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Panasonic Massage Chair Review (2024) TOP Models & [Alternatives]

Tell me if this is you: you love massages, but your local massage therapist or chiropractor wants to beat stress and pain out of your body. Which feels quite painful, right?

But Panasonic has found a way to deliver deep, comprehensive massages without that feeling.

We’ve talked to experts, read countless reviews, and ended up with a buying guide of the Best Panasonic Massage Chairs.

Because no brand is perfect, right? So read along.

About the Company

Panasonic has been on the market for over 100 years and it now signifies technological advancement.

Panasonic Logo

Form electronics to industry, Panasonic can do it all. Yes, including massage chairs.

Best Panasonic Massage Chair Models

Without further ado, here are our top picks:

EP-MA70

EP-MA70

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The Panasonic EP-MA70 is a stylish full body massage chair recliner that looks like a piece of living room furniture, and the hideaway ottoman definitely helps with this.

This model features an S-track design with quad rollers that follow your spine’s anatomical shape and mimic the touch of human hands.

The EP-MA70 features a 3D body scan that subtly adjusts the roller position to massage your sore spot.

If the computer misses, you can also manually adjust the rollers yourself.

EP-MA70 OptionsWe love the 3D massage head too that is extremely flexible and can give a deep tissue massage, but the chair is better suited for people shorter than 6’2”.

Besides, the rollers are heated, which is something different from heat therapy, giving the impression of the human touch.

Unfortunately, there’s no actual lumbar or calf heat to accompany the warm rollers.

The EP MA70 has a lot of options, starting with advanced massage styles like Junetsu, Shiatsu, and Swedish along with the basic Kneading, Rolling and Tapping.

There are 6 built-in massage routines, along with a true deep tissue massage, air massage mode with 33 airbags, and a memory function with three slots.

Even the calf and foot massage is done completely with airbags, but this feels less dynamic than a roller massage, especially for the sole.

PROS

  • Stylish
  • Human touch
  • Adjustable
  • Memory function
  • Heated rollers

CONS

  • No heat therapy
  • Airbag foot and calf massage
  • For petite users
  • No zero gravity

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Summary: The Panasonic EP-MA70 is feature-packed and offers a life-like massage, but could benefit from heat therapy and zero-G.

Best Alternative – Kahuna LM6800

The Kahuna LM6800 is a truly therapeutic chair with a lot of amazing features, starting with its space-saving design.

Kahuna LM6800 White

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The first advantage when compared to the Panasonic EP-MA70 is the hybrid L/S track design that can get up to your glutes.

Other advantages are the 3 zero-gravity seating positions and heat therapy for both the back and calves.

In terms of massage, the Kahuna is comparable to Panasonic EP-MA70, with 36 massage cells, but it has one additional massage technique: ultra Kneading & Tapping Combination. Another advantage is the zone massage option.

This value-for-money chair offers a good foot and calf massage too, but it doesn’t have heated rollers that improve all massages.

Besides, it also doesn’t have a memory function, and the Panasonic EP-MA70 arguably feels more lifelike.

PROS

  • Hybrid track
  • 3 zero-G positions
  • Zone massage option
  • Back and calf heat therapy
  • Shiatsu massage chair

CONS

  • No memory function
  • No heated rollers

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Summary: The Kahuna LM6800 is a great option for reducing back pain thanks to its heated rollers and 3 zero gravity positions.

EP-MA73

EP-MA73

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A top-end massage chair, the Panasonic EP-MA73 is another therapeutic chair that can easily blend in with your living room décor.

Just like the EP-MA70, this model features an S-track and quad rollers for a truly human touch, a 3D scan to identify your pressure points plus a manual adjustment of the roller position.

This model also features heated massage rollers but boasts extra lumbar and foot heat.

EP-MA73 FeaturesIt has a hideaway ottoman to use it as a regular chair but, unfortunately, the ottoman doesn’t extend, so the chair isn’t particularly comfortable for people who are taller than 6’2”.

The chair features the same techniques: Kneading, Rolling, Taping, Junetsu, Shiatsu, and Swedish, plus 6 built-in programs, with three levels of speed and intensity.

