All about massage pillows

A vibrating cushion is an item that will come in handy for the whole family. A frantic pace of life, irregular working hours, constant stress and a sedentary lifestyle lead to chronic fatigue, diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Of course, massage can cope with these problems, but not everyone has the time and resources to visit specialists. An alternative solution would be to purchase massage pillows.

Massage procedures help modern people to maintain good health. They have both short and long term effects. In the short term, this massage promotes relaxation, recovery, relieves muscle tension and improves sleep. In the long-term - it becomes the prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, relieves stress and depression, normalizes blood circulation and generally increases immunity.

However, not everyone can visit massage parlors. In this case, you will need a massage pillow, which will allow you to carry out the necessary procedures at home. Visually, it resembles an ordinary bedding accessory, but they cannot be used for sleep. Inside this device there are special mechanisms that ensure effective muscle training. They can be used on a wide variety of areas of the body. Regular massage improves health and reduces the risk of pathologies caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Of course, in comparison with other massage devices, pillows have a relatively modest set of functions.For example, massage chairs massage the whole body while simultaneously warming up the back. The pillow only massages limited areas.

Regular use of the massage pillow helps to relieve tension and muscle stiffness accumulated over the day. The procedure has a whole range of positive effects:

• normalizes blood circulation;
• relieves nervousness;
• relaxes stiff and tight muscles;
• effectively fights subcutaneous fat deposits and cellulite;
• corrects posture;
• improves metabolism;
• breaks down and removes salt formations from the body;
• acts as a prophylaxis for lymph stagnation;
• eases the condition with physical inactivity.

However, like any other medical device, the use of massage cushions has its limitations. The list of contraindications for the procedure includes:

• pregnancy;
• diabetes;
• the presence of implanted electronic devices in organs and tissues;
• high blood pressure;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• violation of the integrity of the skin.

In addition, the procedures are not recommended for a number of spinal pathologies. That is why, before purchasing a massage pillow, you need to consult your doctor.

Manufacturers offer a wide selection of massage pillows of various sizes, configurations and functionality. They all have a similar mechanism of operation: the electric motor drives the massage heads, which provide the necessary study of the painful area of ​​the body.

Depending on the type of massage effect, roller, vibration massage cushions, as well as devices with additional thermal effect are distinguished.

• Roller skates are the most demanded solution. Their design provides for a block of rotating rollers, due to which a perforating massage is performed, reminiscent of a cam or finger.

• Vibrating - work due to vibration motors and pulsating balls. The most modern models allow you to regulate the strength of vibration, such an effect helps to relax spasmodic muscles, soothes and improves blood circulation.

• Thermal pillows - contain massage rollers with infrared heating elements. This allows you to achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect.

Some pillow models combine all three types of stimulation. Also on sale you can find pillows with a shiatsu effect - such procedures activate biologically active points of the body and thereby normalize the functioning of the human body. In cosmetology, models with jade inserts have become widespread.

Several solutions are distinguished depending on the functional impact.

• For the back. Such models are indispensable for people engaged in sedentary work. The real trouble for any office worker, teacher, editor, programmer and manager is a numb back.

• For hands. People who often type or hold a mouse often experience tunnel syndrome. With the constant presence of the hands in the same position, the limbs begin to shrink, become numb, and eventually refuse altogether. A special massage pillow will help to get rid of the misfortune. All you need to do is just put your hand on it and activate the device.

• Against cellulite. All women want to be beautiful, massage pillows will help them in the struggle for a slim figure.Thanks to the rotation and vibration of the massage heads, the device performs an anti-cellulite function, breaks up fat deposits on the sides, buttocks and thighs.

• For legs. The use of a massage pillow is especially important for women who often walk in high heels, or people whose work is associated with constant walking. All this causes increased stress on the joints, leg muscles and even the back. The massage works on the feet, calves and ankles. Such procedures alleviate the condition and act as a prophylaxis for chronic diseases, including varicose veins.

We offer a small overview of the most popular models of massage pillows.

The modern model of the German manufacturer can operate both from the electrical network and from the battery. The rollers are curved, which allows you to work out the problem area as carefully as possible. The model has proven itself well for massage of the cervical and lumbar zones.

This pillow can be compared to a mini massage parlor. It is indispensable if the user is faced with physical stress or is engaged in sedentary work. The massager allows you to relieve tension and clamps in the shortest possible time, while you can use the pillow both sitting and standing.

The design provides for four rollers, they work out problem areas with high quality. The effectiveness of this massage is commensurate with manual procedures. The manufacturer has set 3 operating modes, there is a timer. Due to the small size of the device, it can be taken with you on trips and trips.

Small size model. Depending on the mode of operation, it can effectively and quickly relax the muscles or, on the contrary, increase their tone. The procedure has a pronounced analgesic effect, improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage of tissues. The pillow supports two massage speeds.

The device is made of durable artificial leather. Powered by an electrical outlet or a cigarette lighter. The manufacturer has provided a protective shutdown option.

The shiatsu massager works out the head, neck and body. The design has 4 reversible rollers. There is an option for infrared exposure, which provides deep warming of the muscles. 2 high-speed operating modes, safety is ensured by the automatic shutdown function.

