Massage chairs are built to provide personalized types of massage in the comfort of one’s home. Most massage chairs available in retail stores or online are equipped with different massage techniques that can be customized according to a person’s preferred level of intensity. Massage chairs also have a built-in memory setting that allows storage of preferred massage techniques, allowing the user to access them on the next massage session.
Massage chair manufacturers have carefully designed their massage chair models to mimic the natural feeling of being massaged by human hands. When buying a massage chair, it is important to know what types of massage techniques a massage chair offers.
Here are some of the massage techniques that massage chairs can be set to perform.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage therapy or acupressure is the most common massage technique available in massage chair models. The rollers of the massage chair apply pressure in patting, rotating, rolling or sweeping movements to clear blockages and promote “chi” or energy flow. Shiatsu massage provides a relaxing sensation that eases muscle tension and relieves headaches, stress, anxiety and depression.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a gentle massage technique that involves the application of long, firm strokes across the muscle tissue, moving towards the heart. The rubber rollers of the massage chair can be set to execute various types of strokes such as tapping, kneading, vibration and friction. Swedish massage helps release muscle knots and can be effective for pain management due to sports injuries. Aside from relief against muscle stiffness and pain, Swedish massage is also used to help manage conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage applies more intensity compared to a Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage is suitable for people who often experience muscle tension or chronic pain as it applies pressure to the deepest muscle layers and connective tissues. This type of massage is effective in increasing flexibility, improving posture and managing severe muscle disorders.
Foot Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient massage technique that is based on the principle that reflex points on the feet correspond to a part, organ or gland of the body. By applying pressure on a specific reflex point, the corresponding body part is relieved from blockages, pain and aches. The foot rests of massage chairs are designed with reflexology massage rollers that apply pressure on target points on the feet. Reflexology helps improve energy and blood circulation, increases immunity and provide pain and anxiety relief.
Heat Massage
Heat massage or thermotherapy feature of massage chairs incorporate heat while the rollers applies pressure on the preferred area. The application of heat during massage helps loosen and soothe tight muscles faster. By improving blood circulation in the target area, heat massage helps promote muscle flexibility and boosts immunity.
Air Compression Massage
Some massage chairs are designed with airbags that inflate and deflate, providing squeezing movements to ease muscle pain and tension. Air compression massage is recommended for the hands, arms, shoulders, hips and thighs.
Massage chairs provide a variety of massage techniques that users can choose from to manage a specific health issue. This is very convenient especially for people who don’t have time to go to a spa or massage clinic to enjoy the therapeutic benefits massages can bring.