The adjustable timer is another benefit, but the massage is comparable to that of the EP-MA70, with just 36 Second Generation airbags.

However, the improvement is that the calf and foot massage is done with airbags and rollers too, and there are various full-body or partial stretches, along with 3 memory slots.

The true downside? No zero gravity again!

PROS

  • Stylish
  • Heated massage rollers
  • Lumbar and foot heat therapy
  • Adjustable
  • Full-body or partial stretches
  • Memory

CONS

  • No zero gravity
  • For petite users

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Summary: A stylish, therapeutic chair, the Panasonic EP-MA73 could really use some zero-G.

MAJ7 Real Pro Ultra Premium 3D

MA-J7

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The ultra-prestige Panasonic MAJ7 has various therapeutic benefits to improve flexibility and decrease pain, starting with its SL-track design.

It’s a quiet chair that boasts 37 air cells and heated rollers, but its best feature is the Shiatsu sole massage.

The 3D independent heads feel quite natural so that you can massage the lower core both vertically, horizontally, and in front.

There are 6 built-in programs, plus the already-mentioned techniques like Junetsu, Shiatsu, Swedish, Kneading, and Rolling/Tapping, but you can get up to 158 combinations between these.

The chair is very comfortable, it delivers great zone-focused massages and amazing toes, arch kneading, and massage, it even reclines 170-degrees!

The downsides: no heat therapy or zero-gravity, as well as no incorporated music system.

PROS

  • Therapeutic
  • Shiatsu sole massage
  • 3D independent heads
  • 158 combination
  • Comfortable
  • The chair reclines

CONS

  • No heat therapy
  • No zero-G
  • No music

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Summary: The MAJ7 offers the best feet and sole massages, but it lacks heat therapy and zero-G.

Best Alternative – Luraco iRobotics i7 Plus

Luraco i7 Plus offers an inferior S-track design, but it’s listed with the FDA, CE, and UL, plus it’s built for medical purposes.

Luraco i7

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This chair features a full-body scan, has 5 memory slots, you can pause it, and there are incorporated blood pressure and heart rate monitor.

Other advantages include full body heat therapy, body shape detection which improves the body scan function, and a 3-layer foot and calf massage.

It can also fit bigger people, has one zero-gravity position, and boasts 10 W Bluetooth speakers.

Even if it boasts plenty of options for partial or full body, along with massaging techniques such as Kneading, Tapping, Kneading and Tapping, Rolling, Swedish, and Shiatsu, it doesn’t have as many combinations as the MAJ7.

Besides, the MAJ7 offers a superior sole massage and looks better.

PROS

  • 5 memory slots
  • Pause
  • Increase blood flow
  • Heat therapy
  • Body shape detection
  • Bluetooth speakers
  • Zero-G

CONS

  • S-track
  • Not as many combinations
  • Doesn’t look like living room furniture

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Summary: The Luraco i7 is a good therapy massage lounger, but it doesn’t look as stylish as the MAJ7.

EP-MA73KU Real Pro Ultra

EP-MA73KU Real Pro Ultra

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The Panasonic EP-MA73KU Real Pro Ultra has many of the same characteristics as the EP-MA73 luxury, such as multi-directional rollers, Shiatsu thermal foot massage, 3D massage system, and 33 air cell system.

The techniques it uses are Knead, Junetsu, Shiatsu, Swedish, and Rolling/Tapping, but it also employs partial and full-body massage at different speeds and intensities.

Basically, there are about 110 combinations you can choose from.

Still, there’s no music, zero-G, or heat therapy, though it has a precise body scanning technology that can figure out over 1000 acupoints.

The ceramic foot heaters are another definite advantage.

PROS

  • Heated rollers
  • Thermal foot massage
  • 3D massage technology
  • 110 massage combinations

CONS

  • No music
  • No zero-G
  • No heat therapy

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Summary: The EP-MA73KU Real Pro Ultra is the best Panasonic massage chair for foot massage therapy.

EP30007 – Currently Unavailable

The EP30007 boasts an S-track design, good 3D scan, manual roller adjustment buttons plus a wide plethora of options and combinations.

Panasonic EP-30007

With techniques such as Junetsu, Shiatsu, Swedish, Kneading, Tapping, Grasping, Rolling, and Stretching plus 5 pre-programmed massage routines, the “Deep Massage Program” is the best.

