinion on which massage cushion is best for them.
Second, air pressure may be used by massage cushions or pillows to tighten and expand across specific areas of your body. A massage cushion may be configured to inflate and deflate around your upper shoulders or legs. The procedure increases circulation, helping relax tense muscles.
Third, some massage cushions may include features such as gentle vibration.
Are Shiatsu Massage Cushions Beneficial?
While massage cushions will not heal an injury or cure a medical condition on their own, many individuals report positive results after using them. Folks say that the best shiatsu massage cushion they’ve ever bought relieves muscle tension and promotes relaxation. Shiatsu cushions might help improve mood because customers frequently feel revitalized after just a short session.
Massage cushions can also be an effective way to keep soft tissue circulation going between massage therapy sessions. They may help maintain inflammation at bay by preventing your muscles from tensing up again.
If you use a shiatsu massage cushion between sessions to keep your muscles pliable and relaxed, your massage therapist might find it easier to work with them. Again, it is wise to discuss with them before purchasing one, as it may interfere with your treatment plan.
The Advantages of Shiatsu Massage Cushions
Massage has numerous health benefits in general. The following are the specific benefits of shiatsu massage cushions.
Upper Back Pain Relief
Massage cushions, particularly shiatsu cushions designed specifically for chairs, are extremely beneficial to the back. Most of your back will be treated, and you will feel at least some pain relief.
Lower Back Pain Relief
The pillow style or the chair style benefits the lower back. Some pillow massagers include lumbar support as well.
Reduces Neck Pain
Some (but not all) cushion massagers can adequately target the neck to provide pain relief in the neck area. However, not all cushion massagers can effectively target the neck.
Lowers Shoulder Pain
Massage cushions, particularly those that fit over chairs, are extremely effective for shoulder pain.
Loosens Muscle Knots
Muscle knots are small, bumpy areas of muscle that can hurt to touch. Myofascial trigger points are medical terminology for muscle knots. These knots form when the bands of tissue or muscle fibers beneath them, known as fascia, tense and tighten.
Massaging knots regularly will help loosen the fascia, reducing the pain due to muscle knots.
Reduces Stress
Stress is a leading cause of death, and massage benefits short-term stress relief.
Enhances Posture
Cushion massagers improve posture while also making you more aware of it. Massage also helps to loosen your muscles, encouraging the body to realign itself into a more natural posture.
Reduces Headaches
Massage cushions reduce trigger points and muscle spasms, making migraines and tension headaches less likely.
Reduces Arthritis Pain and Increases Mobility
Massage can help people with arthritis in two ways. First, massage can reduce the pain associated with arthritis by applying pressure to the pressure receptors beneath your skin, thereby reducing pain. Second, because of the increased blood flow, massage can help improve mobility.
You must consult your doctor before attempting any massages because some types of arthritis are exacerbated by massage.
Makes You Less Injury Prone
When you massage your body, it produces a natural lubricant. This, combined with the muscle-relaxing effects of massage, means your body will be more agile and flexible, making it less prone to injury.
Immune System Booster
Some research found that massage raised the number of lymphocytes, or white blood cells, a key immune system component that boosts the body’s ability to fight diseases and infections.