If your knees and feet are sensitive, look for a meditation cushion that comes with a mat, which provides extra support. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. They also have several cushions in the prayer room that is open to the public, and they have many different types of cushions donated over the years to the temple. A good cushion can last literally years, so dont compromise either the cushion, your back, or your sessions. We liked that this yoga bolster has a soft velvet exterior thats easy to clean, has quality support from the adjustable buckwheat and foam, and has a convenient handle. This large velvet meditation pillow is filled with buckwheat hull to provide firm, comfortable support that will last over time. This round meditation pillow helps keep your spine aligned due to the buckwheat hull fill and one-inch foam. Buckwheat is an excellent stuffing because it not only retains its cushioning ability for many years, it also shifts and moves to conform to your shape, making it a custom fit for each meditator. The zabuton style has an elevated section for more comfort. Some use buckwheat on the inside with synthetic cushioning on the top to make the sit softer. This meditation pillow comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a limited one-year warranty. Comfort is perhaps the most critical contributing factor. The curved edges of the cushion also keeps the thighs from pressing into the cushions edge. The Lotus position is best during mediation, but can be tricky for beginners or people who are physically challenged. While this will provide you with some extra height, the loss of stability may make it difficult for you to hold your pose for extended periods. And you always want to, Pillows lose their shape as they age, becoming lumpy and flat. Dimensions are a major consideration when shopping for meditation. However, for people who may have sensitivities to other fillers it is certainly still a good choice. Whether you're a newbie who is just getting started with mediation or a seasoned pro that's been mediating for years, meditation cushions are a great way to get comfortable as you practice your journey towards awareness. Covered with a 100% cotton twill fabric, the buckwheat hull filling makes it conform to the bodys shape more readily than kapok. The buckwheat hull zafu cushion is ergonomic and helps maintain healthy posture while meditating in the cross legged position. But for most of us some cushioning under the feet and ankles is more comfortable and takes away the distraction of a hard floor. Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Any cushion you choose should have an outer removable cover for cleaning or replacing if needed. Typically, you can make your own zafu with just 2 parts: Filled with buckwheat hull, this meditation pillow blends very easily with the shape of your body while supporting you firmly. The hulls of meditation pillows are an ideal filling. Like the rounded Zafu, the crescent pillow offers good support for the knees and ankles. Most of these pillows are around 4 to 6 inches in height. Buckwheat hulls are commonly used in meditation cushions because they are durable and stable. When properly positioned, it raises the users hips and effectively helps them to settle into a comfortable cross-legged position. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Why are meditation pillows filled with buckwheat kapok. Available on Amazon. However, the rectangular cushion does not provide the same knee support as other pillows. Of course I cant go further without giving a plug to our little store at Kunzang Palyul Choling, the temple in Maryland of which I am a member. The traditional pose for Zen meditation is by sitting on the zafu cushion with legs crossed in the Lotus position. Some dont even offer a way to adjust the amount of stuffing to force you to return to buy another cushion when your old one gets flat or dirty. A Complete Guide On How To Become a Personal Trainer, Yoga for Pitchers: How Yoga Can Help Baseballs Players, Yoga and Nausea: Causes and How to Fix It, 6 Ways to Keep Your Leggings From Sagging, How Much Should You Charge for Yoga Classes. Shop Today. Additionally, buckwheat filled zafus do not loose their desired shape or require fluffing up. If you sew, you can remove the old cover and take it apart to use as a pattern to sew a new one. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you Meditation cushions are commonly filled with two types of materials. All comments are moderated before being published. Although both fillings provide effective support, some prefer the softer kapok filling to the more contoured fit of buckwheat hulls. Additionally, Sleeping Fellow participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Zafu cushions therefore allow the users pelvis to tilt forward so that the sacrum is in its neutral position, thus allowing the rest of the curves of the spine to be aligned as they are supposed to. When a cushion needs to be washed, the inner filled cushion may be removed allowing for easy cleaning of the outer shell. Kapok is a soft, natural fiber that comes from a tree of the same name that is found in Thailand and Indonesia. Buckwheat hulls do break down with time and do need to be replaced. The buckwheat pillow or cushion is quite enduring and should last about 