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Do you love a massage but find it inconvenient to get to a massage salon? Would you rather be able to have one in the comfort of your own home and without worrying about getting someone to do it for you? Then a Shiatsu Massage Chair will probably be one of the best investments you ever make.

These days, there are lots of options available to buy with plenty of exciting massage features. Some massage chairs are almost as good, if not better than having a real Shiatsu massage and they certainly make sitting down extra comfortable! Before we review the best Shiatsu chairs available, let’s understand a little more about them and how they work.

What Is a Shiatsu Massage Chair?

A Shiatsu massage chair is excellent for a variety of reasons. Not only does it help with alleviating pain and discomfort in your muscles and joints, it’s also a good product that relieves anxiety, depression, stiffness in joints, nausea and headaches.

Shiatsu comes from two Japanese words, Shi (finger) and atsu (pressure). It works by clearing the channels so energy flows evenly through the body. A blockage is believed to be what causes the pain and discomfort and the Shiatsu massage movements work to unblock those areas, so getting rid of tension and tightness.

Does It Work?

In short yes, a Shiatsu Massage works by using rolling, kneading and patting movements that vibrates on your body. A good quality Shiatsu chair will replicate those movements using machinery and can even feel as good as human massage. So yes, they do work so long as you’re willing to research and find the right one. Your choice should have a combination of lots of different pressure points and techniques – and all in the comfort of your own home!

Where Can You Buy Shiatsu Chairs?

Some large department stores might sell Shiatsu chairs and some sports shops may also stock them amongst their other equipment and machinery. Alternatively, specialist massage shops are good places to find Shiatsu Chairs but the best place to find the one you want at a reasonable price is through an online retailer. That’s because online retailer pricing tends to be cheaper than in-store because running a physical store is more expensive than running an online store (more staffing, a physical building to run etc.). For second hand versions, try EBay or Gumtree but for new Shiatsu Chairs one of the best online market places to purchase is Amazon.

Which are the Top Selling Brands for Shiatsu Chairs?

There are lots of brands selling Shiatsu Chairs but the best known are as follows:

• Best Massage
• Intmay
• Ideal
• RealRelax
• Gideon
• Kahuna
• Ideal Massage
• Osaki
• Inada
• Infinity
• Human Touch

They aren’t cheap though; Shiatsu Massage chairs retail from $400 right up to $8,000.

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So, what are the best Shiatsu massage chairs?

Here’s our review of each of our favourites:

Ideal Massage Full Featured Massage Chair

This Shiatsu Massage chair isn’t cheap, it retails at $1,279.95 (depending on where you buy it from) but it delivers a superb massage experience. You get a full half an hour massage but you can tailor your massage for just 5 minutes or up to 30 minutes and it feels as good as human massage.

This chair boasts 3-D intelligent detect and is equipped with 4 wheel muted massage hands (which are relatively silent) along with vertical movement that travels up and down the back area. Choose from four automatic programs with just one-touch: Shiatsu, kneading, vibrating and spinal rolling.

You can even control the speed and intensity. Additionally, this chair offers heat therapy which is ideal for relaxing muscles and therapeutic airbags that are built into the shoulder, arm, foot and calve area. The feet have six kneading balls located in the soles of the feet which give a strong, deep massage and the airbags have two intensity levels.

 

Space-Saving Zero-Gravity Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair Recliner

Definitely not cheap at $1899 (depending on retailer) is the Kahuna Massage Chair Recliner in dark brown which is space-saving so if you’re tight on space, it’s the one for you. Offering a variety of excellent features including auto-programmes, a timer (which sets up to 30 minutes), double-layer shoulder airbags and extra padding in the foot area, it’s a really quality massage tool.

The Kahuna chair works by scanning your body to work out the right massage type for your body size and custom-fits your massage. With air massage technology, it gives you a complete all-over body massage including yoga stretching programmes.

It uses kneading, patting and roller massage which you select to suit the relief you want. Feet get treated to dual foot rollers and a detachable, washable footer area to keep the material nice and clean. It comes with a three years limited warranty so you get added piece of mind.

Osaki OS4000D Model OS-4000 Zero Gravity Executive Fully Body Massage Chair

This cream coloured massage chair retails at a whopping $2, 300 (depending on where you purchase it from) but it is armed with everything you need to feel complete relief from pain, stiffness and discomfort.

It features a full body scan system that takes into account your size so it customises your massage. With six unique pre-set programmes and an easy to see LCD display plus remote control, it’s easy to operate. The chair massages feet, calves, arms, hips, shoulders and the hips and you can programme it from 5 minutes up to a full half an hour.

There are five different levels of speed and massage intensity and you can also select lower back heat-therapy for muscular spasms. A superb massage chair that gives you a massage equal to, if not better than a Shiatsu masseuse.

Infinity IT-8500 Shiatsu Zero Gravity Massage Chair (Brown)

This top-of-the-range massage chair retails at $4,500 (depending on where you purchase it from) and has an enormous variety of superb features to give you a truly unforgettable experience. As well as standard features, it offers spinal decompression stretch and deep pressure massage when you need the best possible pain relief. Fully customizable, it offers you lumbar heat, full body-scan to determine the right massage you need, foot rollers and immense comfort. Set the speed, intensity and time as you so desire and relax back into its ergonomic contours until you feel refreshed.

INADA DreamWave Massage Chair

At the very top of the price tree is the Inada DreamWave which retails at almost $9,000 (depending on where you buy it from). It comes with a patented body scanning technology that locates your Shiatsu points on the body to customise your massage so you get the best possible relief. It can also deliver a full upper body massage with the correct Shiatsu pressure so you feel revitalised afterwards.

