The guide to your perfect yoga cushion

We are delighted that you have found us in your search for the right cushion. Here you will find a comprehensive overview of meditation cushions, yoga bolsters and crescent cushions. We explain how you can use the cushions in different ways and how to find the right yoga cushion for your needs.

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1. Buy a yoga cushion: Which shape suits me?

The classic, round meditation cushion

The classic yoga cushion, also known as a meditation cushion, is a true all-rounder for meditation because it offers you versatile support in various sitting positions and yoga poses.

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Advantages:

- Promotes an upright posture and healthy alignment of the spine.

- It allows you to relax and let your knees sink below your hips.

- The upright sitting position allows your breath to flow better and deeper.

- Sitting in an elevated position relieves the strain on your joints, knees and back.

- You remain relaxed even during longer meditations without feeling any "pinching".

- It allows you to gently build up your flexibility in the asanas.

- Ideal for different sitting positions (cross-legged, half lotus, heel or rider's seat).

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Particularly suitable for: 

- Meditation and yoga beginners, but also for advanced practitioners.

- Tall people or people with long legs.

- People who like to alternate the tailor or lotus position with the heel or rider position.

- As an alternative to the harder blocks, e.g. when practicing pigeon or other asanas.

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The Yoga Bolster

The Yoga Bolster is world class when it comes to relaxation. It is an elongated, thick cushion that is often used in passive yoga practices such as restorative yoga or yin yoga. It supports the body in various positions by providing a soft but stable base that relieves pressure on the body and allows for deep relaxation.

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Advantages:

- Provides generous and even support for the entire body.

- Ideal for deep relaxation exercises and stretching in passive yoga poses.

- Can be placed under the hips, back or legs to support the body.

- Relieves the body as a stable base in exactly the right places and thus maximizes the feeling of well-being.

- Can also be used for meditation.

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Particularly suitable for: 

- People who practice restorative yoga or yin yoga

- Gentle stretching, e.g. to open the chest, forward bends, stretching the back muscles.

- People who need additional support, whether sitting or lying down.

- Relax at home: as a gift for yourself, to take time for yourself and your relaxation.

- People who like to meditate in the rider's seat or heel seat.

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Oval or round yoga bolster?

Both are similar in their use. The oval bolster offers a larger surface area, more stability and allows for gentler stretching. The round bolster has a larger diameter and is therefore particularly suitable for more intensive stretches.
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The Half-moon Cushion

The crescent cushion is a special version of the classic meditation cushion. It is the perfect companion for meditation, especially if you have been practising it in the tailor's or lotus position for some time.
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Advantages:

- Thanks to its ergonomic shape, the pelvis tilts slightly forward, making it easier to naturally straighten the back.

- Sitting up straight allows the breath to flow deep into the belly.

- It offers plenty of legroom when sitting cross-legged.

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Particularly suitable for: 

- Advanced yogis who are already quite flexible in the hips

- People who prefer to sit in the tailor's or lotus position

- Practitioners who want an alternative shape to the round meditation cushion

- Practitioners who want to sit closer to the floor

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2. Buy a meditation cushion: Which height suits me?

The optimal height of your yoga cushion depends on your height, flexibility and preferred sitting position. Here is some information to help you choose your meditation cushion: 

• A cushion height of between 10-18 cm is generally suitable for sitting cross-legged and on heels.
• At 12 cm high, our classic meditation cushion is an all-rounder that is equally suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners.
• With the half-moon cushion, you sit closer to the floor because it is lower. It is therefore more suitable for experienced practitioners with good flexibility in the hips.
• If you are particularly tall (e.g. > 1.80m) or would like a higher meditation cushion for any other reason, we will be happy to make one for you. Simply get in touch with us at hello@manna-yoga.com or via the contact form at the bottom of the page.

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3. Buy a yoga cushion: Which filling is right for me?

Yoga cushions are available with different fillings. The most common fillings are 

• Spelt husks: offer particularly flexible, adaptable, breathable and environmentally friendly support
• Kapok: cotton-like fibers from the kapok tree, natural material with resilient support
• Buckwheat hulls: firm, natural support, similar in properties to spelt husks

We decided to use spelt hulls as a filling for the following reasons:

Local: We not only source our organic spelt husks directly here from South Tyrol, they also grow here. Thanks to the short transportation routes, we can significantly reduce our CO2 footprint.

Sustainable: Spelt hulls are a natural product and do not have to be specially produced as they are left over from the spelt harvest. They are robust and durable, so your pillow will last a long time. They can also be composted in an environmentally friendly way.

Comfortable: Spelt husks work as little "mini massagers" and adapt wonderfully to every movement and body shape. They help you to adopt a stable and relaxed posture. They are also light and fluffy, which is why the large, round yoga bolsters weighing 3.5 kg are easy to transport if you need to carry them from A to B.

Uncomplicated: Spelt husks are robust, moisture-balancing and can withstand temperature fluctuations very well. To take optimum care of your pillow, it is sufficient to air and shake it from time to time.

Healthy: Spelt husks contain silicic acid and minerals. This means they can have a pain-relieving effect on tension. They also absorb your body heat quickly, which creates a cozy and relaxing feeling.

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Find the right cushion for you

To choose the ideal yoga cushion or meditation cushion, you should answer the following questions: 

• What is your main practice? If you meditate a lot, a meditation cushion is a good choice. A bolster is ideal for yoga practices such as restorative yoga or yin yoga. Yoga bolsters are also very suitable for sitting on when meditating.
• How is your posture and flexibility? If you already have a high level of flexibility and stability when sitting, a half-moon cushion is ideal. Otherwise, the classic meditation cushion is the right choice for you because it is higher and offers both beginners and advanced yogis an ideal base for sitting.
• How long do you practice in one position? If you want to sit or meditate for a long time, it is important that your cushion provides sufficient support so that you don't get any pain or tension. The classic meditation cushion is usually best for this because you can sit on it in several different ways.
• Which material appeals to you the most? A yoga cushion that is sustainable, made from high-quality and natural materials, refillable and manufactured with craftsmanship is a long-lasting companion for you. Also make sure that it is easy to care for, that the outer cover is washable and that you can easily refill the cushion.
• Would you like a handmade yoga cushion? Handmade yoga cushions often offer particularly high quality and individuality. They are lovingly made and have "soul". Special requests can also be catered for. ‍
• What should it look like? Of course, it is also important that you really like the look of your cushion. This will definitely add to the enjoyment of your yoga and meditation practice. Would you like a patterned, colorful and decorative cushion? Or would you prefer a timeless, single-colored one? Think about which colors best suit your decor and your home or yoga corner. Your gut feeling will often tell you which color or pattern is just right.

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Conclusion: What really matters when buying your yoga cushion

Choosing the right yoga cushion depends on several factors - your type of practice, your flexibility and your personal preferences. Whether you are looking for a traditional meditation cushion for your daily meditation, a yoga bolster for your restorative and yin yoga practice or a crescent cushion for light support - the perfect cushion can greatly enhance your yoga and meditation practice. If possible, choose sustainable materials and sustainable production for the sake of our environment. Take your time to find the right model for you and enjoy the benefits of a supported, comfortable practice!

And finally: the best yoga cushion is the one on which you feel comfortable, which you like and on which you can relax best :)