Massage chair recliners have come a long way over the years from simple vibrating chairs to very sophisticated massage chairs with heat, music and various massage therapies. One of the most basic massage techniques is known as Swedish massage or classic massage. The Swedish massage was developed in the 18th century by Henrik Ling. Swedish massage is very effective in allowing the body to absorb more oxygen.
Stress hits us in various ways in our daily lives. With the various challenges we have, we put stress on various parts of the body. In general, stress impacts us mentally by causing thoughts of fear. This fear translates into physical tension as the flight or fight reactions stir up our muscles for action. This physical tension builds up in the body. It is further sustained by how we mentally deal with stress, which for many is to deny it. These physical and mental stresses have a cumulative effect as it builds up in the body.
The development of Swedish massage centered upon releasing the build up of stress in the body. This technique, like others, needs to be performed on a routine basis for maximum benefit. It was designed to relieve the daily build up of stress in the body. Swedish massage is also called classic massage. Swedish massage is effective in relieving discomfort from pain, body aches and tension.
Effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapottement, traction and vibration are the 6 elements of Swedish massage. Each element of the Swedish massage technique is defined here. The use of long sweeping strokes covering many parts of the body is Effleurage. The use of kneading and squeezing of the muscles is Petrissage. The use of heat to help blood flow and muscle relaxation is Friction. The use of tapping and chopping motions to loosen muscles is Apottement. The use of pulling and stretching the arms and legs is Traction. The use of shaking to loosen muscles and stimulate the capillary vessels is Vibration.
The best massage chair recliners have integrated the 6 elements of Swedish massage into their chairs. These premier massage chair brands use a combination of electro-mechanical systems driven by sophisticated software to deliver the Swedish massage effectively. Whether it is the massage rollers performing Effleurage or Tapottement performed with a rhythmic tapping action, these massage chairs have evolved in sophistication and effectivness. Of course, a massage chair recliner does not tire, so relief is only the push of a button away.
Check out Panasonic and Omega Massage because their massage chairs have advanced the Swedish massage technique the most. The Omega Montage Elite and the Omega Montage Premier massage chair both offer all 6 elements of Swedish massage. Omega has integrated full body heat into both of these chairs. Panasonic with the Real Pro Elite does not offer heat, so it is lacking one element of Swedish massage. Not all chairs offer the Swedish massage elements. A great place to start is with the Real Pro Elite by Panasonic or the Omega Montage Premier massage chair.
Mr. Henrik Ling pioneered the Swedish massage back in the 18th century. He might be amazed to see how his techniques have spread and been replicated by technology into chairs. His pioneering efforts have circled the globe and Swedish massage is the most commonly found massage in spas. The key with Swedish massage is to release the build up of stress, which means getting a Swedish massage periodically. Otherwise, the build up goes uncheck or is relieved only sporadically. A massage chair recliner can perform a Swedish massage on a daily or routine basis in the convenience of home.