In my last article, I recommended some excellent zero gravity massage chairs.
From the feedback I received, most of you are looking for chairs that focus on shiatsu massage.
And that’s understandable, as shiatsu massage is such a popular and effective massage with a number of positive health benefits.
Below you will find my recommended list of shiatsu massage chairs along with some advice before buying one.
Best Shiatsu Massage Chair
Zero Gravity Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair
- Massage system based on L-track and smart scan technology
- The chair detects your body size and customizes your massage
- Features three adjustable stages of zero gravity
- It has 6 automatic massage programs, including stretching and rollers
- 3 year limited warranty that includes free parts and labor for the 1st year
The Zero Gravity Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair uses Shiatsu techniques to relax your arms, shoulders, hips, and waist.
It features an effective roller system with an automatic roller trail that supports your back and neck.
The roller trail also goes down to your buttocks and decompress the muscles of your spine, thus relaxing your whole body.
The chair has 3 stages of zero gravity, and you only need three inches of extra space to transition between each stage.
What customers are saying
This shiatsu massage chair has hundreds of positive reviews from happy customers.
People who bought the chair are especially happy with its high-end features, high-quality materials, luxurious look, and responsive customer service.
They say it’s extremely comfortable, very easy to assemble, and worth the money spent.
Best Zero Gravity Chair
RELAXONCHAIR Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
- Firm yet gentle rollers with regulated airbag pressure on the calves and arms
- 4 automatic programs and 3 manual programs to customize your experience
- Tapping, kneading, and combo massages
- Control the intensity of the airbag and the speed of the massage rollers
- One-hand operation made possible with a remote controller
- Zero-gravity feel with your feet elevated
If you’re after that zero-gravity effect, the RELAXONCHAIR Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair is an amazing option to consider.
The chair offers three positions of zero-gravity along with a smart body scan built to create a custom massage.
You can choose from a variety of automatic and manual settings that are designed to offer an intensive massage session and relax your muscles.
The chair also includes bluetooth connectivity with programs for lumbar heat therapy and body stretch therapy.
What customers are saying
People who bought this chair say that even though it looks bulky, it is easy to put together, very comfortable, and extremely quiet.
Many customers have also reported pain relief and other benefits after using the chair for some time.
Most complaints are about minor details, such as beeping sounds and a dim backlight on the remote.
Best Quality Massage Chair
Top Performance Kahuna Superior Massage Chair
- 9 automatic massage programs including yoga stretches, relaxation & fast recovery
- 4 automatic massage programs set on a zero-gravity position
- Customizable massage intensity with 5 levels to choose from
- Convenient remote controller, revised in this version of the chair
- Different massaging techniques, including tapping, kneading, knocking, and shiatsu
- Larger than other models to accommodate oversized users
- Maximum user weight of 320 pounds
The Top Performance Kahuna Superior Massage Chair is one of the best on the market if you’re a bigger person and are looking for a fully customizable massage.
It has 5 massage intensity levels with a variety of automatic programs and massage techniques. Additional to the traditional massage, it also includes heating therapy.
Regardless of your size, you will get a relaxing massage customized for your body type thanks to the chair’s acupoint body detection technology.
What customers are saying
The customer reviews on this chair are outstanding, especially coming from larger individuals who feel they weren’t taken into consideration with other models.
Most people say that the assembly is quite easy and the foot and toe rollers feel great.
However, some people have complained about it not fully covering their neck and shoulders, but this is a common problem in most massage chairs.
Most Compact Massage Chair
Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 Massage Chair
- 9 automatic massage programs - fast recovery, relaxation, pain relief, and more.
- 4 automatic massage programs designed to give you a zero-gravity experience
- 6 massage rollers that give the impression of receiving a massage from 6 hands
- Various massage techniques & combinations
- Maximum recommended weight of 320 pounds
If you need an effective massage chair that does not require a lot of space the Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 might be exactly what you’re looking for.
It doesn’t take as much space in your room and still has a wide array of options and adjustable settings. The seat is 21-inches wide, and the leg extension works well.
It is manufactured with a space-saving technology that only requires 3 additional inches for the zero-gravity transition.
What customers are saying
People who bought the chair love that it’s easy to assemble and provides pain relief.
Satisfied customers say this massage chair offers a lot for a lower price point than other models.
However, there is a complaint that the leather seat looks skewed to a few degrees, and the unit is still very heavy despite being compact.
Best Affordable Massage Chair
Real Relax 2022 Massage Chair
- 6 automatic massage modes and a total of 4 massage rollers and 50 airbags
- Features a comfortable zero-gravity function
- A remote allowing you to customize the strength and the speed of the massage
- Easy to assemble - around 30 minutes
- Maximum recommended weight of 400 pounds
- Bluetooth audio play and charging
The Real Relax 2022 model offers all the essential functions you’d look for in a massage chair at a much more affordable price.
It is suitable for people between 5.2 and 6.1 feet tall and includes 8 massage rollers with gentle airbags and a lower back heating function.
The chair also has foot massagers, which can be combined with the airbags to relieve tension in your feet.
Despite being heavy, the Real Relax is easy to move thanks to its convenient transportation wheels.
What customers are saying
Satisfied customers say this chair is easy to assemble and very comfortable. Many say it is worth the money spent and improves muscle tension and soreness.
However, some people complained that the airbag pressure is too much, and one reported a malfunctioning machine, which was quickly replaced after contacting the seller.
