NPT Articles

Are you looking around for a massage chair? Then you will want to see the 5 most important features in the massage chairs of today. There is a tremendous variety of features, options and choices with these massage recliners. You want to investigate what will benefit you the most. Your choice of chairs and features is a long term investment. Check out these 5 features.

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.

Heat Therapy: Heat has great healing abilities when applied in the right situations. Many of the top robotic recliners have integrated heating elements into their chairs. Some chairs have the capability to heat only one area while others can heat multiple areas. If you can get the heating with individual area controls, this way you can apply heat to just the area(s) you really want. Heat is very relaxing and helps reduce swelling and increase blood flow.

Manual Massage Programs: Manual massage technique programs are the individual motions that the back rollers can perform. Massage chairs have between 3 and 5 manual programs. You can specify the massage technique and the chair performs just that massage technique. The most important manual programs are kneading, tapping and rolling. Shiatsu is usually a combination of kneading and tapping and may be labeled as its own manual technique. A nice manual technique is Sway or Hawaiian massage. This is a gentle side to side motion which is great for loosening tight back muscles.

Hip Air Bags: Many of the best massage chairs have integrated hip air bags into the recliner. The hip air bags inflate to provide an air compression massage to the hips. These air bags wrap around the sides providing soothing relief. The hip air bags are built into the seat unit and are sequenced in the software program of the automatic massages. Usually, the user can select the air bags individually, allowing one to just focus on the hips.

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 feel these are the 5 most important features to really check out when you are looking at a massage chair. The massage chair is an important investment in your health and well being. Make sure you get the features that you will use over the long run. Take your time and find out what massage therapies are right for you. Consult with your health care provide. Then check out some massage chairs and see what you really like. This will ensure you get the most out of your massage chair recliner.