There are various intensities, 36 Second Generation Airbags for a superior air massage, an extendable ottoman to accommodate people up to 6’4”, but the foot massage is done just with airbags, not rollers.

Still, we love the granular body stretch option that can be used either for the whole body or part.

Other user-friendly characteristics include an adjustable timer, memory function with a staggering 24 slots and an easy-to-use remote.

PROS

  • Body stretch
  • Plenty of options
  • Adjustable timer
  • 24 memory slots

CONS

  • No heat therapy
  • Airbag foot massage
  • MP3 support

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Summary: With so many free memory slots, this recliner is better suited for people who want to set their own options.

EP Real Pro Luxury

EP Luxury Chair

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At a more convenient price, this massage chair recliner boasts some great features like a thermal massage roller, Shiatsu foot massage, plus palm and arm massage.

There are various techniques used, including Knead, Rolling, Tapping, Shiatsu, Swedish, and 10 Junetsumassaging techniques.

A huge benefit is the 110 manual combinations between these techniques and intensity levels, though.

The 3D massage system is another strong point, along with the 33 air cells for a decent air massage.

Made from synthetic leather and aiming to mimic hot-stone therapy, this chair is intended to soothe, stretch, and relax sore muscles.

The Dual Zone Heated Massage plus body scan are other advantages. Unfortunately, this chair also doesn’t offer music connection, heat therapy or zero gravity.

PROS

  • Customized massages
  • Comfortable
  • Palm and arm relax massage
  • Shiatsu foot massage
  • 10 Junetsu massage techniques

CONS

  • No music
  • No zero-G
  • No heat therapy

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Summary: The Panasonic EP Real Pro Luxury is a feature-packed, affordable model, but boasts just some basic functions.

EP-MA70CX

EP MA70CX

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There are various features that recommend the EP-MA70CX, like the 3D multi-directional double-heated rollers, 8 manual programs, intensity control adjustment, plus height and width adjustment.

This chair offers a comprehensive massage courtesy of 33 airbags and automatic massage body-scan, such as waist, seat, hip, glutes, and leg massage.

This is a power-reclining chair with a program time indicator, 3 memory slots, voice guidance, pivoting ottoman and removable cushion that offers 108 massage combinations.

However, a massage cycle lasts just 16 minutes; there’s no heat therapy, nor zero-G.

PROS

  • Various options
  • Heated rollers
  • Easily adjustable
  • Decent massages
  • Memory function

CONS

  • Short massage cycle
  • No heat therapy
  • No zero-G

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Summary: EP-MA70CX that’s easy to adjust and perfect for short massages, the EP-MA70CX could use some heat therapy.

Best Alternative – Infinity IT-8500

Infinity IT-8500

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The IT-8500 has an ergonomic, S-track design with quad rollers, boasts 3D body scan, air massage, and some of the same massage techniques.

However, it shines in comparison to the EP-MA70CX by its lumbar heat and two zero-gravity seating positions.

Courtesy of the zone massage function and full-body stretch, the Infinity is a very relaxing chair.

It also features body twist and inversion therapy for additional therapeutic advantages.

Besides, the Infinity IT8500 is also a very user-friendly chair, with a Bluetooth connection and optional app control that’s arguably easier than using a remote.

PROS

  • 2 zero-gravity positions
  • Zone massaging features
  • Inversion therapy
  • Optional app control

CONS

  • No heated rollers
  • No memory function
  • Not as many options

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Summary: The IT 8500 has more therapeutic functions like inversion therapy and 2 zero-G positions, but it’s not as customizable as the EP-MA70CX.

EP-MA10

EP-MA10

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The Panasonic EP MA10 has a small footprint, but that makes it better suited for people under6’2”.

Just like most Panasonic chairs, especially affordable ones, this recliner features an S-track with quad rollers that deliver a decent massage.

Another good feature is the reliable 3D scan with manual control, but there are just three massaging techniques: Kneading, Rolling, and Tapping, along with four pre-programmed massage routines that include Deep, Swedish, lower back, and neck/shoulder.

