Best shiatsu massage seat: Physio review (is it effective?)

back pain from lack of exercise

It's hard to find time to relax and take care of yourself these days. Stress, fatigue and muscle aches are recurring problems in our daily lives.

Fortunately, there are solutions for effective relief, such as shiatsu massage seat. This massage equipment is becoming more and more popular thanks to its many benefits for the body and the mind.

In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of using a shiatsu massage seat, as well as our recommendations as health professionals.

We therefore hope to provide you with the information necessary to make this product your next best purchase to improve your quality of life.

Who is it for?– People suffering from back pain, to shoulders or in the neck.
– People with stressful lives and looking for a way to relax and unwind.
– People wishing to benefit from the benefits of Shiatsu therapy.
Benefits– Relief of pain and muscle tension
– Stress reduction
– Improved blood circulation
Drawbacks – Some users may find the massage too intense and uncomfortable.
- The shiatsu massage chairs are not suitable for all body areas.
– They can be noisy and disturb people around you.
Alternatives- Maderotherapy
- cupping therapy
- Acupuncture
Our opinionWith its many health benefits, shiatsu massage seat is a practical and affordable solution to improve your physical and mental well-being without leaving home.

Our recommendations

We have chosen for you the shiatsu massage chairs the most efficient, relying on our expertise in this field and taking into account the feedback from our users.

Last updated on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Shiatsu massage seat: what is it?

Le shiatsu massage seat is a massage equipment that works according to the pressure technique of shiatsu.

Le Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that relies on pressure exerted on specific points of the body. These presses are performed with the fingers, palms, elbows, knees, feet, or even the back of the hand.

This type of massage has its roots in the concept of qi. In the traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the vital force that animates all the activities of life.

Le shiatsu massage seat allows you to reproduce this pressure technique on several parts of the body at the same time. It is a complete massage equipment that acts on the back, buttocks, thighs and calves.

It is effective in relieving muscle tension, reducing stress and improving blood circulation. They can also help improve flexibility, range of motion and posture.

Why use the shiatsu massage seat?

This device can offer several benefits for the relief of pain, but not only !
Listed below are some of the benefits of its use:

1- Pain relief

Le shiatsu massage seat is particularly effective in relieving muscle and joint pain. Thanks to its pressure technique, it allows to untie the tensions and the muscular knots, which considerably reduces the feelings of discomfort and pain.

2- Reduction of stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are ailments that affect more and more people. This equipment is therefore effective in reducing these symptoms by providing deep relaxation.

The massages it provides stimulate the production of endorphins, the happiness hormones, which reduces your psychological tension.

3- Improved blood and lymphatic circulation

Le shiatsu massage seat stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation by exerting pressure on key points of the body.

This promotes the elimination of toxins and metabolic waste, which improves the overall health of the body.

4- Relaxation of muscles and deep tissues

This product acts in depth on the muscles and tissues to relax them. This reduces muscle stiffness and chronic pain. The massages provided by the shiatsu seat also improve muscle suppleness and flexibility.

5- Personalization of the massage

Massage devices with technology Shiatsu come with various intensity levels and massage programs.

This feature allows customization according to individual needs and preferences. Separate massage programs also allow you to target specific areas of the body, providing targeted pain relief.

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Last updated on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

The disadvantages of the shiatsu massage chair

  • High cost

This category of product can be expensive compared to other types of massage equipment. Although prices may vary depending on model and features, some shiatsu massage chairs may be out of reach for the tightest budgets.

  • Potential noise

Some models of this equipment can be noisy when in operation. This can be distracting or embarrassing for some people, especially if they are looking to relax or rest during the massage.

  • Limited use

Although this therapeutic method is safe for most people, experts recommend that certain groups of people avoid this treatment unless a doctor advises its use.

This recommendation applies to the following persons:

  1. Pregnant women : the shiatsu massage seat may be contraindicated during pregnancy due to the pressure it puts on certain parts of the body.
  2. people with skin problems : such as eczema, psoriasis or a skin infection.
  3. patients with cardiovascular pathologies : such as high blood pressure, heart failure or heart disease.
  4. People with a history of deep vein thrombosis

It is therefore important to consult a doctor before using any shiatsu massage seat to treat a specific medical condition.

Shiatsu massage seat: My physiotherapist opinion!

As a healthcare professional, I was initially one of the practitioners who was skeptical about the effectiveness of this type of device, thus sharing the opinion of several of my colleagues that these instruments were little or not effective or even harmful.

However, by carrying out a critical analysis of the data available on the subject and by evaluating the use of massage seats with my patients, I was able to qualify my initial position.

Indeed, the advantages of shiatsu massage seat are many. In addition to relieving muscle pain and tension, it can also improve blood circulation and stimulate pressure points for complete relaxation of body and mind.

Plus, it can be used any time of the day, whether at work or at home, for instant stress relief.

