Massage chairs are built to perform a wide variety of massage techniques. More expensive chairs will offer a greater range of massage techniques as well as speeds and intensities whereas basic massage chairs will offer fewer options in terms of massage functions. Still, kneading, rolling, and percussion or tapping are some basic functions that are most important and come standard with most chairs.
The rolling technique is a basic way to stretch your back and spine. This loosens up the area for deeper massages to follow. This massage is performed by a large roller in the back rest of the massage chair and works a large area of the back to increase circulation.
Kneading massages feels like two thumbs rubbing both sides of the spine in a circular motion. It lifts and stretches the muscles along the spine and works deeper into the tissue than the rolling massage. The purpose of the kneading massage is to relax the muscles and invigorate the body by transferring tension from acupoints to a broader area. It works in sequence with the roller.
Popular in sports medicine, percussions or tapping is the rapid tapping of the back muscles. It feels like fists or the edge of hands and this motion flexes spinal joints to relieve pressure and invigorate the entire back. Some chairs refer to the technique as percussion while others use the term tapping.
The Shiatsu massage technique feels like fingers applying pressure directly on specific points of the body. This is a deep tissue technique focused on special acupoints that directly correlate to the different organs or glands in the body. The massage function stimulates specific points to reduce stress, increase the energy flow, and to promote overall health throughout the body.
Acupressure is a technique that squeezes the muscles along the spine inward toward each other. It feels like the heel of a person’s hand pressing and releasing alongside the spine. This has a loosening effect that warms up the muscles and loosens the back. Depending on the massage chair manufacturer, acupressure is also referred to as compression.
The Swedish massage is the style that most people are familiar with. It is what many would consider a normal or standard massage. It works to relax the muscles by using pressure and rubbing them in a particular direction according to the flow of the blood. The results are similar to other massages in that it is expected to relax and loosen muscles while improving blood circulation.
Massage chairs also offer the air massage. This is the use of air bags inflating and deflating to squeeze and release the back, seat, and legs. It is great at applying pressure to and relaxing sore muscles.
Every individual would find different massage techniques to be most beneficial and it is up to the consumer to decide what he or she is looking for in a massage chair. And since there are so many brands and models available to choose from, there should be a chair with the functions to match anyone’s needs.