A massage chair is a specialized chair designed to relax the body. It is mainly used in a salon, home, office, hospitals, physical therapy clinics, chiropractor’s offices, health clubs, hotels, spas, and others in malls, airports, resorts, and gyms for relaxation purposes.
A massage chair has been around for over three decades now and it still continues to grow in popularity. It is a great addition to any home as it offers relaxation and comfort and also helps you to alleviate stress and pain. You may be interested in reading the best massage chairs here.
It Uses Airbags, Rollers or Mechanical Arm to Relax the Body
The massage chair works by using airbags, rollers, or mechanical arms to apply pressure to targeted areas on the body. The amount of air pressure applied by the massage chair can be controlled by the user, allowing for a more customized experience.
Massage chairs are very popular because they relieve stress. The massages offered by massage chairs are effective in relieving pain due to muscle soreness, tightness, stiffness, and tension.
Also, massage chairs are great for other health benefits including the reduction of blood pressure, reduction of inflammation, and reduction of anxiety.
Comes with Various Massage Techniques and Intensities
Massage chairs are designed with various massage methods including Swedish, Shiatsu, kneading, tapping, and rolling massage methods.
They also come with various pressure intensities ranging from light to heavy pressures. The best part is that you can personalize your massage based on your preference by adjusting the intensity level or choosing one of the available massages styles.
How Do Massage Chairs Work?
The massage chair works by using vibration, kneading, rolling, tapping, and percussion to get your blood flowing.
It is designed to mimic the feeling of a professional massage and is a great alternative to visiting a masseuse.
A massage chair does not have any kind of motor or engine inside of it. It simply uses electricity to power up its internal mechanisms so that it can perform its job effectively. They are designed with multiple knobs and buttons so that you can adjust them to suit your body weight and height, as well as your personal preferences.
What Is the Cost of a Massage Chair? -Massage Chair Price
The price of a massage chair costs as low as $150 to $3000. The price of the chair depends on the features or options that it has. Some of the features or options include heat therapy, body scan, full body massage, vibration massagers, aromatherapy, etc.
Affordable Massage Chairs
If you have a limited budget, it’s better to purchase a cheaper model like this one. It will serve your purpose just fine. There are a lot of massage chairs on the market today. Here are a few tips that will help you find a good, quality massage chair that fits your budget:
Research; Find out all you can about massage chairs before you start shopping. You should know what features you want and which brands are reliable. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to make a sound decision when choosing a chair.
Decide how much you can spend; If you want the best chair possible, then it may be necessary to spend several hundred dollars or more. On the other hand, if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, then there are the best affordable massage chairs available to suit your needs and wants.
Understand warranties; Most companies offer warranties with their products so be sure to understand exactly what is covered by the warranty and for how long it lasts. If possible, get any repairs done under warranty done
Expensive Massage Chairs
if you have some extra cash and want to get a decent model, be prepared to spend around $1000-2000. If you want to buy the best massage chair on the market, expect to pay around $3000-5000 or even more money for it.
The best high-end models are designed with state-of-the-art features and are often referred to as “medical grade.” They cost more because they are made with better materials that will last longer. These chairs come in a wide variety of colors and styles, which makes them an attractive option for home use.
What are the Technologies Behind Massage Chairs?
Heat Therapy
Many massage chairs these days include heat therapy, which also helps relieve stiffness and soreness. The heat can be combined with vibration to further promote relaxation.
Massage intensity settings
Most massaging units allow users to adjust the intensity of the massage, depending on their preferences. Some units even allow users to control multiple parts of their bodies at once.
Reclining Feature or Zero Gravity
With zero gravity feature, you will feel like you are floating in space with no gravity pulling you down. The air pressure around your body is released so that it feels like there is no pull of gravity on your body parts.
This way, your back can do its own healing without any stress or strain on it at all. The weight of your body will be evenly distributed across the chair’s surface, eliminating any unnecessary pressure on the spine or muscles that may affect blood flow and cause pain or discomfort.
Shiatsu Massage Technique
Shiatsu massage is a specific type of massage therapy that focuses specifically on the pressure points of the body and its aim is to help open up blocked energy flows in the body.
The best shiatsu massage chair is often used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stress, anxiety, depression, migraines, and back pain. Massage chairs that offer shiatsu massage can be more effective than other types of massage because they specifically target certain areas of your body.
Shiatsu massages use this technique to relieve tension in your muscles.
Kneading; is a technique that involves using pressure from your hand to work out knots in your muscle tissue. It can be performed by moving your hands in a massaging motion over the surface of the muscle or by applying direct pressure with your fingers as you move them across the muscle surface. A shiatsu chair will use humanized hands or rollers to achieve this kind of massage.
