Guide to Meditation Cushions & Yoga Cushions

Meditation and yoga are wonderful practices for harmonising body and mind. An important part of these practices is the right accessories, especially meditation cushions and yoga cushions. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about these cushions to make the right choice and optimise your practice.

What are meditation cushions and yoga cushions?

Meditation cushions are specially developed cushions that help you to adopt a comfortable and stable sitting position during meditation. They promote an upright posture and relieve pressure on the joints. Yoga cushions, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used in different yoga poses to increase flexibility and promote relaxation.

Why a meditation cushion?

A meditation cushion, also known as a zafu, is specially designed to give you a comfortable and stable sitting position during meditation. It raises the pelvis slightly, which supports the natural curvature of the spine and thus prevents back pain. The raised sitting position reduces pressure on the knees and ankles, making it easier to sit for longer periods of time.

Types of meditation cushion

Zafu: The classic round cushion, often filled with buckwheat chaff, provides a firm but comfortable seat.
Zabuton: A rectangular mat often used under the zafu to provide extra comfort for the knees and ankles.
Half-moon shaped cushions: These cushions are ideal for people who need a wider sitting surface or want to rest their legs cross-legged.

Why a yoga cushion?

Yoga pillows, also known as yoga bolsters, are elongated cushions that provide support in various yoga poses. They help to relieve pressure on the spine, deepen stretching and promote relaxation.

Types of yoga bolster

Round bolsters: Ideal for backbends and to support the spine.
Rectangular bolsters: Provide a more stable base and are versatile.
Half-moon cushion: Perfect for lower back and hip support.

Materials and fillings

The choice of material and filling is crucial for the comfort and longevity of your pillow.

Spelt husks: This natural filling is breathable and moulds perfectly to your body shape. It provides comfortable support and is environmentally friendly.
Buckwheat hulls: Provides you with firm but adaptable support similar to the spelt chaff filling and is breathable and eco-friendly.
Kapok: A natural, lightweight fibre that is soft yet supportive. Most of our meditation cushions with kapok filling are rather plump yet very light.
Cotton: Cotton-filled cushions are soft and comfortable, but may not offer the same stability as spelt husks.

Tips for choosing the right pillow

Body size and flexibility: Taller people or those with limited flexibility often benefit from higher pillows.
Intended use: Consider whether you want to use the cushion mainly for meditation or yoga.
Material preference: Choose a material that feels pleasant on the skin and meets your comfort requirements.

Care and cleaning

Wash covers: Many pillows have removable covers that can be machine washed. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Refresh the filling: For meditation cushions with spelt husks, you can top up or replace the filling as required to maintain the shape and comfort.

Conclusion

A good meditation or yoga cushion can make a significant difference to your practice. Not only does it provide physical comfort, but it also supports correct posture and promotes relaxation. Invest in a cushion that suits your individual needs and you will feel the benefits in your daily practice. Whether you are an experienced yogi or a meditation beginner, the right cushion can help you take your practice to the next level.

We wish you a lot of joy in meditating 🧘