Best Shiatsu Gaming Chair
Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair
- Sleek and sophisticated design, similar to that of console gaming chairs
- Includes three automatic massage programs and 5 techniques
- Made of sturdy materials, with a maximum recommended weight of 200 pounds
- Includes built-in speakers with bluetooth connectivity
- Upholstered with waterproof and easy to clean PU
If you’re a gamer in need of a massage, you’ll love this Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair.
It has bluetooth connectivity and a modern control panel inserted into the armrest.
With this, you can adjust the massage settings and choose between three massage programs and various techniques.
This model also features massage rollers and 4 airbags on each side of the seat.
What customers are saying
Customer reviews on this model are excellent, and most people agree that it is very easy to put together.
They say it is a space-saving chair that is extremely easy to move and provides superior comfort at an affordable price point.
However, some say the control panel is awkwardly placed and it might not be a suitable option for larger people.
Other Recommended Chairs
Medical Breakthrough 4 v2 Recliner Massage Chair
The Medical Breakthrough 4 v2 Recliner Massage Chair was designed in collaboration with chiropractors, surgeons, and pain specialists.
The chair scans your body and customizes your massage accordingly.
It also has a zero-gravity modality and unlimited customizations. You will be able to choose the type of massage you want to receive by remote control.
Besides its massage rollers, the chair also has inflatable bags to stretch the muscles in your back and a heating function you can activate with the touch of a button.
What customers are saying
People who bought this chair say that it is sturdy, comfortable, relaxing, and very easy to assemble.
It also provides excellent value for the price and includes removable pads designed to customize your massage experience.
Kahuna Zero Gravity Full-Body Recliner
This Kahuna model is a hot pick if you want a variety of massage options.
It has 12 automatic programs, 5 massage roller speed levels, 5 levels of air pressure, and a zero-gravity function.
The airbags in the shoulder area and reclining position are both adjustable, and you can even save the customization to repeat the same massage in the future.
What customers are saying
Most people who got this chair agree that it is worth the money and it’s very easy to put together.
The materials feel superior, and it has a variety of functions with a nice remote control that displays the settings of the massage you’re getting.
Still, some people say that the airbags overinflate, and it may be better for individuals under 5.10” tall.
Osaki Zero Gravity Executive Full Body Massage Chair
The Osaki Zero Gravity Executive Full-Body Massage Chair is another highly customizable model you can get at an affordable price.
It has 5 levels of intensity speed, a seat vibration function, 6 automatic massage programs, a heat therapy function, and two stages of zero-gravity.
The chair also has a timer function that can be set for any amount of time between 5 and 30 minutes.
What customers are saying
Most customers say this chair is very comfortable and easy to assemble with the help of one more person.
However, you don’t get foot massages, and it has a cooling down period of 60 minutes.
Best Massage Full Body Massage Chair
This full-body massage chair offers three levels of massage, adjustable airbag pressure, and a controlled heating function.
It has a variety of stretching programs and a shiatsu massage modality. It’s also extremely easy to move with a 4-wheel design you can lock in place.
Additionally, you get a USB charging port on your left side.
What customers are saying
People who bought this chair say that it is incredibly comfortable, it’s easy to put together, and it provides great value for the price.
It may not have some of the functions you’ll find in more expensive models, but it does the job it’s intended to do and is an appropriate massage chair for taller individuals.
Best Massage Chair Brands
If you’re trying to choose a massage chair without previous experience, you may want to check out the best massage chair brands and what each one has to offer.
This may help you get acquainted with quality massage chairs and make useful comparisons.
Kahuna
The manufacturers of Kahuna chairs have been on the chair market since 1997 but have recently become an extremely trendy brand.
The brand is based in California and was featured in 2019’s pre-Grammy gifting lounge.
Medical Breakthrough
This brand is an excellent option if you’re looking for chairs designed by real professionals.
Their products are known as the best medical grade chairs and they have an impressive body scan feature.
They also have excellent shoulder and deep tissue technology that many other brands lack.
Relaxonchair
Based in Anaheim, California, Relaxonchair manufactures very high-quality products in the United States. They have excellent reviews and are both affordable and comfortable.
The brand is registered with the FDA and makes constant efforts to provide the best quality massage chairs.
Titan Massage
Titan is another great massage chair brand. They offer high-quality materials with an excellent massage experience at an affordable price.
You will actually find dozens of reviews saying that their models have what you get in more expensive chairs for a reasonable price.
Benefits Of Shiatsu Massage
- Reduces muscle and joint pain, especially in the case of arthritis
- Relaxes the body, reducing the incidence and severity of headache
- Decreases muscle tension and improves flexibility in the back for faster pain relief
- Relieves tension in the neck and shoulders
- It is a promising treatment for patients with fibromyalgia and sciatica
- Reduces swelling in the legs in pregnant women
- Promotes blood circulation and better digestion and detoxification
- Stimulates circulation in the skin, reducing the incidence of wrinkles
- Reduces anxiety levels and high blood pressure
Features To Consider
Not sure what features to look for in a massage chair? Here’s a list with ideas before you make up your mind:
Massage rollers
Check out the position of massage rollers. They should be located on key parts of your body including your back, shoulders, buttocks, and feet.
Body scan technology
This is an exciting feature you may want to include, but it is usually found in more expensive models.
This technology scans your body and then gives you a personalized massage according to your body type.
Programs
The number of available programs and the customization of speed, intensity, and other variables is a key feature you need to evaluate.
The more options you have, the better experience you will get with your chair.
Vibration & heat settings
Additional to rollers and airbags, you can also have vibration and heat functions in your chair.
They definitely add to your experience, but make sure they can be turned off in case you don’t like them.
Body coverage
You will also need to evaluate what parts of the body are covered by the actual massage. Some models do not cover your legs or the neck.