Pre-Programmed Massage Techniques
The pre-programmed massage techniques are different combinations of motion patterns, speed patterns, and kneading patterns, which will provide you with the most effective massage possible.
While some massaging chairs may have these options, not all of them do. Sometimes these options are even available for you to choose from on the chair itself; however, there are others that will be pre-programmed by the manufacturer, so you won’t be able to change them.
Pre-programmed massage techniques will make your life easier. From deep tissue to acupressure, each massage has been designed to target different areas of the body. The dynamic programs are automatically adjusted to provide you with a customized experience. With these programs, you will get an enjoyable massage experience without the need to worry about the details.
Body Scan Technology
Massage chairs are perfect for those who want to relax at home after a long day of work. With more advanced technologies being developed today, some massage chairs are now equipped with body scan technology that enables them to determine the best pressure points on your body and provide customized massage services.
This technology is embedded in the chair and used to analyze the contours and shape of your body to create a customized massage program. The technology also helps you save time by minimizing the movements needed by the chair and allows you to enjoy a relaxing and personalized massage service.
What are the Different Types of Massage Chairs?
Massage chairs are available in many styles and types. There are reclining massage chairs that could be used in your home or at work. There are also portable massage chairs that you can bring anywhere you want. These chairs can be a great deal for those who have a busy schedule since they provide convenience and relaxation without being tied to a fixed spot.
There are massage chairs for short people, massage chairs for tall people, seniors, adults, and kids.
If you want to buy a massage chair, it is important to look at all your options to ensure that the product you choose is perfect for your needs.
1. Shiatsu Massage Chair
I have been a salon owner for over 5 years and have spent countless hours testing chairs. The back pain from standing all day has forced me to get a massage chair for my salon.
I have used several massage chairs, but the ones that worked best were the ones that applied deep kneading shiatsu pressure. Shiatsu is great for a variety of massages because it combines the effects of acupressure, stretching, and deep tissue massage.
The Best Shiatsu Massage Chair
The best shiatsu massage chair is designed to mimic the movements of a human masseur and apply pressure to different parts of your body. It’s often used to provide relief from body pain, but it can also be used for general relaxation or as part of a warm-up for an exercise routine.
Shiatsu chairs are usually found in spas, salons, but you can also buy them for use at home so you can relax after a long day at work or whenever you want to feel stress-free.
2. Massage Chair with Heat
A massage chair with heat provides a feeling of warmth while you’re enjoying your massage. The heat is usually applied on your thighs and calves so that blood circulation can be improved. Some people find this type more relaxing than normal ones, and it can also help soothe some muscle pains and soreness.
3. Portable Massage Chair
The portable massage chairs are compact, lightweight, and can be easily folded to fit any closet or storage. It is also extremely easy to set up, and can be used by anyone, even if you have never used a massage chair before.
Takes Less Space
Portable massage chairs are perfect for smaller salons because they take up less space and offer more perks. Its small footprint makes it ideal for spaces with limited space, such as apartments, salons, or hotel rooms. The best massage chair for a small space doesn’t take up much space, making it very convenient for traveling as well.
Portable Design
The portable massage chair was designed with portability in mind. You can use them between clients to give your employees a quick neck or back rub or set it up in a waiting area where clients can relax before seeing their masseuse.
Are Versatile
Portable massage chairs are versatile and can be used at the office, during a lunch break, or even in your bedroom. You can set it up in your home or office and enjoy a relaxing massage when needed.
4. Massage Chairs for Seniors
Massage chairs for seniors, or massage chairs for old people, are designed to give the elderly a gentle massage that will help them feel better and healthier. The best massage chair for old people or seniors will use heat and vibration to help stimulate circulation and relieve aches and pains.
As senior people age, their muscles start to lose elasticity making it difficult to move around or perform simple tasks such as picking up objects or even walking without feeling fatigued.
Massage chairs can help people with all sorts of health issues since they relax the body by stimulating blood circulation which helps carry oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body including the heart and brain through a process called vasodilation.
5. Pedicure Massage Chair
A pedicure massage chair is a good thing to have in a salon. Use it while you are getting your pedicure or manicure. It will help you relax and enjoy the whole process of nail spa. And for your business, it can bring more customers.
The best Pedicure Massage Chair gives you the best pedicure experience possible.
Some of the main features of the Best Pedicure Massage Chair include:
Convenience – There is an adjustable headrest on a pedicure massage chair that allows you to find the perfect position for your neck and head so that they stay comfortable throughout the experience.
Soothing – The chair also comes with a built-in back massager so that you can get even more relaxation out of your pedicure experience.
