Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Best Massage Treatments From Massage Chairs

By Tom Harada

Did you know that some massage chairs can have over 800 different massage types and locations? It is simply amazing, that massage chairs have replicated many of the most popular massage treatments into their programs. There are over 200 legitimated massage techniques represented by massage schools. It is simply amazing that massage chairs have integrated an astounding level of massage treatments in one location.

One of the more popular massage techniques is the Japanese classic known as shiatsu. Shiatsu uses acupressure and other massage movements to stimulate the body. One important distinction with shiatsu is its focus on the energy flow in the body. It is believed to help on block the flow.

Shiatsu has been around for centuries. It is thought to be a descendent of ancient Chinese medicine. It is also derived from acupuncture. Shiatsu uses pressure to stimulate the acupoints to relax the body.

Normally, massage chairs have built-in sensors to create a map of the body. This virtual map can be done in three dimensions. The coordinates and location of different important points of the back and neck are notated. The massage chair it then uses this information to provide a customized shiatsu massage.

If you are on your feet all day, then having a foot massage brings great relief. The feet get tired, achy and sore when used all day. Massage chairs have foot reflexology massage treatments. It uses a combination of technologies to deliver a soothing and relieving foot massage.

Reflexology massage uses trigger points located on the bottom of the feet. Specially designed plates or airbags are used to stimulate the trigger points located on the feet. These trigger points are believed to be related to other parts of the body.

The reflexology foot massage is done in tandem with an air compression massage of the feet. The air compression massage helps to loosen the feet and also to hold them for the reflexology plate. In just a few short minutes, your feet will feel relieved and rejuvenated.

For targeted relief, try the kneading and shoulders. One of my favorite manual techniques is the kneading massage. This is a side to side motion. Generally, this is used for the back, shoulders and neck.

The kneading massage is particularly effective in loosening up the larger muscles of the back. The side to side motion helps to stretch and pulled the muscles which relieve tightness. A finer kneading motion can be used to penetrate very tight muscles or knots.

The stretching system of massage chair is another great treatment. I like to use the stretching system during the full body massage. The program will time the stretch as part of the overall massage.

The lower body stretching system is very interesting. This particular feature works off of the leg rest. The leg rest will hold onto your feet. It then will move fully horizontal. It will then start to lower to three successively lower positions. This is a great way to stretch out the lower body.

Remote controls are common with massage chairs. Typically they are hardwired and contain an LCD screen. There are automatic massage functions which run the entire chair. Normally, there are a variety of manual functions allowing you to target the massage where you most need it.

There are many massage chairs on the market today. Do yourself a favor and stick with the top brands. The top massage manufacturers make the most reliable massage chairs and provide the most comprehensive warranty coverage. A massage chair is an investment in your longer term health and well-being. Take your time and find the perfect massage chair for you.

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