Of course, the shiatsu massage seat should not be used as a permanent solution for chronic pain or back problems. However, I am of the opinion of using this product in addition to other therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, exercise and relaxation for a complete and lasting healing.

Also, it is important to note that, as with any massage device, it is recommended to use the shiatsu massage seat with caution and moderation to avoid aggravating existing pain and injury.

Homedics Back and Shoulder Shiatsu Massaging Seat
  • THE HOUSE OF WELLNESS - HoMedics is a brand that helps you relax, unwind and simplify your life. Founded in 1987 and widely recognized around the world, HoMedics is now one of the reference brands in massage products.
  • THE SHIATSU MASSAGE – The HoMedics Shiatsu Back and Shoulder Massager replicates the famous Japanese massage technique using powerful massage balls. Relax and re-energize, straight from your home

Last updated on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

What our patients and other users say 

To better understand the effectiveness and practical use of the shiatsu massage seat, it is a good idea to take into account feedback from patients as well as other users.

Their comments and feedback can provide valuable information to improve the user experience and adapt the method according to the real needs of users.

Among these returns, some highlighted the benefits of shiatsu massage seat to relieve the back pain and provide a relaxing massage experience.

For example, a patient who bought the product following our advice said "a great solution for having relaxing back massages when you can't have physio sessions".

Also, some users have commented on the rotating balls of the massaging seat , which may cause some discomfort when used in a vehicle.

Our Alternatives

There are several alternatives available that may provide similar benefits to a shiatsu massage seat :

Maderotherapy

It is a method of traditional Colombian therapy which uses wooden instruments of different shapes to massage the body.

Unlike classic manual massage techniques, massages of the maderotherapy are designed to provide, as the shiatsu massage seat, relaxation, muscle toning, as well as improving blood circulation and drainage lymphatique.

cupping therapy

Le Cupping is a method of treatment that consists of placing suction cups suction cups on the skin to stimulate blood circulation and encourage healing.

This practice is known to relieve muscle pain, promote tissue regeneration, and strengthen blood vessels, providing health and wellness benefits.

Acupuncture

This non-invasive treatment technique, used for millennia in the chinese medicine, involves the insertion of fine sterile needles at specific points along the meridians of the body to restore the flow of Qi.

Thanks to its therapeutic properties, acupuncture is a medical practice capable of effectively treating a variety of pains, whether acute or chronic, muscular or articular, by restoring the energy balance in the body.

Manual massage

They are carried out by health professionals trained in the technique of shiatsu massage. it offers patients and customers a more personalized and targeted experience.

How to choose the right massage seat?

When looking to buy a shiatsu massage seat, it is important to take into account some technical characteristics.

The essential components to consider are the engine,gearing, rolls and air cushions for compression.

The most sought-after functions for optimal relaxation are:

  • the action of the massage balls which replace the masseur's hands and fingers
  • vibrations that relax muscles and relieve nervous tension
  • heat that reproduces the effects of hot stone massage and promotes relaxation.

There are also other important selection criteria for a shiatsu massage chair.

  1. The type of massage offered by the seat should match your relaxation needs.
  2. The seat must also be ergonomic and adapt perfectly to your morphology and your size.
  3. It is preferable that the control be easily accessible and that the seat has a function spot to easily locate the painful area to be treated.
  4. The quality and texture of the coating is also important, the cover should be made with a hypoallergenic, washable and removable material for the best devices.
  5. The price is an important criterion to take into account. It is conceivable to procure excellent models at a cost less than 200 €.

By choosing a shiatsu massage seat based on these criteria, you can benefit from a personalized, effective and relaxing home massage experience.

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How to use the shiatsu massage seat?

Before using the shiatsu massage chair, carefully read the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Make sure that the seat is properly installed on a stable and comfortable chair or armchair.

Sit on the seat and adjust the height of the massage nodes according to your height and preference.

Turn it on and choose the massage program that best suits your needs. Some models allow you to adjust the intensity and speed of the massage, so adjust them according to your comfort.

It is recommended not to use the shiatsu massage chair for more than 15 minutes at a time. If you plan to use the massage seat on a regular basis, it is important in this case not to use it more than twice a day.

Our verdict

Why use a shiatsu massage chair? Simply because it's a simple and practical way to take care of your body and your well-being!

The advantages of shiatsu massage are numerous and recognized for centuries in Asia. Thanks to this seat, you can now enjoy its benefits at home, at any time of the day.

Not only the shiatsu massage seat is much cheaper than a traditional massage chair, but it also makes it possible to target an area that is often sensitive and not easily accessible: the of .

This type of massage is particularly appreciated for its effectiveness in relaxing muscles and stimulating blood circulation, thus reducing pain and inflammation.

In short, it offers a practical solution for moments of rest and relaxation at home or in the office.

Resources

Shiatsu massage seat – Massage seat and backrest (sens-original.com)

Shiatsu Massage: What to Expect, Benefits, and Who May Benefit Most (insider.com)

Shiatsu massage: Definition, benefits and techniques (medicalnewstoday.com)

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