6. Massage Chairs for Short People
Massage chairs are an excellent way to relax after a long day of work, but they are often too tall for smaller individuals. This is especially true of the larger massage chairs that are found in spas and health clubs.
There are many people that would love to have a massage chair for their home use, but cannot because they cannot fit into the chair due to their size. Many people think that they can just adjust the height of the chair, but this is not always an option.
Get a Massage Chair that will Fit your Body
This is why it is so important to find a massage chair that will fit you properly even though you are shorter than most people.
If you are a short guy or a short woman with a height of 5’3″ and below, then you need to find a massage chair that is shorter than the standard sizes. It can help you save some money and still get a good massage chair that will fit your body.
Here are a few tips on how to choose a shorter massage chair:
Go for something adjustable; Most massage chairs come with several settings that have different heights. You just have to adjust the settings accordingly so that it will fit your body size.
Avoid going for all-in-one; Do not go for an all-in-one massage chair if you are short. Instead, go for models with removable heads so that you can position them lower to reach your back easily.
7. Massage Chairs for Tall People
Many tall people have problems getting a good massage because of their height. It’s harder to get your legs massaged because they will not be able to reach your feet comfortably.
For these reasons I recommend buying a full-sized massage chair if you’re tall, especially if you have long legs.
8. 3D Massage Chair
Many of the modern chairs have come up with the new technology called 3D massage. This technology is completely different from any other kind of massage technique and it offers a better experience to the customers.
The 3D is the first chair to feature roller heads that protrude from the massage track. This allows it to deliver deeper, more effective massage action that can reach places typically neglected by other massage chairs.
9. Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Zero gravity massage chair is a technologically advanced equipment that can fully relax your muscles after a hard day’s work. The chair comes with multiple features that are meant to help people unwind and relieve any stress in their bodies.
Zero Gravity Massage Chair Benefits
There are many things that make the zero gravity massage chair different from other massage chairs in the market, but the major feature of this chair is its ability to simulate weightlessness.
This allows you to enjoy an effective, deep muscle massage while being totally relaxed in a semi-weightless environment. The combination of these two features provides an unparalleled experience that will give you relaxation like no other.
Can You Use a Massage Chair While Pregnant?
Yes, Massage chairs prove to be really helpful during pregnancy time as they help in relieving pains related to pregnancy. Massaging is one of the best ways to relieve backache and cramps caused during pregnancy time. Pregnant women should always take care of their health so that there are no complications later on in life.
The benefits of receiving a regular massage from a licensed therapist have been well documented in professional journals and medical studies. As such, many pregnant women who want to reap the benefits of this type of treatment but do not have access to a full-service spa often purchase their own massaging recliner instead.
Can I buy a massage chair with my HSA?
You can use your HSA to pay for a massage chair or any other medical device. The key is whether the item is primarily for medical purposes. A massage chair will help you recover from an injury, which is a medical purpose. And as long as it is not being used as a general-purpose chair, it should be fine.
The History of Massage Chairs
Massage chairs began as a simple concept: a chair that provides a soothing massage to the back and legs. The idea was invented by John Knierim in the late 1920s. Knierim patented his chair in 1930, and it became known as the Knierim Relax-A-Cisor. It worked by using an electric motor to move belts under the chair’s seat. Today, this still remains one of the most popular designs for massage chairs.
In modern times, massage chairs have advanced dramatically from their early design. They now come with multiple settings that provide different types of massages to users’ backs and legs. Some can even adjust up and down, mimic a human masseuse, etc.
What are the Parts of a Massage Chair?
A massage chair is made up of a seat with an attached back, ahead, and leg rest. Layers of padding are placed throughout the massage chair to allow for more comfort for the user.
It comes with rollers, airbags, or mechanical arms that it uses to target specific areas of the upper body, neck, shoulders, lower back, buttocks, and legs to fully relax the whole body.
A massage chair usually has knobs or buttons that can be used to control the speed and/or intensity of the massaging action.
What Are Good Massage Chair Brands?
Massage chairs are manufactured by various brands, some known and others unknown. Some people do not care about a brand when choosing furniture to use, while others prefer to purchase a chair from a well-known manufacturer like Human Touch, Naipo, or MedMassager.
These brands specialize in creating high-quality massage chairs with advanced features and options that most generic brands do not offer.
Human Touch
If you’ve ever spent time researching massage chairs, you’ve probably seen the name Human Touch. This company is one of the pioneers in the industry and is still one of the leaders today. They offer some great models at reasonable prices such as The Human Touch Pro-6.
The Human Touch Pro-6
The Human Touch Pro-6 is an excellent choice for those who want a quality chair for less than $1000.
