Meditation chairs are beneficial for multiple reasons. Not only do they enhance your meditation experience, but they also provide back support for proper alignment and maximum comfort for deep meditation sessions.
With all the different designs available on the market, it's no surprise that choosing a meditation chair is daunting. Yet, finding the right chair that your body prefers will completely step up your meditation practice. But how do you know which meditation chair is appropriate for your physical needs? Take a look at Foter to discover a wide selection of meditation chairs for extra inspiration.
In this guide, you'll find useful tips and insight to help you choose the best meditation chair that's most suitable for you and your practice.
Maintaining the right posture during meditation
Do you ever do a meditation position and wonder if you're doing it right since all you feel is pain in your back and numb legs? Well, a lot of people struggle with back pain when meditating. Having good posture during meditation is extremely important to concentrate and reach your flow state. Additionally, good energy can't flow if you have a bad postural alignment during your practice. This is where a meditation chair comes in handy. In a nutshell, a meditation chair helps eliminate body pain, provides correct posture for a deep focus on your practice, and lets you meditate for much longer.
Your meditation posture and flexibility will determine the kind of meditation chair you need.
How to achieve a good meditation posture?
Although meditation chairs are useful at promoting good posture, it's also important to know the general principles of meditation posture to achieve zen during your quiet sessions. Your body should be relaxed, stable, and comfortable in an upright seat position with your back straight, hands rested on the lap, shoulders slightly pushed back, and chin slightly tucked in.
Being comfortable is necessary during meditation so make sure you pick a chair that suits your back comfort, weight, and height. If you're looking for maximum comfort and relaxation during your practices, a meditation chair with full back support is the best option.
Not everyone can sit in a cross-legged position on the ground while maintaining good posture and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Floors aren't comfortable and a lot of people feel tension in their back and knees when meditating on a hard surface. If you're in the same boat and have a hard time sitting on the floor, don't despair! A meditation chair is a great and comfortable alternative to the floor, and you'll be able to relax and deeply focus on your breathing much better this time. The benefits of meditation are equally the same whether on the floor or a chair, so why not enjoy your meditation to the fullest with the utmost comfort?
Types of meditation chairs
There are so many types of meditation chairs out there but most of them have certain common features. Before you pick a design that looks appealing to you, assess your physical needs, the type of back support you want, and your meditation position. Are you looking for a chair that supports the cross-legged position or do you want to sit with your ankles crossed on the ground? Considering these key factors beforehand will facilitate your decision-making when looking at different designs.
Here are the most common types of meditation chairs:
The Back Support Chair
A back support chair, as the name implies, supplies full back support and promotes proper alignment. These types of chairs are typically low and support various cross-legged positions that usually can't be done on a normal chair. Meditation chairs with supportive backrests are portable, easy to store, and multipurpose. In addition to meditation, they can be used for other leisure activities, reading, napping, and lounging on the floor.
If you're unable to hold a good posture for extended periods, opt for a meditation chair with a supportive backrest. Each version has its particular characteristics and materials. For instance, cotton cushions offer maximum comfort while memory foam does a great job at supporting the body.
The Full Chair
This type of meditation chair features legs, a slightly elevated seat, and is spacious compared to other types of meditation chairs. It provides the meditator with full support throughout the body and can properly distribute your weight for a more pleasant and comfier experience.
Full chairs are quite expensive but durable and can serve as an eye-catching decorative addition in your home.
The Standard Chair
If you have limited flexibility or any kind of physical limitations that make it hard to sit in a Lotus of Burmese position, any regular kitchen chair will do. Besides, meditating on a normal chair allows for longer meditation sessions without any leg pain. Simply add a thin cushion to support your lower back or to achieve the right height for your body.
The Bench
For those who struggle with sitting in cross-legged positions, a meditation bench or stool is the right option for you. This type of meditation chair is favorable for people who aren't flexible since you'll be kneeling instead while still maintaining proper back alignment. You won't feel any discomfort or pain from kneeling as the bench will lift your hips, making it easier for your knees and legs.
Without a doubt, meditation chairs can make a huge difference in your practice. With these chairs, you can forget about all the body aches you've felt while meditating and can now tap into your inner peace with great comfort and concentration.
Chloe Hughes
Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.