10 years. If your knees and feet are sensitive, look for a meditation cushion that comes with a mat, which provides extra support. The cushion is five inches in height and is available in two diameter sizes: 13-inch or 16-inch. Here they are. The soft, vegan velvet cover is removable and machine washable for easy care. Zafus are perhaps the most traditional style of meditation pillow. Ive been reading your blog posts all so helpful for someone like me, whos seriously considering opening up a meditation space for me and others. Do not put it in the dryer to dry. On the other hand, a crescent zafu cushion enables you to support your weight from both the base of your seat and knees as well as through your hips. Dimensions are a major consideration when shopping for meditation. Plus, you can also give the cushion a new cover to replace warn, torn or stained covers. The cushion has a convenient handle to make it easy to carry. Buckwheat cushions help align the pelvis, back, neck, and head, which is why buckwheat cushions and pillows are frequently recommended by chiropractors to help reduce neck pain and migraines. It is not advised that you remove any stuffing from the kapok cushion because it traditionally flattens a little after a few sittings. Is it Safe to Transition From Warrior 3 to Half Moon? (LogOut/ Buckwheat hulls are commonly used in meditation cushions because they are durable and stable. It can be folded out flat or you can fold it so that theres some back support (which will only work against a wall). We liked that this round meditation cushion comes in two different sizes, a variety of colors, and has a money-back guarantee. More expensive cushions stuffed with buckwheat are made so that you can add or remove whatever amount of stuffing is needed to help the cushion be as hard or as soft as is right for you. Buckwheat hulls are commonly used in meditation cushions because they are durable and stable. Some describe the feeling of a buckwheat filled zafu as sitting on a mound of sand. Most meditation cushions are filled with buckwheat, which makes it heavy enough to keep you from shifting in your seat. sign up for Outside+. Or if you just love the cushion and have the money, hire a seamstress to sew a new cover from material you pick at a fabric store. In the Lotus position, the spine must be upright with no support, and the hands placed on the thighs to create the right posture. The hull, or outside of the grain, is firm and springy and retains its shape for many years. The buckwheat hulls make a denser cushion while the kapok is lighter, but both do fit the shape of the body. Which Meditation Pillow Should You Choose? If youre struggling to shift your hips and knees into a natural arrangement from this position then you can take up your pose at the center of the cushion. This product is made in the United States. It is naturally silky and resilient, floats and is resistant to mildew or mold. We liked that the fill level of this bolster is easily adjustable to suit your needs and that it comes with an easy to wash cover and a sturdy carrying handle. This leaves some areas feeling more clumped up than others. Some people prefer scooping them into a big bucket using a. Made in the USA. The practitioner seats themselves on the curved edge of the cushion and lets their legs fall off which creates a natural slope thats extremely conducive to sitting cross-legged. This round, buckwheat-filled meditation cushion provides customizable support for your practice and is available in two different sizes and six different colors. Ensure no buckwheat hulls stragglers are adhering to the pillowcase by turning it inside out. We specialize in products that promote wellness, spirituality, and enlightenment. The design of a zafu and the filling allow for maximum comfort when sitting for long periods, by distributing the weight from the high-pressure zones (spine, sacrum) to the rest of the buttocks and hips. Buckwheat is a grain producing plant that originated in China and was later brought by Europeans to North America. The frequency the buckwheat needs to be replaced depends on how frequent the cushion is used. They would know where to direct you to a good place to find cushions, and some even sell them in their own store. A zafu can be either round or crescent-shaped, but each performs the key function of raising the pelvis above the users knees. Velvet Meditation Cushion. Its also great to have a carrying strap (usually on the side), as most cushions are awkward to carry around with you. KPC has a small church store that sells items to support practice, and they have an excellent selection, including the beautiful brocade cushions Ive photographed here to share. A zafu cushion may be used for meditation, yoga, or even home dcor. What are meditation cushions filled with? Make sure you dont leak them. Thats where the meditation pillow comes into play. Its best if this cover is separate from the inner liner holding the stuffing. This oval-shaped meditation cushion can help enhance your practice by providing a comfortable yet firm and supportive pillow, so you can maintain proper body alignment. Why are meditation pillows filled with buckwheat? This round meditation cushion is made using buckwheat grown in the United States. In English, Zafu is interpreted as a sewn seat, but in Japanese