The universal fixture is ideal for home use. Thanks to its compact and ergonomic shape, it can work in the office, in the country, as well as on a trip. Allows you to effectively work out the neck, back, abdomen and buttocks. Rollers have a shiatsu effect, and infrared wave radiation increases the depth of the impact.

Such procedures effectively relieve tension, creases in muscles, warm up tissues and optimize blood circulation just as well as manual massage.

The pillow provides a mechanical massage of the back and neck area, works out stiff muscles, relieves fatigue, increases the tone of the body, gives vigor and strength. There are 2 operating modes, as well as an infrared heating option. The design consists of 4 massage rollers, each of them works in several directions and thus provides an effective effect on the muscles.

The device automatically turns off 20 minutes after the start of the session. This protects the device from overheating. As a source of energy, a connection to the mains or cigarette lighter is used.

The set with the massage pillow usually includes a cover, a bag for transportation, a cigarette lighter charger and a cable for connecting the power supply to the mains.In addition, all cushions, without exception, have special elastic fasteners for the back of the chair.

The most modern versions have special belts. They allow you to hold the pillow with your hands and press it against the skin with varying strengths. This accessory firmly fixes the device on the stomach, in the lumbar region and on the buttocks so that the hands remain free.

If you like a long massage with switching speeds and programs, you need a wireless remote control. In all other cases, it will become an unnecessary problem, especially if you plan to use the massager during the trip.

When choosing a massage pillow, it is better to give preference to well-known brands that have established themselves in the Russian and European markets as reliable manufacturers. Firms from the USA, Germany, England, as well as from Asian countries are engaged in the manufacture of massagers: Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. At the same time, the production facilities of most American, European and large Japanese companies are located in China and Korea. However, do not worry about the "Made in China" inscription, as the production cycle is strictly controlled by the customer company.

Such a product will be more expensive than an analogue produced in an underground workshop. This is understandable, because the quality of the materials used and the assembly is included in the production cost. If you only need a pillow to get acquainted with this type of massage and you are not completely sure whether you really need it, then you can choose the most budgetary version as a temporary measure. It will be inexpensive, although it will not last long. If you need a pillow for a long time or if you want it to work for all family members, you should look at the products of a higher price group.

It is not uncommon for a multifunctional Korean pillow to equal the price of an ordinary German one. In this case, preference should be given to a proven brand, whose products will serve you for many years. Therefore, when buying a massage pillow, you need to compare products from different manufacturers with the same set of options.

When choosing a device, you should focus on the following criteria.

Functionality. Allocate kneading, vibrating or thermal devices.

Number of rollers. Most often, manufacturers offer products with 4-12 rollers. There is an opinion that the more rollers there are, the higher the quality of the massage. This is true, but at the same time a pillow with 6, 8 or more rollers will be rather bulky and therefore less mobile.

However, if the area of ​​the pillow is of medium size, then in the presence of a large number of balls, the amplitude of their rotation will significantly decrease or the parameters of movement will change. They will not rotate, but roll up and down. This type of massage differs in many respects from the traditional massage.

Power is an important characteristic. The intensity and depth of the impact directly depends on how hard you press the device to the body. Low-powered devices will not work under heavy load. If you like intense punching, but at the same time you have impressive muscle mass, subcutaneous fat or reduced sensitivity, it is better to prefer devices with a power of 24-30 watts.

Pay attention to the adjustment of the force of impact. Working at maximum speed gives a good study of problem areas, at minimum it has a slight relaxing effect.

High quality massage devices have several operating modes - this is important for those who are just getting acquainted with the device. They allow not to start the procedure immediately with high-intensity effects, but to approach them gradually. Here you can draw an analogy with sports, when a person does warm-up and stretching before an intense workout so that the muscles can warm up a little. If such an adjustment is not provided in the pillow, then you will have to change the intensity of the impact yourself. To do this, use special softening linen capes or press the roller to the body with varying strength.

As for the material, preference should be given to products covered with soft, abrasion-resistant fabrics. Usually they use vinyl, special textiles and mesh, that is, those fabrics that are used in the manufacture of sportswear. They do not absorb dirt, clean quickly and have a long service life.

Keep in mind - you need to use the massagers correctly. There is no need to sit down or lie down on a pillow, as the massage mechanism will not withstand such loads. The device is used in a reclining position in a chair, sitting or pressed against problem areas. If you wish, you can put it under the lower back or put your feet on it.

Each massager comes with a user manual. As useless as it may seem, be sure to familiarize yourself with it before using it. The instruction will allow you to quickly figure out all the necessary options and understand the principle of the pillow. Pay special attention to the item on electrical safety.

Please note that any massage pillow functions from an electric current. Therefore, when using it, mandatory safety measures apply.

• In addition, massage pillows are not protected from water in any way; therefore, it is not recommended to use them in the bathroom, shower room, bathhouse and other rooms with high humidity.
• Pillows can be dangerous when used outdoors in the rain.
• Do not allow moisture to enter the device during operation.
• Do not leave the massager plugged into an electrical outlet unattended, especially if there are small children or disabled adults in the room. They can be injured or break the product.

Important: Before using the massage pillow, make sure that you have no medical conditions. In the presence of any chronic pathologies or diseases in the acute stage, it will be useful to consult a professional physician.