Saturday, November 1, 2008

5 Important Features of Massage Chairs

By James Knolan

We are asked many times by potential massage chair buyers as to the most important features in a massage chair. There is a vast array of massage chairs on the market with many features, options, and price points. It is good to know what you really want out of the massage chair recliner to help guide your decision making. We have put together the 5 most important massage chair features for your review:

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.

MP3 Music Player: Music therapy is part of the massage therapy environment. If you go to the spa, you are not there to listen to CNN. The spas know to play soft, rhythmic music to help induce relaxation. Music helps to take the mind off the day to day worries and to relax. MP3 music players usually run off a usb stick which is inserted into the chair. The massage chair comes with headphones which help to remove all ambient noise.

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.

Wireless Sub Remote: It is amazing how many massage chairs are coming out with 2 remote controls. However, most 2nd remotes or sub remotes are tethered by a wire to the chair. The idea of a remote control is well to use it remotely--not tied to the chair. There is finally a wireless sub remote available. You can sit all the way back in the chair and operate most every function. This is important, because you do not want to have to get up to make adjustments to the massage. Sit back, relax and just click on the wireless sub remote.

Here are the 5 most critical features you may want to consider for your massage chair. Massage chair companies are always adding and upgrading their features. There are many innovative and effective features in the recliners of today. Take your time and find out what features are right for you. A massage chair is an important long term health decision. Understand what benefits you want out of a chair and make sure that your find the best massage chair for your needs. - 16003

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