What is a Shiatsu Massage Chair?

by Claudine Balsells

Shiatsu is a traditional massage performed throughout Japan and now the world.  It combines the best of Chinese acupressure with some distinctly Japanese energy flow philosophy. Shiatsu is used to unblock the flow of energy in the body. This occurs when the body becomes out of balance.  Shiatsu uses a combination of massage and acupressure points and different muscle groups with distinct movements.  This invigorating massage revitalizes the muscles and calms the body. Some massage chairs now incorporate shiatsu features among the treatments they perform.

The tradition of shiatsu massage has been handed down through the generations in Japan. Specific techniques have evolved and been refined throughout this time. Practitioners of this massage technique must know how to detect acupoints.

Many refined movements are used to perform a shiatsu massage. These movements are orchestrated using the fingertips and the palm of the hand. Specific movements are used to stimulate acupoints which must be identified correctly on the person receiving the massage.

Did you know that you have over 350 acupoints? That’s right your body contains a number of different acupoints in many different locations. A practitioner of shiatsu massage must know the correct acupoints for delivering an effective shiatsu massage. This takes training.

To initiate the healing process and the soft tissues of the body, shiatsu massage uses stretching and manipulating of the soft tissue areas. A invigorating tapping motion in is used along with increasing pressure with the palms. To provide more spiritual comfort during the massage a holding and releasing is done two different muscle groups in the body.

Shiatsu massage chairs are designed to replicate the feel master masseuse. The movements of the rollers are precisely controlled by a computer program. These movements are designed to stimulate the use of the hands of massage therapists.

Typically, shiatsu massage chairs perform a scan of your back. The computer in the massage chair compiles a virtual map of your back and it specific readings. The massage chair also identifies your acupressure points. The massages are targeted for specific acupressure points.

Shiatsu massage requires some dexterity to apply appropriately. Massage chairs are able to perform many of these movements mechanically. The programs in these recliners apply increasing pressure to stimulate the acupoints.  This provides a release of body stiffness.

Stimulation of the prescribed acupoints releases tension held in the body. The acupoints are stimulated in order to unblock energy trapped in the body. As the energy begins to flow, a holding massage is given to calm the spirit. This feeling is important in giving a shiatsu massage.

The muscles become tense when the body is under stress. The body requires energy to flow freely, but blockages can occur. Shiatsu massage chairs seek to stimulate the acupoints. Proper stimulation of the acupoints releases blocked energy. The energy is then allowed to freely flow through the body.

To help beautiful are relax, other features are also added into these shiatsu massage chairs. You may find a variety of other massage treatments and also other therapies. Heat therapy is commonly found in massage chairs to help reduce swelling and enhance blood flow. MP3 players with headphones help the mind to relax which induces relaxation of the body.

Shiatsu massage chairs also contain other therapeutic massage techniques. These other massage techniques offered may include deep tissue, reflexology, and sports massage. Additionally, other features such as lower and upper body stretching can also be found. To provide a fully relaxing environment, make sure your massage chair has an MP3 player with headphones. This provides you with a totally relaxing environment while getting a soothing massage in your massage chair.

Learn a lot more regarding (http://www.omegamassage.com/) Shiatsu Massage Chairs and view what options are important to receive the massage therapy you require. Relieve your aching muscles and stiff shoulders with a (http://www.omegamassage.com/) Shiatsu Massage Chair. Stick with the best and enjoy it for years

Massage Chair Comparison:  Sanyo SA 5000 versus Panasonic 30004

by Steve Esquire

This is a massage chair comparison of the Sanyo SA 5000 and the Panasonic 30004.  These are both upper and massage recliners.  They both go for about $4000 each. We take a head-to-head approach on evaluating both of these massage chairs. We will review their warranty coverage and also compared their important features.

The Sanyo SA 5000 has an impressive feature list. This massage chair comes with the GK roller system. This roller system is the reach out and grab you system. It enables the rollers to come over the top of the shoulders. This gives a firm, like massage which is soothing to tense shoulders.

The 30004 from Panasonic has one of the most advanced massage programs. The Junetsu massage from Panasonic is a deep tissue wonder. This penetrating massage uses increasing pressure while making a small circle. This helps to relieve knots in the shoulders and back. Just point the Junetsu massage where you need relief and it will do the rest.