the meaning is entirely different. Our goal today is to introduce to you the Zafu cushion, with its history, construction, and benefits! To alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms, To aid in the development of empathy about yourself and everyone else. I love the idea that your cushion becomes your friend. It definitely does not have the feel of kapok, cotton or polyester filling because its more firm, but for a long sit it is extremely comfortable for most people and tends to be the most favored filling for meditation cushions. (LogOut/ Most meditation cushions are stuffed with. Sleeping Fellow is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Most meditation spaces should have either carpet, or padding of a mat under the meditation cushion. (LogOut/ This is the part used to stuff a meditation cushion. The exterior cover is made from a soft stretch knit that you can remove and wash. While your own understanding of perfect alignment will differ based on your body type and the style of yoga youre attempting, theres one basic principle that applies universally establish a strong base and everything else will follow. A Complete Guide To Zafu Cushions, Buckwheat Hulls, and Proper Seating, Everything You Need To Know About Dreamcatchers: Legends, Meaning, Web, Hoop, Feathers, & More, A Complete Guide To Buying & Burning Incense Sticks. A lumpy cushion is hardly conducive to a restful. Buckwheat zafu cushions are also much heavier than kapok and make a slight ruffling sound when a user move about. The theory behind this pose is that when a person sits without supporting their spine, they will be motivated to become more alert and energized. We offer custom made 18 Zafu cushions that are made fro jute and filled with buckwheat hulls. It's filled entirely with buckwheat hulls, resulting in a pillow thats soft but sturdycomfortable enough to sit on while you meditate, but robust enough to endure use over time. It works better in the box shape, banana, or smile shape cushions. Why are meditation pillows filled with buckwheat? Buy Today. Factors to consider when buying a meditation pillow filled with buckwheat, Consider the sitting position then; your hips and knees are probably extremely flexible. To maximize comfort and stability of the zafu, a zabuton may be placed under the zafu. A zipper on the inside stuffing cover is also great because you can replace the stuffing if its gets to old or thin over the years. Neck pain can be caused by a lack of correct alignment caused by discomfort when sleeping. Reed mace, the original stuffing for zafu cushions, is a tall marsh shrub with cylinder-shaped seeds which burst when they become matured, shedding enormous amounts of down. This particular round cushion is filled with buckwheat hulls. Here is some information about how they are made, what choices you have, and where the best place is to buy one. In addition, the design printed on the grey cover is inspired by the mandala lotus flower and fits well with most decors. We hope you found this article informative. Meditation cushions are commonly filled with two types of materials. They are considered organic, as no pesticides are needed because bugs dont bother them. A pillowslip makes a good cover, or use a fabric grocery bag with handles to protect it when traveling. The traditional zafu makes sure the pelvis tilts forward, preserving the spines natural curve and allowing the knees to face downward. By integrating a purpose-built cushion into your routine you can reduce your risk of injuries and unlock the full benefits of any yoga session. How to Keep Your Calm When a VIP Shows Up at Your Class, Want to Get Yogas Life-Changing Benefits? Reasons why meditation pillows are filled with buckwheat. Of course, when youre dealing with the constant pinching and cramping that comes from holding an unfamiliar pose for minutes at a time, it can be difficult to focus on the straightness of your posture or the placement of your hips and knees. However, they are also the softest, and if you have bottom, or hip joints that are sensitive, this kind of stuffing can be easier on you. Before and after a zen meditation session, practitioners usually perform a gassho bow to their zafu, to their teacher and to other practitioners in the group. From the balance between the mind, body, and spirit to the ideal positioning of the spine and joints, the concept of alignment is central to the practice of yoga. The natural slope of the pillow also encourages alignment, as practitioners will not need to maintain a specific position on the cushion to ensure proper posture. Probably the least popular stuffing for meditation cushions is synthetic. Filled with your choice of either enviro friendly australian farm buckwheat hull or australian cotton filled, buckwheat filled cushions are lightweight and moisture resistant. Id also recommend finding a good yoga instructor in your area if you cant find a temple. Reasons why meditation pillows are filled with buckwheat reasons for meditating the pillows. This round meditation pillow uses buckwheat fill to provide a balance of firmness and flexible support to relieve stress on your joints and spine during meditation. Ive not thought of it that way but mine does go everywhere with me. Kapok is the seed pod fluff of the Ceiba tree, which is found in rainforests. What