Although there are three intensity levels, the default duration is just 15 minutes.

The neck massage this chair offers is great, thanks to the Neck Knead and Neck Shiatsu options.

With 36 total massage combinations and limited air massage mode with 14second generation airbags, the Panasonic EP MA10 delivers a decent massage, though the leg massage is the best.

However, the foot massage could be done with rollers, not just airbags, to make it more intense.

PROS

  • Great neck massage
  • Great leg massage
  • Small footprint

CONS

  • No heat therapy
  • No heated rollers
  • Short massage time
  • Airbag foot massage

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Summary: The Panasonic EP MA10 is great for petite users who need to improve chronic neck pain.

EP-1285KL “Urban”

EP-1285KL

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This good-looking, leather chair doesn’t just look good; it also has some quality features for the price, such as advanced quad-style massagers and auto recline.

There are 14 airbags to offer a pretty decent airbag massage, along with 4 preset programs that are quite therapeutic: Shiatsu, Swedish, Chiro, and Quick.

The remote is easy to use and helps you personalize your massage, selecting from 8 manual massage modes: Knead, Compression, Swedish, Hawaiian, Full & Regional Roll, Soft Shiatsu, and Tapping.

Besides, the deep neck/shoulder massage feels very real, imitating a chiropractor’s rolling wrists.

Unfortunately, there’s no zero-G, heat of any kind, or memory function.

PROS

  • Stylish
  • Affordable
  • Auto-recline
  • Plenty of options

CONS

  • No zero-G
  • No heated rollers
  • No heat therapy
  • No memory

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Summary: The Panasonic Urban is the chair to buy for a stellar neck massage.

Top Panasonic Budget Model – Swede-Atsu Companion Lounger

Swede-Atsu Lounger

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The top budget model in this review, the Swede-Atsu is approved by the American Chiropractic Association.

This chair offers deep-tissue massages courtesy of its firm rubber massage heads, which also feel very life-like.

You’ll get a vigorous, neck, shoulder, and back massage, while the Dual-Use ottoman massages your lower body.

The Stretch system feels great on your lower body, while the air massage will squeeze your legs while the ottoman raises or lowers them gradually.

The massage techniques included are Shiatsu, Compression, Hawaii, and Percussion, with 4 built-in programs and 5-speed intensities.

However, this chair also doesn’t offer any sort of heat, zero-G or extraordinary functions, focusing on basic massages.

For those reasons, the Kahuna 6800 is a reliable alternative.

PROS

  • Great deep-tissue massages
  • Amazing leg massages
  • Decent overall massages
  • Adjustable

CONS

  • No heat
  • No zero-G
  • No extraordinary functions

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Summary: This is the perfect chair to improve chronic lower back pain, including Sciatica, but it otherwise offers basic massages.

Is a Massage Chair a Good Investment?

Maybe not. It depends on the kind of massage chair that you are looking for. A commercial-grade massage chair can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. It will get you a longer therapy session and will pay for itself in less than a year. An average home massage chair is going to cost you anywhere from $300 to $500. A Bariatric. If you have extra weight that is currently affecting your ability to sleep or your walking motion, then a Bariatric is for you. This type of model like a Real Pro Ultra Massage will go through four stages of movement: deep-kneading, myofascial, targeted deep-kneading, and targeted stretch. It is most helpful for people who need more targeted deep-kneading. It is also beneficial to people with chronic pain.

Survey respondents rated products as more effective at alleviating pain and easing the discomfort associated with joints and muscles than the category average. More than two-thirds of respondents rated as more effective than the rest of the non-cosmetic, in-home wellness products. The most valuable aspect of the recliner is its overall performance, with 62% of survey respondents placing the highest priority on their chairs for their overall appearance. How to Use the Index. The Survey of in-Home Wellness Products used a scientific approach to the question of how effectively products in the survey performed. These ratings were derived from the results of a scientific survey and represented the most recent data available.

Is a Massage Chair Worth It?

Today, there are several massage chairs available on the market, and as you can imagine, all are pretty much the same when it comes to price and function. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find one that’s different, and better, for your needs. We spoke to several massage chair pros at consumer sites such as Consumer Reports and Consumerist about the four things you need to look for when you go into a store to check out your options. Typically, when you go in to get a massage, you do not know how much it will cost. That is because prices vary between different locations and even between services provided by the same location. Prices also can vary based on the brand.