As well as the above features, there’s infrared lumbar and heated seat area to get rid of muscle ache and the chair is capable of massaging the hip and thigh area, as well as compression on soles, feet and calves. The chair operates a figure eight motion to bring a soothing and relaxing feeling.

iJoy by Human Touch Active 2.0 Perfect Fit Massage Chair, Espresso Color Option

BEST FOR UNDER $1000

At $647 is the Human Touch iJoy Active, a great “budget” massage chair which offers a good Shiatsu style massage by simulating the hand techniques of expert massage therapists. With three motions plus massage pressure, there’s a lot to choose from. There are three auto-programmes, THINK which works on your back, PERFORM for neck and shoulder tension and RECHARGE which concentrates on the lower back.

It also has its own technology, FlexGlide™ that is especially for stress relief, similar to a professional masseuse. Compact and neat, this massage chair is space-saving too and if you’d rather just sit in it, it reclines to 180 degrees. Fully assembled, as soon as you receive it, simply plug in and enjoy all the benefits!

Human Touch “Forti” Amazon-Exclusive Limited Edition Full-Body Shiatsu Massage Chair

This Shiatsu Massage chair comes in grey and is a limited edition product only available for purchase from Amazon. It costs $2,500 and is endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic. It’s ideal for those who suffer with plantar fasciitis (heel pain), back pain, fibromyalgia, circulation problems, diabetes and general stress. The chair features three intensity settings and has a convenient remote control. Perfect for upper back, lower back, shoulders, calves, feet and buttocks. It even massages your hands!

Other features include:

• Targeted muscles
• Soft, medium or intense massage pressure
• Easy assemble
• Foot and calf massage technology for aching feet
• Pop up arm with cloud touch massage
• Washable, removable covers
• Comfort pillow for neck and shoulder support
• Relaxes the spine
• Relieves muscle tension, soreness and fatigue
• Elevates the legs above the heart for better circulation
• Helps to expand lung capacity for deep breathing

RELAXONCHAIR [MK-II PLUS] Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair

BEST FOR PORTABILITY

The Relaxon Shiatsu Massage Chair comes in charcoal grey and features built-in heat and air massage system. Retailing at $1700, (depending on retailer) it has a hand-operated remote control; comfort air bags for extra support, firm massage rollers and four automatic massage programmes.

With three speed control you can choose from targeted massages such as kneading, patting or a combination of all three. The chair will elevate your feet to heart level so boosting circulation and reducing strain on your back. It’s very effective at minimising back pain and even helping to get rid of headaches.

This chair includes a full body rolling massage and computerised body scanning so it memorises your shape and size, tailoring a massage to your needs. The airbags inflate and deflate to stretch and massage the body too, while giving excellent support.

An all-round high quality massage chair that is lightweight so it can be moved from room to room. The massage this chair delivers is as good as a high quality Shiatsu masseuse and with the additional lower back heating, you can really enjoy an all-over therapeutic experience.

Finally, the large LCD screen means you can keep an eye on the type of massage you want and the timer. This chair is definitely a high quality, premium product.

Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner Stretched Foot Rest by Best Massage

CHEAPEST QUALITY MASSAGE CHAIR!

When you don’t want to spend thousands on a massage chair, the Best Massage EC Chair is an excellent all-round choice that doesn’t cost the earth. Retailing at $380 (depending on where you buy it from) it is a superb product that uses Shiatsu power rollers to relax muscular tension, reduce tiredness and refresh the mind. With compression and percussion it goes a long way to boosting flexibility, mobility and leg strength.

With more than 30 airbags, the chair gives incredible comfort and support and it even features heat if you want it. There are a number of programmes to choose from including Recovery, Extend, Relax and Refresh. Ergonomically designed, the chair conforms to your contours and while it holds you in place, it has an added neck massage feature that targets “tsubo” points.

Electric Zero-Gravity Full-Body Shiatsu Real Relax Massage Chair Recliner

BEST FOR PREGNANCY

Retailing at $800 (depending on where you buy it from) is another “budget” option. The Electric Zero-Gravity Full-Body Shiatsu Chair reclines too, giving you plenty of flexibility. It comes in smart black and has the added bonus of a stretched foot rest and built in heater. There are four pre-set automatic massage programmes and the chair can manage eight massage points inside its backrest. This means you get treated to an entire head-to-toe massage.

With 50 air bags all over the shoulders arms, buttocks and legs you feel incredible support and comfort, allowing you to really relax. Feet enjoy an effective foot massage using rollers and even the arms get a pulsing experience, Easy to assemble, the product comes with a two year warranty, giving you added peace of mind.

Best Massage Fully Assembled Curved Long Rail Shiatsu Massage Chair

BEST FOR SWEDISH STYLE MASSAGE

What we love about this chair is that it comes with a superb wireless Bluetooth speaker and USB charger so you can factor in some of your favourite relaxing music while you get your all-over-body massage! The unique wireless Bluetooth features surround sound so you really get a heightened musical experience. It’s also one of the cheapest massage chair on the market, retailing at just $400 (depending on here you buy it from) and it gives you a multitude of options including fatigue release, more flexibility, refreshing tired muscles and importantly, alleviating symptoms of muscular discomfort.

This chair is more aligned to Swedish massage with its kneading muscle properties. It delivers similar pressure to human hands and the additional tapping sensation is extremely relaxing. Control the intensity and speed of your massage from the convenient armrest area so there’s no need to bend, stretch or hold a remote control.