Wednesday, October 29, 2008

5 Top Features of Shiatsu Massage Chairs

By James Knolan

We present the 5 top features you should consider when buying a massage chair. These features help you really tailor the massage chairs to your needs. There are so many choices when it comes to massage chairs. You want to sort the wheat from the chaff. If you are seriously considering a massage chair, then think about these most important features and how they might help you.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy: Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage which uses pressure points, tapping and kneading to provide a very invigorating massage. The premier massage chair brands integrate a body scan to detect your pressure points. The massage is then tailored to each individual. The shiatsu uses a combination of massage techniques, so the programming by the manufacturer is very important.

Air Massage System: The lower body massage is more effectively covered with an air massage system. An air massage system uses airbags to perform squeezing and holding movements. Air bags can be designed in any shape and size. They are used for the feet, calves, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms and hands. Since they are very flexible, they can be used throughout the massage chair recliner. Air systems use a compressor and a manifold to regulate the air flow to the various airbags. For effective relief for the body extremities an air massage system is the way to go.

Massage Courses: Massage courses are different areas that can be covered for your back. The massage rollers in the back of the chair can be moved to one spot, an area or the whole back. Massage courses enable the user to choose which area to cover with a manual massage. Basic massage chairs have 3 massage courses (upper, lower and whole back). In top level massage chairs, 4 or 5 manual courses are typical. If you have lower back pain, then select the lower back massage course and the chair focuses on that region.

Seat Vibration: This seems like a basic feature, but if you sit a lot, then seat vibration is a very effective technique. The seat has a vibration unit installed under the seat. The vibration can be set to 3 to 5 levels of intensity. Many of the automatic programs use vibration at certain points in the massages. Vibration helps to stimulate the capillary vessels to enhance blood flow in the buttocks area.

Foot Massage: Many massage chair recliners stop right at the calf. Unfortunately, this stops short of massaging one of the most critical parts of your body? Your feet! Your feet are critical gateways to relaxing your body and reducing the tensions of stress. When stress activates, it mobilizes your hands and feet for action. The major organs are activated to support the hands and feet. In particular, a reflexology foot massage helps to reverse this action. These massage chair recliners have reflexology nodes and use an air system to stimulate your feet and help induce full body relaxation. This is an important aspect of the total massage experience.

We are presenting the five key features that are available from the best massage chairs on the market today. These features represent some interesting innovation on the part of the massage chair manufacturers. These chairs continue to advance rapidly and the choices are getting wider and the features more effective. Make sure you determine the important results you want for your longer term massage therapy needs. Find the right chair just for your needs. - 15343

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