Wednesday 8 July 2009

Massage Chair Functionality And Massage Techniques

By Valleri Etats

There is a wide range of massage techniques that massage chairs are designed to perform. Before buying a chair it is important to know what the different massage techniques are, how they feel, and how each technique functions in the chairs. Different chairs offer different varieties, some basic chairs might offer only one or two and that might be enough for some people. Some of the most important techniques are kneading, rolling, percussions and tapping.

The most common massage function is the rolling massage. It works by a large roller in the back rest that begins at the top of the back and works its way down. This stretches the muscles in the back and along the spine loosening things up for deeper massages.

Kneading massages work to lift and stretch muscles alongside the spine and is a deeper massage than the rolling technique. This function feels much like two thumbs pressing both sides of the spine and rubbing in a circular motion. It helps to relax and invigorate the back and body.

Popular in sports medicine, percussions or tapping is the rapid tapping of the back muscles. It feels like fists or the edge of hands and this motion flexes spinal joints to relieve pressure and invigorate the entire back. Some chairs refer to the technique as percussion while others use the term tapping.

The Shiatsu massage technique feels like fingers applying pressure directly on specific points of the body. This is a deep tissue technique focused on special acupoints that directly correlate to the different organs or glands in the body. The massage function stimulates specific points to reduce stress, increase the energy flow, and to promote overall health throughout the body.

Acupressure is massage of the back that squeezes and releases the muscles along the spine. The technique is designed to soften up and loosen the muscles for deeper massages by pressing the muscles together inward toward the spine and feels like someone using the heel of their hands.

The Swedish massage is a set of techniques that focuses on pressuring and rubbing muscles in the direction of the blood flow toward the heart. Obviously increases blood flow but also promotes the loosening and relaxing of muscles. This is what most people think of when they hear of a standard massage.

Massage chairs also offer the air massage. This is the use of air bags inflating and deflating to squeeze and release the back, seat, and legs. It is great at applying pressure to and relaxing sore muscles.

There is no perfect technique as each has its benefits and it is up to the individual to determine what the most important functions are. The good news is that many massage chairs come with a variety of techniques and can be programmed to perform such a wide range of combination that anyone can find the ultimate massage experience from their ideal massage chair.

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