This is all part of the stress that most people feel when it comes to getting a massage. So the first question that you should ask yourself is, do you really need one? If the answer is no, then you can skip this article. However, if you do feel that you should get one, then you need to know how to get one for the best price. Choose A Location That Is A Good Value. There are different locations that offer massages. Each location is different. So the one that you choose should be the location that offers the services that you need the most. You should not choose the location that has the highest prices.

About Panasonic Massage Chairs

Panasonic best massage chairs are found at a wide range of prices.

There aren’t a ton of Panasonic chairs models, just 8 currently retailed on their website, most of which lack great features like heat therapy or zero gravity.

About Panasonic Chairs

They could also use some music system, after all, Panasonic handles that too.

However, Panasonic brags about their chairs being Zengineered, which brings some Zen into the mix.

Basically, they want to relax and soothe you, not pound you with therapy, which explains why they lack some of the qualities above.

Still, the Panasonic chairs are all quality-made by a reputable brand so you can count on their durability and functionality.

Where are the Panasonic Massage chairs made?

Panasonic hairs are traditionally manufactured and designed in Japan. That is why Panasonic is known for its high-quality and long-lasting products. In the year 2012, they transfer most of their manufacturing to China but have retained their design and quality control in Japan. The Panasonic manufacturing factory in Japan has been closed down.

EP-MAG3 Review

The Panasonic EP-MAg3 is an advanced and innovative massage chair that incorporates cutting-edge technology to provide an unparalleled relaxation and therapeutic experience. This state-of-the-art massage chair utilizes a combination of intelligent design and advanced engineering to target key pressure points throughout the body. Through a systematic arrangement of air cells, rollers, and other components, the EP-MAg3 aims to simulate various massage techniques such as shiatsu, kneading, tapping, and more.

One of the standout features of the EP-MAg3 is its 3D massage technology, which enables the rollers to move not only up and down and side to side but also in and out, creating a deeply immersive and customizable massage experience. The chair is equipped with a comprehensive body scanning system that detects the user’s individual body contours, ensuring a tailored massage that addresses specific muscle groups and tension points.

Furthermore, the EP-MAg3 integrates heated massage rollers, which provide soothing warmth to help alleviate muscle stiffness and enhance relaxation. The chair’s diverse range of pre-programmed massage routines, coupled with its ability to allow users to create personalized massage sequences, ensures that a wide spectrum of user preferences and therapeutic needs are met.

In terms of aesthetics and user experience, the EP-MAg3 boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, allowing for optimal comfort during massage sessions. Its user-friendly interface and remote control provide effortless navigation and customization, while the incorporation of high-quality materials enhances durability and longevity.

Overall, the Panasonic EP-MAg3 stands as a testament to the fusion of technology and wellness, delivering a scientifically refined massage chair that caters to both relaxation and therapeutic requirements with a level of precision and sophistication that is unparalleled in the market.

Panasonic MAK1 Review

The Panasonic MA-K1 is a remarkable massage chair that merges state-of-the-art technology with scientific precision to provide an exceptional therapeutic experience. This advanced massage chair employs an array of innovative features to target specific pressure points and alleviate muscle tension throughout the body. The MA-K1 integrates intricate roller systems, air cells, and advanced sensors to mimic a diverse range of massage techniques, including kneading, tapping, and shiatsu.

At the heart of the MA-K1 is its 3D massage technology, which allows the rollers to move dynamically in multiple directions, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized massage. The chair’s adaptive body scanning system utilizes cutting-edge sensors to map the user’s unique body contours, thereby tailoring the massage to individual needs with utmost precision.

An exceptional aspect of the MA-K1 is its intelligent heating system, which applies soothing warmth to the massage rollers, promoting increased blood circulation and enhanced relaxation. The chair boasts an extensive repertoire of pre-programmed massage modes, each designed to target specific muscle groups and alleviate various discomforts.