are meditation cushions filled with? Why are meditation cushions filled with buckwheat? In recent years, buckwheat hulls have become a popular fill for the zafu and other meditation cushions. But one of the joys of purchasing a cushion is the actual experience of sitting on it before purchasing it. There is also a zipper, which makes it easy to remove or add buckwheat hulls as needed. Why are meditation pillows filled with buckwheat? The pillow is filled with all-natural buckwheat hulls to create a firm base that adjusts to your body, so you remain comfortable. Many meditation services handle zafu cushions with care when walking to a meditation hall to show respect to the cushion. Meditation is aset of technique intended to encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention and sychological well being. If a user finds it challenging to sit in this position, their meditation session may prove difficult. Im going to throw out the idea that you can go to your local Walmart, or Target and just buy a good pillow to sit on. Therefore, when choosing a zafu cushion, definitely consider the advantages and disadvantages of the type of filling used to meet your needs. Additionally, a kapok zafu cushion is spongy but firm and can be inconsistent and wobbly if it is used as a seat cushion. On the other hand, a kapok cushions are fluffier and softer than buckwheat hull zafu cushions. Eventually, however the fibers start to compress, similar to worn out pillow. The reason is that buckwheat hulls conform so well to the shape of the body resulting in a comfortable and stable cushion for meditation. It should have an inner zipper or drawstring, to allow for this adjustment. To me kapok is a little hard so I place a small, flat cushion on top of my kapok filled banana cushion. The inner cover is usually made of polyester or cotton. The Key is Not What You Expect, 6 Best Everyday Alternatives for Yoga Props (That You Already Have at Home), 3 Warming Breakfasts to Kick-Start Your DayAnd Your Digestion, This Plant-Based (and Protein-Packed) Bowl Is Completely Customizable, These Small Businesses Are Making Waves in the Yoga Space, This Restorative Sequence Will Break Down the Wall Around Your Heart, 7 Mothers Day Gifts That Will Give Her the Relaxation She Deserves. The outer cotton cover is removable and can be machine washed or spot cleaned. However, keep in mind these materials would need dry-cleaning. No matter what shape you chose, the inside stuffing and outside materials are just as important. The buckwheat pillow or cushion is quite enduring and should last about 10 years. Anyone who struggles with stiff hips and a general lack of mobility will be helped by this shape. If youre a complete novice, then you may be best served by the rectangular meditation pillows. Hence, changing the curves natural position creates a feeling of discomfort and the effort to sit up straight will exhaust the users energy. A slightly flatter pillow, such as a crescent, If you sleep on your back, you expect your pillow to cradle your head properly and not be too thick or too thin to cause your head to slip back. It weighs four pounds and comes with a handle for easy carrying. If you are looking for a Zafu cushion, be sure to check out our site at www.purechakra.com. Thanks to the filling system, this device ensures the regulation of temperature and humidity. The hulls of meditation pillows are an ideal filling. You wont regret it. Pick One Up at Amazon. The kapok will eventually become flat and have to be replaced, depending on how much use it gets. Most meditation cushions are filled with buckwheat, which makes it heavy enough to keep you from shifting in your seat. are commonly used to fill meditation cushions because of two main reasons; get rid of the buckwheat hulls from your pillowcase by opening the zipper. Change). While these pillows are around the same height as normally rounded cushions, they are also fuller and thus more stable. Position the pillowcase in the washing machine with cold water and wash it. The flexibility of your hips, ankles, and knees. Originally created in China, these pillows have since become a fixture of Japanese Zen meditation. Comes also with a convenient carry handle. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Even though kapok cushions usually flatten with time, users can quickly plump them up by squeezing or fluffing them. Brocade or silk might retain a sweat stain that cant be removed, while cotton can be washed. Join Outside+ to get Yoga Journal magazine, access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. But in truth, the difference between that kind of a pillow, and real meditation cushion is support, and longevity. It can also be used as a yoga block or as a floor cushion. There is zipper access to the buckwheat filling, so you can customize the filling to suit your needs. Meditation cushions are an expensive investment for most people, so choosing the right one is important. In the Washington DC area there are several workshops, classes, and conferences that focus around health and wellness and integrating meditation into your life. Daily meditation is a big part of our lives and our goal is to encourage others to participate in this rewarding and relaxing art. The softer stuffing such as polyester or foam tends to loose their buoyancy and eventually