The 10 Best Massage Cushions
Special Honors
Latitude Run Backrest Bed Lounger The Latitude Run Backrest Bed Lounger is ideal for relaxing in bed and watching TV or reading a book. It keeps you propped up comfortably while providing a warming shiatsu massage to sooth those aches and pains, and it even features a built-in overhead light, a cupholder, and a pocket. wayfair.com
Editor's Notes
November 27, 2020:
Massages aren't just great for stress relief, they can also provide important health benefits. Whether you are hoping to release tension, sooth sore muscles, or increase circulation, one of the options on this list should be able to help. We have taken various properties into account when ranking them, including effectiveness, comfort, adjustability to users of different sizes, longevity, and price.
One of our favorite options is the Homedics Perfect Touch. It is one of the few models available that offers percussion therapy in addition to the traditional kneading, heat, and vibration you get from others. This is a feature generally only found in full massage chairs. Unfortunately, its high price may put it out of reach for many. After that, the Comfier Neck and Back and Renpho Electric Shiatsu are our other favorites. We like the former for its air compression, another feature often only found in full massage chairs, and the latter boasts a smart ergonomical curve that supports the lumber and natural shape of the spine.
We generally focused on only including models that offer kneading in conjunction with vibration, as the latter alone often isn't very effective for most people. That being said, the Snailax SL363M is an exception here. Though it only vibrates, it is long enough to lay out on, and is comprised of memory foam and plush polyester, making it a very comfy way to enhance your relaxation when lounging on the couch or bed.
While all of the options on our list can be stored flat because their bottom portion folds up, the Belmint BEL-FBM is the most compact, making it ideal for those with limited space. It, along with the Nursal HPC0034, Belmint Shiatsu Chair, Zyllion ZMA-33, and a couple others, include 12-volt adapters so you can use them in your vehicle.
November 17, 2019:
There are few things better than a great massage after a long day at work. Of course, going to a therapist regularly is a luxury few of us can afford. Enter the massage cushion. Considerably cheaper than visiting a professional, these can give you an on-demand massage any time you are in the mood.
During this update we removed the Relaxzen 60-2910P due to complaints of it failing after a short period of use. We also eliminated the Belmint Seven-Program because many found it to be overly stiff and to knead way too hard. We did, however, add the Belmint BEL-FBM. Though it does still suffer from some complaints of kneading too hard, it is less so than the Belmint Seven-Program, and its small size makes it the ideal travel option. Since we had to remove the portable Naipo Professional due to it being loud and minimally effect, we felt we needed to replace it with something equally compact, but which offered a more effective massage.
The Comfier Neck and Back and Homedics MCS-775H are definitely the most feature-packed of the bunch, offering compression in addition to heat and kneading, and in the case of the former, vibration as well. Unfortunately, these models don't come cheap, but if you are serious about getting an effective massage, they are the best options.
The Snailax SL363M stands apart from the rest of the options on our list for being a full-body mat that you can lie down on. Though it only offers heat and vibration, that combined with its memory foam padding make it a very soothing option to relax on. Try wrapping yourself with a faux fur throw and catching up on some of your favorite shows while lounging on it and we are willing to bet the whole day will have passed before you notice it.
A Brief History Of Massage Therapy
Laymen at the time were also known to have performed massages for relaxation purposes.
It is believed that the first forms of massage began in India some time around 3000 B.C.E. Massage techniques and word of their healing benefits passed down orally from generation to generation of Ayurvedic practitioners. Ayurveda is an ancient holistic form of medicine that has been practiced in India for many millennia.
The first written documentation of massage therapy comes from China around 2700 B.C.E. In ancient China, massage therapy evolved from the combined expertise and methods of doctors, Buddhist and Taoist monks, and martial artists. Laymen at the time were also known to have performed massages for relaxation purposes. In the Chinese culture, the healing benefits of massage are believed to come from their ability to help energy flow through the body more harmoniously, which allows the body to heal itself. Some Chinese massage techniques include amno, accupressure, and tui na.
There are also records of massage therapy being practiced in Egypt as far back as 2500 B.C.E. Tomb paintings have been found depicting people kneading other people. They are credited with being the first culture to use reflexology, in which a practitioner applies pressure to precise locations on the hands and feet to heal other areas of the body.
Japanese monks who studied Buddhism in China brought the techniques of massage therapy to Japan around 1000 B.C.E. Over time, they integrated their own cultural beliefs for healing into the techniques learned in China resulting in anma, which eventually grew into the traditional Japanese massage therapy of shiatsu.
Massage therapy slowly made its way into Western civilizations and the Greeks were practicing it by 800 B.C.E. It was employed by athletes before and after competitions to keep their bodies in peak condition and prevent injuries. It was also used by medical practitioners, who included oils and herbs to treat a range of medical conditions.
Over time, the use of massage therapy declined in popularity in the west until the 1700s, when physicians in Europe documented the many benefits of massage. In the latter half of the 20th century, interest in holistic healing methods created renewed interest in massage therapy in America and other Western cultures.
Health Benefits Of Massage Therapy Using A Massage Cushion
Massage therapy offers a number of benefits that can help you lead a healthier and happier life. Stress is one of the major issues that most people deal with these days. Even the young and physically fit often suffer from stress, which can eventually lead to anxiety, stroke, high blood pressure, headaches, depression, and more.
One of the most obvious benefits of massage therapy is its ability to relax the muscles and reduce or get rid of muscle pain.
Massage is a healthy way to relief some of the stress we experience on a daily basis. Just a short massage is known to lower the heart rate, as well as insulin and cortisol levels, all of which contributes to stress relief. It can also help the body enter a more relaxed state.
One of the most obvious benefits of massage therapy is its ability to relax the muscles and reduce or get rid of muscle pain. Muscles can experience pain for a number of reasons. One might overexert themselves at the gym, straining a muscle and causing pain and tightness. Muscles can also get sore and stiff from sitting all day at a desk, which can often lead to back and neck pain. Using a massage cushion regularly can help ease the muscles, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase range of motion.
Choosing The Correct Massage Cushion
When choosing the best massage cushion for you needs, you should keep a couple of things in mind. First and foremost is the basic comfort of the cushion. One must be able to relax when getting a massage. If the cushion is not comfortable to sit on for long periods of time, it won't be relaxing and you will rarely use it, no matter how good of a massage it offers. Next, you should consider the strength of the massage it offers. Some people prefer harder massages while others enjoy a gentler approach. It's often best to get a massage cushion that features adjustable intensity. This makes it perfect for the whole family, and allows you to use more strength for therapeutic purposes, and less strength for relaxation purposes. Massage cushions with highly pronounced rollers and nodes will generally offer a stronger massage.
One should also consider the number of presets, programmability, and additional features of the massage cushion.
It is also important to pick a massage cushion that targets the areas you need. Some may only massage the upper back, while others may only target the lower back. Some models can target both the upper and lower back as well as the thighs, neck, and shoulders. Decide on the areas you want to target before making your purchase, and choose a model that hits all of these zones.
One should also consider the number of presets, programmability, and additional features of the massage cushion. If you want one that can offer a number of different types and styles of massage, choose a model with more presets and customization options, including the ability to adjust pressure, heat settings, and rotation and vibration speed. Some models even allow you to program your own massage for a completely customized experience.