- It offers three modes, all of which are very effective. The first mode is called Relax Mode and uses long sweeping strokes to work out tension in your muscles. The second mode is called Swedish Mode and works more on pressure points to release built-up stress throughout your body. The third mode is called Knead Mode, which focuses on deeper tissue massage. Each of these modes can be applied to specific areas of your body with just a click of a button.
- This chair also offers nine pre-programmed massage cycles that are tailored to help relieve different ailments that many people suffer from, including back pain, joint pain, or even just everyday stress.
Another bonus is that this chair comes with a headrest that will keep your head supported while you’re getting a massage so that you don’t have to hold it up yourself. The armrests are removable as well if you prefer not to use them during your massage, you can remove them.
Naipo Massage Chairs
The Naipo massage chair combines the latest technology in massage with a host of other benefits. It features several massage types to help relieve your stress, be it back pain or leg cramps.
Shiatsu Massage; Shiatsu is one of the most common types of massage. Shiatsu uses pressure to apply deep pressure into the muscles to improve blood flow, relax tight muscles and ease muscle tension.
Foot massage; The Naipo foot massager has a rolling ball design that applies pressure to the soles of your feet. It helps increase blood flow to your feet, relaxes your calves, and improves circulation overall.
Kneading; This type of massage is very popular because it feels so good! The Naipo kneading mechanism uses two round heads that are designed to apply deep kneading pressure on your muscles using circular motions. This helps relieve muscle tension and makes you feel relaxed all over your body.
Rolling; The rolling mechanism applies deep pressure on your body using its two roller balls which move in opposite directions to each other on both sides of your body at the same time. Rolling can help relieve muscle stiffness and pain by improving blood flow and increasing the level of oxygen in your muscles.
What are the Benefits of a Massage Chair?
There are many benefits of massage chairs. Not only can these chairs help to relieve stress and pain but they also offer a number of other health benefits that you may not be aware of.
The following are just some benefits of a massage chair.
Offers Convenience
The major benefit of a massage chair is that it allows you to relax in the comfort of your own home, without having to go out and find a professional masseuse or masseur.
It’s much easier for people with busy schedules to schedule time for massage when they have a body massage at home. And being able to take control over the type of treatment you receive is incredibly valuable as well.
It will Save You Cash
Massage chairs are costly but they are worth every penny because regular massages at a parlor cost around $60 an hour which means spending $480 per month on average for a regular massage session for one person. However, if you buy a home massage chair, not only will you save money but you will also get better massages as compared to the ones given at parlors.
Relieve tension and stress
When you are suffering from stress it can be difficult to relax. Massage chairs are designed to help to relieve the stress-related tension in your muscles. Studies have shown that when dealing with stress it is important to try and relax the body as much as possible, to reduce the chances of suffering from high blood pressure or other serious health concerns in the future.
Provide a Great way to Relax your Body
Massage chairs also provide a great way to relax and enjoy yourself after a long day at work or even after a hard workout. Not only do they soothe your muscles but they also improve blood circulation throughout your body which will help you feel more energized and relaxed after using it.
The Best Massage Chair Helps Get rid of Toxin
Massage chairs also help get rid of toxins that have built up during the day which will then help you get a better night’s sleep. When you wake up in the morning, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated from sleeping well throughout the night without having to worry about waking up tired from not having enough rest.
Relieves Pain
Massage chairs relieve pain through kneading action, vibration, and stretching. The kneading action stimulates blood flow and helps break down knots in your muscles. The vibration mode gives a deep tissue massage that loosens up tense muscle knots that trigger pain and soreness like stiffness and muscle spasms. The stretching mode gently pulls and pushes on your back and spine so it can be realigned properly when you lie down on the chair.
Improves Circulation of Blood
Having a massage chair at a salon will help improve blood circulation to you and your clients’ muscles. This is why many people who work long hours opt to use this kind of chair.
Help Recover from Various Diseases
Massage chair benefits include helping the body to recover from various diseases and maintain good health. It allows you to have better mobility and flexibility. You will be able to move around with ease without experiencing too much pain.
Arthritis: if you suffer from arthritis, then the best massage chair for arthritis will help loosen your muscles and increase blood flow to the affected area.
Massaging your muscles: If you have sore muscles because of working out or any other reason, then a massage chair will help soothe your pain away.
Fibromyalgia: If you suffer from fibromyalgia, then the best massage chair for fibromyalgia will help ease the pain and stress in your muscles.
Stroke: the best massage chair for stroke patients will work wonders on helping your posture and flexibility. If you have had a stroke then it can also help with paralysis by helping to get the blood flowing again.
Aids in weight loss: If you’re overweight and do not exercise often then using a massage chair can help make sure that your weight does not increase. This is why we recommend the massage chairs for those who want to purchase one – they can be used both at work and at home.
Further Readings