have to be replaced. Meditation is aset of technique intended to encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention and sychological well being. Meditation, or yoga mats, can be purchased online (of course) from many reputable and trusted cushion manufacturers. But because a meditation cushion is an investment that will be with you for many years (hopefully) its good to spend that extra money to buy one that includes all these extra options. All Rights Reserved. Cotton is an excellent choice of fabric for a meditation cushion because its not unusual to sweat while meditating especially if you live in a humid or tropical climate. Comes also with a convenient carry handle. Kapok is more like sitting on polyester filling but a little firmer, and is a good choice for those who may not like the feel of buckwheat hulls. Typically used as a meditation cushion, they are often used as regular cushions as well in order to provide additional support and comfort to any seating arrangement. This oval meditation cushion allows you to customize the firmness and height by enabling you to remove or add more buckwheat pillow fill as needed. Most meditation cushions are stuffed with. The inner fabric houses the buckwheat hulls or kapok filling. The hulls of meditation pillows are an ideal filling. In such a case, users can try the half lotus, quarter lotus, or Burmese position. Originally from Japan, the zafu cushion is a round cushion with gathered sides. One may also ask, why are meditation pillows filled with buckwheat? A stiff brocade or upholstery material is also good because it wears well and holds up for many years. Your email address will not be published. In terms of stuffing, you can find meditation pillows that contain a number of different materials. The cushion is 18 inches long, 13 inches wide, and six inches high. Just remember, a good cushion becomes a good friend, and even a family addition. Lots of people have a hard time explaining the differences between these two fillings, which are also both natural. In that instance, all you require is a flat pillow to push your body forward slightly. Modern zafus contain stuffing made from buckwheat hull or organic kapok. If your knees and feet are sensitive, look for a meditation cushion that comes with a mat, which provides extra support. If used daily for extended periods of time, the hulls should be replaced about every year. Thank you so much for such an informative piece on all the different stuffings. You can add or remove buckwheat to adjust the pillow height to your needs. Perfect for meditation and giving extra height for your sitting yoga postures. 6 Breakfast Habits to Make Your Mornings Healthier. Za describes a seat, while fu is the soft and fluffy fibers of disintegrated reed mace seeds found inside the cushion. Some cushions may have a handle for transportation as well. The words zazen (seated meditation) and zabuton (Japanese rectangular cushion for sitting or kneeling) are closely related. This is because the spine has four natural curves that are normally in a neutral position so that they can hold themselves up with minimal effort. You can also fold it in half for more elevation which can offer more comfort as well. Sign up for updates on new designs, subscriber coupons, and when we go live with our men and kids section this summer! Why Are Meditation Pillows Filled With Buckwheat. Using the entire seed as filling could in fact attract dust mites, that is why all seeds have to be dehulled before filling the cushion. We liked that this meditation pillow comes in a variety of seven different colors. Re-insert the buckwheat hulls! Filling and the cloth into which the filling is stuffed. The material is very lightweight and easily transportable. This means that they can easily be adjusted to suit your style and join you on your minfulness journey. However, taller practitioners may find that their knees remain elevated when using seated on this type of cushion, in which case they would better be served by a pillow with more lift. You can choose between a hemp or cotton cover, which is removable and washable. The small and round form factor of a zafu allows it to be placed on most chairs and stools and enhances comfort by improving posture. Most often these cushions arrive round and hard because they must be broken in. This isnt absolutely necessary, and is often ignored by practiced meditators who can sit anywhere. (See Flooring). The hulls are contained in an inner liner, so you dont have to worry about them spilling out. Cushions are overstuffed so you can easily adjust the level of buckwheat, modifying the height of the pillow to be just right for you. The crescent-shaped pillow provides a wider base for the hips and thighs and is thus ideally suited to individuals with limited mobility and chronic lower back or knee problems. Proper Positioning When Using A Zafu Cushion. The buckwheat is treated with high heat to prevent infestation, which can occur with other buckwheat hull products. With such a wide variety of meditation pillows available, it can be difficult to determine which one is best suited to your needs. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. Multiple Sizes and Colors. Some manufacturers choose not to include a removable cover to reduce costs allowing the pillow to be less expensive.