What are Massage Chairs?

Massage chairs are a world of difference from normal home recliner chairs. These technologically advanced chairs provide a great range of solutions for massages, and also just simply for comfort. While they can be higher in the price range, most people can understand that they end up being cheaper in the long run. In addition to this, they also offer the immediate option of a good massage whenever you require it.

How are Massage Chairs useful?

Remember you don’t just need to use massage chair if you are suffering from back pain and below we will go through details of what kinds of massage chairs are now available.

It is important that you always look for a strong, stable version which can be easily adjusted as this will allow for changes to be made (everybody’s body is different).

Here are certain benefits that a massage chair can provide to you :

1. Massage chairs are specifically designed to reduce tension and pain both the neck and back.

2. A massage chair will help to keep your blood pressure levels normal.

3. They will help to increase the flexibility of the body.

4. Many chairs come with different levels of massage and they can be adjusted according to person’s particular requirements.

5. They have become a sign of luxury and status in many homes.

6. Finally they can be used by anyone (from the old (80+) to young (5+) and they are not specifically made for any particular age group.

Types of Massage Chairs

Massage chairs are of two types:

a) The older vibration type, and

b) Shiatsu (deep tissue) massage chairs.

There are different levels of massage intensity (speed) and a large number of features for the back or the footrest. Vibration is a softer, relaxing massage and some chairs offer heat, and some chairs offer stretching (rolling).

Shiatsu or deep tissue massage chairs generally offer stretching, kneading, and tapping.

Kneading simulates the thumb and fingers kneading your muscles like you would knead dough.Tapping (percussion), is used by massage therapists to break up tight muscles.

You can find any combination of any of these features in a shiatsu-type massage chair.
The better chairs have four rollers and the others have two rollers on the massage mechanism.

What to see when you buy Massage Chairs?

Here are some other features to consider when buying Massage Chairs

a) Adjustment – Some models have the ability to adjust the massage unit width to accommodate wider bodies. The chair may also have the ability to adjust the massage unit to a specific location or section of the back. Intensity or speed of the massage is another option on some models. Some models offer a combination of two massage functions such as combining tapping and kneading. The more sophisticated models will also have a forward or reverse directional control for the kneading function.

b) Track Length – The massage mechanism is mounted to a track that moves up and down the back and will determine the length of travel. The average length is 24" and will massage the body from the neck to the lower back. Tracks that are longer (up to 32") will travel from the top of the neck to the tailbone for a much more effective massage.

c) Vibration or Air – As mentioned previously, a vibration or air massage is a soft, relaxing massage that stimulates the surface muscles and tissue. Air massage can move blood and toxins more aggressively by squeezing the calves, thighs and feet with air bladders that are filled by a pump and valves that release the air in a preset rhythm. Air bladders may also be found in the back area. While some massage chairs offer only vibration, others have vibration as a bonus feature. The more sophisticated models have multiple levels of intensity or speed.

d) Heat – Heat opens the skin pores and relaxes the muscles and is a healthy way to move blood and toxins. Sometimes combined with vibration or air, heat is not available in many models as it is considered a bonus feature.

As you will soon discover a massage chair not only works on the physical discomfort that many of us now feel in our daily lives, but also on physiological factors in order to help us relax more. Really the basic aim of any massage chair is to help reduce the tension a person is feeling and thus making both their minds and bodies more relaxed.