Monday, November 24, 2008

Massage Chair Recliner Simulates Swedish Massage Therapy

By Steve Esquire

Swedish massage is now built into massage chair recliners. Most people think massage chairs are just simple vibrating chairs. But in fact, massage chairs are technologically sophisticated with items such as heat, music, stretching and various massage therapies. Swedish massage is one of the most basic massage techniques. It is a set of 6 elements, which for a massage therapist is easy to perform. However, to replicate the movements in a massage chair presents a set of fairly complex challenges to overcome. However, Henrik Ling, the developer of the Swedish massage in the 18th century might be very impressed with how his technique has progressed through time and is now incorported into massage chairs.

Most of us experience stress in our daily lives. We may be under pressure at work which gives us mental stress. Mental stress causes us to tense up which means are muscles are not relaxing. We may be working out and exerting more physical activity. The muscles become sore and ache after being under the stress of exercise. Both mental and physical stress can take its toll on the body.

To help alleviate the pain, aches and soreness, massage treatments have been developed and practiced through time. Swedish massage is considered one the most basic massage styles. Swedish massage is aimed at alleviating pain and to enhance the body's health. It helps detoxify the body by increasing cell metabolism which eliminates their waste materials.

There are 6 main elements that constitute Swedish massage. These elements include tapottement, effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration and traction. Tapottement makes use of both tapping and chopping to loosen muscles. Effleurage makes use of long sweeping strokes along muscles. Petrissage makes use of kneading and squeezing actions. Friction is used to apply heat helping blood flow and muscles relaxation. Vibration makes use of shaking to help loosen muscles and alleviate tension. Traction makes use of pulling and stretching the major muscles.

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.

When looking for a massage chair recliner, make sure the model you see performs all 6 techniques. Both Panasonic and Omega Massage have the most advanced massage chairs. The Omega Montage Elite massage chair can perform all 6 elements. The Panasonic Real Pro Elite is the next closest, but is lacking heat, so it has 5 of the 6 Swedish massage elements. The Omega Montage Elite massage chair has full body heat capabilities to deliver the Friction element. The effectiveness of each element varies by model and manufacturer. So try out the Omega Montage Elite or the Panasonic Real Pro Elite for the best massage chair for Swedish massage.

Swedish massage has come along way from the days of Henrik Ling. Mr. Ling would be amazed that the techniques he pioneered have been engineered into the robotic massage chairs of today. Many of the same benefits provided by his pioneering efforts can be found in these mechanical masseuses. However, Mr. Ling found the real benefits of Swedish massage when it was performed on a routine basis. Sporadic visits to the Spa are not as effective as periodic application. If you are looking for Swedish massage techniques, a massage chair recliner is an excellent way to perform on a routine basis. - 15438

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