Massage Chair Reviews Glossary

Acupoint detection systems

                       

An acupoint detection system will make a scan of the entire  back. There are both two-dimensional and three-dimensional scans. This  information is then processed by the massage chairs computer. The roller system  is then adjusted to reflect the dimensions of the person who was scanned. This enables  a closer massage based on the natural curves of the body.

                       

Calf massage

                       

There are typically two types of calf massage systems.  Either there are mechanical rollers which provide a kneading sensation or there  are inflatable airbags which provide a compression massage. The calves are  inserted into a leg well and positioned to receive the massage.

                       

Combination massage

                       

Typically, a combination massage consists of both kneading  and tapping. The kneading is a side to side motion much like kneading dough.  Tapping is a rapid chopping action. The combination massage runs both of these  massage actions simultaneously. Some massage chairs allow you to individually  control the speed of the kneading and tapping.

                       

Compression massage technique

                       

The compression massage is accomplished in massage chairs  with the use of an air massage system. The air massage system uses an air pump  which inflates specially designed airbags. These airbags then squeeze your  muscles. The compression massage is particularly effective for the larger muscles  of the body.

                       

Buttocks massage

                       

Many massage chairs have the capability to massage the  buttocks. The use of vibration motors, rotary massage heads and inflatable  airbags provide for a variety of different techniques available for massaging  the buttocks.

                       

Ergonomic design

                       

Many massage chair manufacturers are incorporating ergonomic  designs. Ergonomic just means that it better fits the natural form of your  body. This would be placing levers and controls so that they are easily  accessed and do not require bending or turning to make adjustments. Also, D.  styling and design of the actual chair affects its ergonomics and feeling  comfortable for the user.

                       

Foot massage

                       

Many massage chairs incorporate specially designed foot  massages. To accomplish foot massage, typically technologies such as vibration,  inflatable airbags, reflexology plates and even rollers are used in different  recliners.

                       

Full body stretching

                       

There are two categories of full body stretching. Some  massage chair manufacturers actually have a lower body stretching and upper  body stretching which work separately. Other manufacturers use a single system  which stretches the body by holding the calves in place while the chair  recline.

                       

Hawaiian massage technique

                       

The Hawaiian massage technique uses a side to side swaying  motion. This Hawaiian style massage is not found in the too many massage  chairs. The swaying motion is great for loosening up the larger muscles of the  back and shoulders.

                       

Heat therapy

                       

Many massage chairs are starting to integrate heaters into  the recliners. Heat has many benefits including improved circulation and the  reduction of swelling. Many massage chairs provide full body heat with  individual controls. This enables the user to select the areas to apply heat  individually.

                       

Kneading massage technique

                       

Kneading is one of the most famous motions and massage. This  is a side to side motion. It uses a pinching method to stretch and elongate the  muscles. Kneading also helps to penetrate deeper through the muscle tissue to  provide greater relief.

                       

Lower back massage

                       

Many massage chairs have specialized programs for massaging  the lower back. The lower back tends to become stiff and sore. Lower back  massages target this area with rolling massage is to stretch the vertebrae as  well as combinations of kneading and tapping.

                       

Massage Chair Motors

                       

There are a number of different motors which can be used on  a massage chair. There are vibration motors, rotary motors and piston motors.  Vibration motors are used to provide pulsating and vibrating movement massage.  Typically there are many vibration motors used to provide vibration throughout  the chair. Rotary motors are used to move the massage rollers up and down your  back or to control the kneading and tapping. Piston motors are used for the leg  rest and chair back for reclining.

                       

MP3 music players

                       

Massage and music go together to promote greater relaxation.  Many massage therapists are adamant about the use of relaxing music. This helps  you to relax and empty your mind. As you begin to relax, the tension in your  muscles starts to subside making it more effective to receive a massage. You  can now find a variety of different MP3 music players and massage chairs.

                       

Neck massage

                       

One of the important areas for a massage chair to cover is  the neck. Some massage chairs allow for more sophisticated neck massages than  others. Typically a massage chair must scan to locate where your neck is.  Otherwise it is just applying the same massage everywhere. The kneading motion  is particularly effective and relieving the neck.

                       

Recline

                       

Massage chairs may have automatic or manual recline for the  chair back in the leg rest. Luxury massage chairs will have motorized recline  for both the chair back in the leg rest. Some models of massage chairs may use  levers to manually adjust the chair back or the leg rest.

                       

Remote control

                       

Massage chairs come with a hardwired remote control. There  are many different therapeutic features on a massage chair which necessitate  the use of a remote. This enables the user to manually program and target  specific areas.

                       

Rolling massage technique

                       

The rolling or finger press massage technique follows the  curvature of your spine. The rollers of the massage chair are used gently  adjust your spine by using your body\\\\\\\'s weight. This is a great way to slightly  adjust the vertebrae of your spine.

                       

Seat Cushion

                       

Seat cushions come in a variety of styles. It can be the  typical foam style seat cushion or it may have some additional therapeutic  features. Some seats in massage chairs come with vibration motors, rotary  massage heads and even airbags.

                       

Shiatsu massage technique

                       

Shiatsu massage is in ancient Japanese traditional massage.  It uses acupressure to target your body\\\\\\\'s acupoints. This helps to release  energy which may become blocked in the body. Shiatsu also uses vigorous motion  such as chopping and also penetrating motion such as kneading to provide  invigoration and relief.

                       

Stiffness detection system

                       

Advanced electronic devices are being used in some massage  chairs. You can now find a stiffness detection system which takes readings of  the body and determines where stiffness resides in your body. It can adjust the  program to target systematically these areas for relief.

                       

Tapping massage technique

                       

Tapping is a rapid chopping action. Typically you can find  massage chairs that go between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Tapping helps to  invigorate the muscles and loosen them up effectively. This technique is also  known as chopping and percussion.

                       

Thigh/Hip massage

                       

Many massage chairs use various techniques to massage the  thighs and hips. You can find air massage system to provide compression  massage. You also find vibration motors used to massage this area which helps  to improve blood circulation. You also find that some massage chairs use  massage heads to provide deeper penetration.

                       

Zero Gravity

                       

The idea behind zero gravity is to take the pressure off of  the body. One way of taking pressure off the body is by better distributing the  weight of the body. Most of the body\\\\\\\'s weight tends to concentrate on the  spine, by reclining the chair back to certain angles the weight can be better  distribute it across the entire back. Another way to improve blood  circulation is to elevate the legs above the heart.