Ergonomics and user-centric design play a pivotal role in MA-K1’s appeal. Crafted with high-quality materials and featuring a user-friendly interface, the chair ensures both comfort and intuitive control. Moreover, the incorporation of zero-gravity positioning enhances the overall massage experience by reducing gravitational stress on the body.

In summary, the MA-K1 emerges as a pinnacle of massage chair engineering, combining scientific principles with cutting-edge technology to deliver a highly customizable and therapeutic massage experience. Its ability to adapt to individual body profiles and provide a spectrum of massage techniques underscores its commitment to addressing wellness and relaxation with the utmost scientific precision.

Panasonic MAF1 Review

The Panasonic MAF1 massage chair stands out as the epitome of compact yet powerful massage technology. Despite its modest dimensions, measuring only 27 inches wide, this chair offers unparalleled comfort and versatility, making it an ideal addition to any room.

Crafted with Panasonic’s signature Zengineered® craftsmanship, the MAF1 is designed to deliver a full-body massage experience with precision and efficacy. Equipped with advanced features, this chair boasts incredible power to provide either invigorating or deeply relaxing massages, catering to your specific needs and preferences.

One notable feature of the MAF1 is its ability to target every part of your body, including the soles of your feet. Additionally, the inclusion of infrared heating enhances the massage experience by promoting muscle relaxation and increasing blood flow, further amplifying the therapeutic benefits of the massage.

The affordability of the MAF1 is another compelling aspect. Compared to the recurring expenses associated with regular visits to a massage therapist, investing in this advanced massage chair proves to be a cost-effective solution. Moreover, FFL offers convenient 0% interest financing options, making the purchase decision even more accessible to consumers.

To determine if the MAF1 is the right choice for you, it’s recommended to experience it firsthand at a showroom. Consult with their knowledgeable Comfort Consultants, who prioritize understanding your massage chair preferences and guiding you towards the most suitable model. Many customers find that a demonstration massage in the MAF1 confirms its superiority, especially for those seeking 24/7 access to exceptional massages within the confines of their home.

Furthermore, Amazon emphasizes the importance of after-sales service, ensuring prompt assistance in the event of any issues with the chair. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and product longevity, Panasonic MAF1 owners can rest assured that their investment is supported by a reliable and dedicated company.

Where to Buy

One idea is the Panasonic website or authorized dealers.

However, if you want to browse some reviews too, and not just read the official specs, you can try Amazon.

This is a trustworthy website, with great shipping and return options.

Which Oil is Best for Full Body Massage?

Oil or foam? Our experts weigh in on whether one oil is better than the other for the ultimate massage. Foam vs. Oil. Oil is for people who don’t want their joints to be stimulated,” says Alan Beggs, an architect in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in home and commercial design. If you prefer lube, he suggests talking to your massage therapist about what might be best for you. Beggs also cautions against oil-based products that contain glycerin (think Vaseline), as these can sometimes leave your skin dry and pruney.

Proponents of foam note that it allows you to feel pressure. Says Grover, “You don’t have to jack up your entire body when doing a massage, which can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. Most people prefer a combination of massage and rubbing, but it’s possible to do all the tapping with just foam.

Is Osaki a Japanese Brand?

Originally, Osaki was an Australian brand. They are owned by Tokyu Hands and distributed by Kensington & Co. The company is still based in Sydney, but they are now expanding in New York. Osaki means a ‘wall’ in Japanese, but not everything with a wall in the name is a fence. After visiting the vast Osaki collection, one thing was abundantly clear, there are a lot of uses for this fencing workbench. In an outdoor photography workshop, I’d often collect six or seven vases from the many weathered pieces of stone, slate, and slate.

Osaki is a Japanese company that creates high-quality metal cookware and utensils. Their most popular products include spatulas, pizza cutters, and a variety of mixing bowls. The company started in 1989, but its products are still handmade, so expect to spend a little more than the typical mass-produced cookware set.

Our Final Conclusion

The best model in this review is the Panasonic EP-MA70, which is stylish, adjustable, and mimics the human touch.

But there are better alternatives for each Panasonic model that we discussed above, such as the Kahuna LM6800 for the under $2500 price range, the Infinity 8500 for the under $5500, and the Luraco i7 for the over $7000 category.

That said, which chair will you get and why? Let’s talk in the comments below.

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