For many years now I have been learning first hand about using natural millet pillows and other body support mechanisms. After educating myself on the benefits of natural things for good heath, and also learning about the detriments that create bad health, it became obvious that I needed completely change my synthetic mindset and lifestyle. Millet pillows (using the millet hull) have helped my Health tremendously!
Before I ever knew about natural millet pillows I first purchased a little buckwheat hull zafu (sitting cushion) at a hippy store because I liked the way it felt on my butt. It supported better than foam because it molded to my body better. I also liked that it was natural and not made of a petroleum product. I would take it to fun gatherings and be very happy to have something nice to sit on. Years later I got the idea to make an orthotic for my feet using the buckwheat hulls. I knew that if the buckwheat hulls would support my bottom, that they would also support my feet. Yea, it worked! I’ve now made dozens of different prototypes and have developed a great arch support that I can totally adjust the pressure to. Awesome! Then I started making back and butt supports for my car seats and office chair. Also very cool because of course the support is natural, firm yet comfortable and not squwooshy like foam!
Ok, first let me go back a bit… Buckwheat and millet are grains that have an outer hull that has to be removed in order for us to eat them. That hull that used to be just thrown away is an incredible and all natural body support mechanism.
Some of you may ask, “Why would I switch from my buckwheat, foam or feather pillow to a millet pillow?”
Buckwheat: Buckwheat is too granular for pillows. It’s too hard for pillows because your face, head and neck needs a softer surface to mold to. Buckwheat is better to use as a back or buttock support. I know because as stated, I make those. The millet pillow is soft for your face yet still firm to support your neck.
Foam: Foam is not a very good support mechanism because it does not support evenly and it does not support over a very broad surface area. Foam is not a very natural body compatible product because it is made with oil (petroleum) and out-gasses a multitude of toxic chemicals. (Foam pad under your carpet is one of the most toxic products in homes today.) Yes, foam is easy because it takes very little effort to use. You just lay on it and it moderately conforms to you but it doesn’t create a mold like millet hulls. It just creates knots in your neck. (I know because I work on those necks every day. I’m a massage therapist.)
Feathers: Feathers do not sit up and support well. They also poke through the fabric into your neck! Ouch! A millet hull pillow http://www.vitalitymassage.net/millethullpillows.html requires some adjustment to achieve results but those results are far superior to buckwheat, foam or feathers.
The millet pillow does sit up well and conforms perfectly to a huge surface area around your head, neck and shoulders. Wonderful! You take a few seconds to mold it and walla, a perfect fit. Buckwheat hulls actually make a better sitting cushion or back support (also found on my site) than a pillow because they are firmer and not as soft. Your head and face really needs the softness of millet hulls because they are more sensitive than the rest of your body. So, in a nutshell, I totally recommend buckwheat and millet hull body support products and yes, I do offer them on my web site!
Be well and stay healthy!
The millet pillow does sit up well and conforms perfectly to a huge surface area around your head, neck and shoulders. Wonderful! You take a few seconds to mold it and walla, a perfect fit. Buckwheat hulls actually make a better sitting cushion or back support (also found on my site) than a pillow because they are firmer and not as soft. Your head and face really needs the softness of millet hulls because they are more sensitive than the rest of your body. So, in a nutshell, I totally recommend buckwheat and millet hull body support products and yes, I do offer them on my web site!
http://www.vitalitymassage.net Brett Rodgers, owner of Vitality Massage in Asheville, NC.