Shiatsu massage is a form of massage therapy that works by stretching, pulling and applying pressure on the body using the thumb and fingers, leading to relaxation and flexibility. It follows, then, that a shiatsu massage chair should seek to imitate these movements so that they’re as near-real as possible. What makes shiatsu massage so effective is the culmination of manipulation the body is exposed to due to the different styles of movement and intensity applied. In a massage chair, this translates to kneading, tapping, rolling, pulling and squeezing movements. Thanks to technology, the use of rollers and air bags makes these processes simple enough for a robotic chair. The effect is a massage that is the closest thing to a human-touch massage you’ve come across.
If you are planning to buy a shiatsu massage chair in Dubai, you should choose a model that offers a range of massage techniques that are intense and invigorating. This is what distinguishes good shiatsu massage chairs from average ones. It is okay to go by what the manufacturer says the chair will do, but it’s even better to test the chair for yourself to get a true feel of the real thing. If you’re researching on the chairs online first before thinking of walking into a dealer store, be sure to view the demo video posted alongside most massage chair descriptions. Also, hearing what other people’s experiences using the chair have been like is enlightening. So go on and see what people are saying about different massage chairs in forums, social media and even the manufacturer’s websites and pages. These pages will help you know what faults or weaknesses to expect in each model and which models appear to have hit a home run with users.
Beyond the massage technology and techniques incorporated into the chair’s system, the massage chair also needs to be all-round wholesome in terms of build, structure, design and comfort. If the shiatsu massage technology used in the chair is excellent but the chair is awful to sit in for long, it’ll end up becoming a pain rather than a delight. Avoid such disconnect by buying only the best shiatsu massage chairs. And there are lots of them from renowned massage chair brands. Here are some of them available in Dubai.
Osaki OS-4000
A best seller from reputable Osaki, the Osaki OS-4000 is built to give thorough full body massages. The chair combines various technologies for the best results, most notable of these being heat therapy, air massage therapy, vibration, zero gravity position, and of course Shiatsu movements. Use the five speed levels given to adjust the speed and intensity of the massage to your desired level. Once you sit on the chair, its robotic intelligence system will analyze your body and reset its rollers and other relevant components so that it delivers a massage that is customized for your body. In doing so, it ensures that all critical spots, notably the shoulders, neck and back get the targeted pressure they need.
Activating the zero gravity function while getting the massage ensures that your body is stretched out in the most pro-relaxation position, and gives you full body rejuvenation.
Inada Sogno Dreamwave
The Sogno Dreamwave from Inada is one of its bestselling chairs, and for good reason. The chair has one of the highest massage combinations, ensuring you get a luxurious experience from whichever program you choose. You’ll select your desired massage program from the multiple sets that are pre-programmed into the system.
It’s a fully reclining chair with different recline levels. Enjoying a customized massage in the most comfortable reclined position can be very pleasurable, and in the Dreamwave, this balance is achieved perfectly, thanks to the smooth way in which the chair slides from one angle to the other. This it does without interfering with the massage process, keeping the whole process uninterrupted.
iJoy 2580
The Human Touch iJoy 2580 is one of the best massage chairs you can buy. That said, it’s also surprisingly affordable and a good alternative if a premium shiatsu chair like the Inada Sogno Dreamwave is beyond your budget. iJoy 2580 uses a combination of rolling, kneading, tapping, compression and rocking shiatsu movements to stretch and relax the body, ensuring tension relief everywhere, even the hard-to-reach parts.
As with all their chairs, Human Touch has made this particular iJoy easy to use. They’ve included a simple control panel to aid you in choosing programs and customizing each session as you like. The chair also has a recline function, which gives you multiple recline positions. Try out different positions to identify which angles feel most comfortable for you.
Panasonic EP1285KL
Panasonic has a long history of making quality massage chairs. And the EP1285KL is one of the best models you can buy for a thorough shiatsu massage whenever you need one. The chair’s massage movements target the back, neck, shoulders, thighs, hips and legs. An air massage system ensures that your calves and feet are not left out, and leaves them stretched and relaxed.
The chair is built with the sound technology that makes Panasonic chairs so sturdy. Leather is used to soften the look and give the chair a stylish edge which makes it a perfect addition to any room.
The finest shiatsu massage chairs are considerably more expensive than the average massage chair in the market. But the value they bring to your health and wellbeing has no monetary comparison. Even so, some are costlier than others, but this does not make the latter inferior in any way. When shopping for the best shiatsu massage chairs on a budget, it’s best to look at the exact massage techniques offered in each massage program. Look at the specific parts of the body the chair targets also, and then you can decide whether the chair is good enough for your needs. If you only need regular massages on your neck, shoulders and lower back, for instance, you could opt for a cheaper shiatsu massage chair whose movements target these points rather than choosing a more expensive, full body shiatsu massage chair.