Now if you need a good shoulder and neck massage, turn to the SA 5000. The GK rollers drive the stiffness program for relief of the shoulders and neck. These specialize rollers come out and around the shoulder or neck and provide a gripping massage. Target this area for relief.

The Panasonic 30004 is stocked with five automatic programs for your relaxation and pleasure. These programs are intended for different types of massage therapy. The five automatic programs are Shiatsu, Swedish, Deep, Arm stretch and Leg stretch. Traditional shiatsu massage targets your acupoints. The chair will scan your back and identify the acupressure points to release tension in your body.

Got stress?  Sanyo actually incorporates a stress detector inside of the SA 5000. They transferred technology from there lie detector division.  This same technology is used to identify where tension is in your body. The computer then utilizes this information to target your massage for relieving your areas of tension. The massage chair systematically attacked these stress points.

Panasonic has added an upper body and arm stretch capability to the 30004.  This massage chair has an airbag contained and the armrest of the chair. This airbag can be used to provide a compression massage to the arm and hand. It is also used to hold the arm in place and recliner chair to stretch out the upper body, shoulders and arms.

If you need to target a specific area, then try the manual massages of the SA 5000. There are four manual massage techniques including kneading, rolling, combination massage and tapping. You can also specify the massage to be in a specific area of your back. Select from upper back, lower back middle back and neck and shoulders.

Now if you are looking for manual massages, the 30004 from Panasonic delivers with it man massage types.  This is like having your own essays with multiple capabilities. Choose massage type such as Junetsu, Swedish, shiatsu, kneading, stretching, rolling, gripping and tapping. There are also massage courses that you can set for specific areas. You can also pinpoint the massage to relieve a specific area or point.

Now you must think about the warranty coverage. Luckily both of these massage companies offer in home technician service. Once you’re chairs deliver, you do not want to have to move it. In-home service is critical with any manufacture. You also get three years of parts with Panasonic. Sanyo only covers three years for the roller mechanism. The other parts that Sanyo covers are only for one year. You may want to think about extended warranties in both cases.

Both of these massage recliners are solid contenders in its class. The Sanyo provides a soothing and relaxing shoulder and neck massage. Panasonic on the other hand, provides for both shiatsu and Swedish massage along with stretching of the upper and lower body. This one is too close to call it really depends on your preferences. These are both wonderful massage chairs which will serve your needs for many years.

Browse our (http://www.massageunlimited.com/massage-chair-comparison.htm) Massage Chair Comparison to help you encounter the right brand and model of massage recliner. We present a terrific selection of the finest (http://www.massageunlimited.com/) Sanyo Massage Chair available on the market. We are the experts and can help you encounter the right chair for your needs.

Technorati Tags: review, product review, electronics, consumer electronics, advice, shopping, tips, massage chair, fitness equipment, furniture, home, home improvement, heath, exercise

Spinal traction can be accomplished in a number of different ways.

Let us walk through different methods of spinal traction including massage chairs. This can be a bending force or a pulling force. When looking at spinal traction, the key is to exert a force which stretches the soft tissues. Most people relate to traction as a pulling force.

Spinal decompression machines have been used with patients lying on their backs. They are attached to the machine and then an extension force is used to stretch both ends of their spine simultaneously. When using a pulling force across the length of the spine, a spinal decompression machine must stretch each soft tissue area between all the cervical discs simultaneously.

Inversion therapy is another method commonly used to provide traction of the spine. The basic idea behind inversion therapy is to suspend you upside down by your feet. You can either wear boots or lay flat on an in version bed. With the boots, one must lock them onto a bar which requires a little gymnastics.

Inversion therapy uses gravity to affect the force. The patient’s own weight is used to help stretch out the spine. Since the feet are held in place, the force is applied by both the angle of tilt and the patient’s own weight.

Roller tables are used to effect mechanical traction. A roller table is a long flat table to accommodate the patient lying completely flat. Rollers are contained inside the table and are used to apply mechanical traction.

Massage chairs work on the same theory as roller tables. The weight of the patient and the angle of the recline determine the force exerted on the disc. Unlike a roller table, however, massage chairs are able to adjust their angle.

The soft tissues are then stretched which is the definition of mechanical traction. Massage chairs are also able to provide a number of other treatments in addition to spinal traction. Additionally heating elements are placed throughout the chair soothing warmth can be applied as needed. Massage chairs also have stretching of the lower body. Massage chairs also come with MP3 players which can provide a relaxing environment for the patient.