Posts Tagged ‘Massage Chairs’
A massage chair for your home is for many a major investment that they have high expectations for. While these recliners are ideal for relaxing when many people make the purchase that costs them anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand they usually have a specific need in mind. For some it may be pain relief in a particular joint or part of their body while for others it may be to reduce their stress.
No matter why the massage chair was purchased understanding how to use it is essential so that expectations will be met. Some who purchase a massage chair for their home end up disappointed with their purchase simply because they are not operating it in a way that benefits them the most. While the modern massage chairs are so much more useful than the models sold just a decade ago they are also a little more complex than just turning them on to get a massage.
Buyers do not need to be worried that they will need a degree in programming to use these massage chair recliners but there is a little more than just turning them on. Many offer more than one massage style pre-programmed in as well as several sessions which will focus on different parts of the body. Taking the time to understand the chair and know what it offers is important for getting the best use from the purchase.
Many massage chairs have videos on YouTube which potential buyers and even new owners can view to better acquaint themselves with the chair and the features that their particular model offers. These videos made by professionals in the massage chair business are a perfect way to shop for a new chair and learn all there is to know about each.
Not only is it good to learn what the massage chair is capable of but make sure the recliner it setup for the person using it. Many chairs have adjustments so that the rollers will end up massaging the right area of the body. Proper setup of the recliner is just as important as knowing how to use it in order to get the best results possible to make the cost worthwhile to the buyer.
Sore muscles can develop for a variety of reasons in people of just about any age. This soreness is most often a result of overuse or even a strain which has depleted the muscles of the nutrients they need to work. Whether the overuse is from exercise or even from work, recovery can be improved through the use of massage.
Of course most people think of a spa when they hear massage and yes this is a relaxing experience. But massage can also have other uses besides relaxation making it an effective healing tool for all sorts of medical problems and even sore achy muscles.
Many who turn to massage to ease sore muscles are athletes who use a massage therapist who specialize in sports to promote the healing and increase flexibility. But anyone who has seen one of these professionals before knows just how expensive a session with one can be. On a regular basis this would add up quickly and for many this is not always convenient with their schedules to fit in appointments.
The perfect solution for this problem is a home massage chair. These chairs have come a long way since they were first introduced. They no longer look like medieval torture devices that need to be hidden in the back room. Chairs such as those from Panasonic like the Zero Gravity massage chair look like modern furniture but have easy to operate massage units inside that feel amazing. Many of these chairs are comfortable enough that lots of people choose to sit in them even when not using the massage unit just because they feel so good.
A massage chair in the home will increase the blood flow throughout the body in order to promote the healing to sore, tired muscles. This increased blood flow will help remove toxins in the muscles while bringing them new nutrients they need to work which will reduce that achy feeling within them. As an added benefit muscles will also become more flexible and many massage chair users feel they regain some of them range of motion they have lost in the natural aging process.
While a massage chair in the home may seem expensive once compared to the cost of seeing a professional the cost is quickly justified. To make these home recliners even more of a bargain everyone in the family can use it and at their own convenience, not when they can get an appointment. This makes regular use for the maximum benefit easier to achieve and the results more effective.
Whether looking for a solution to sore muscles from overwork or just wanting a way to relief stress in your life through therapeutic massage these chairs are a wonderful way to improve your overall health. With so many styles available delivering a wide range of massages to the whole body with sophisticated rollers these chairs are worth a look for just about everyone.
Thai Massage Style
Posted on: April 1, 2010
Founded by Buddha’s physician, Shivago Komarpaj over 2500 years ago, Thai massage is a form of passive yoga. It is a blend of Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian techniques and is currently practiced throughout Southeast Asia, (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, etc) as well as abroad.
Thai massage is based on the idea that there are 72,000 pathways (called “sen” in Thai) throughout the body through which air (called “lohm” in Thai) moves. This is similar to the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) belief that the body has meridians through which chi (energy) moves. Much like acupressure or acupuncture, the “lohm” of the body is manipulated by a Thai massage therapist who applies pressure to specific points along the “sen” lines. It is commonly believed by Thai massage therapists that the “sen” of the body start at the navel and branch out through the body, ending at the orifices. Although similar to TCM, the Thai paradigm states that the “sen” are not connected to internal organs.
Thai massage also utilizes yoga-like stretching, which is believed to stimulate the “sen” of the body in order to help the “lohm” move through the body and exit. Often a Thai massage will start with the person lying on their back as the massage therapist starts at one foot and works their way up the entire leg, both applying pressure to key points along the “sen” and stretching and moving the foot and leg in order to promote the flow of “lohm.” The Thai massage therapist will then move on to the other foot and up the other leg in the same fashion. Next, one hand, arm and shoulder are stretched and pressure is applied to points along the “sen.” And then the therapist will move on to the other arm, hand and shoulder.
After the legs and arms have been massaged, the therapist will ask you to “non kwam” (or “turn over”) to lie on your stomach. The backs of your legs are then massaged and stretched again. Then the therapist moves up to the buttocks, back, shoulders, and neck. Depending on the therapist, they may or may not “walk” on the backs of your legs, buttocks, and back, or they may “walk” up your body on their knees, using the weight of their body to further stretch and stimulate pressure points along the body’s “sen.”
After they have finished with the back, you will again be asked to “non kwam,” (turn over), so that you are again on your back. If you have a therapist who is from Thailand, they will likely excuse themselves to wash their hands at this point. The head is believed to be the more sacred part of the body for Thai people and it would be considered rude to touch someone’s head after touching their feet and “lower” body. Some massage therapists even say, “Excuse me,” before touching a client’s head. The head, neck and face are then massaged. Before ending a Thai massage, many therapists have their clients sit up so that they can again apply pressure to specific points along the “sen” of the back and neck.
The ancient art of Thai massage is only one of many massage techniques. Modern massage chairs combine Eastern and Western massage styles and can provide the benefits of massage in the comfort of your own home.
The varieties of massage available in massage chairs today come from a diverse mix of cultures and styles. Eastern cultures view the human body as a network of energy channels or centers. An obstruction or unevenness in the meridians or chakras can cause a variety of health problems. While Eastern massage techniques focus on the energy systems of the body, Western massage concentrates on the overall physical body.
The Eastern View
Western massage techniques available in a massage chair are based on the anatomy, pathology, and physiology of the body. The Western tradition views the body as a physical entity that can potentially break down and become physically diseased. By focusing on the specific parts of the human anatomy, Western massage styles endeavor to repair the entire body as a combination of its parts. If you venture into a Western Doctor’s office, you will likely find a lot of diagrams and charts depicting the various parts of the human body: organs, muscles, bones, and systems.
Western Massage Techniques available in most Massage Chairs
Developed by Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in the 1810s, this technique utilizes long, smooth strokes. The Swedish technique also employs deep rubbing action too.
The basic strokes of this style are: 1. Long strokes, 2. Deep kneading strokes, 3. Hard pressure, slow jabbing movements, and 4. Fast prodding movements. For people who suffer from painful or frequent muscle spasms, this style of massage can provide a significant amount of relief. By helping muscles relax, Swedish massage can help energize the entire body. This technique helps stretch connective tissue to release muscles constriction and spasm, which may have previously caused pain.
For chronic muscle spasms, knots (called “adhesions”), and pain that are not taken care of by Swedish massage, a similar technique called Deep Tissue Massage may be helpful. It uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but in a deeper, harder way.The Eastern Tradition
While Western techniques address the body and its specific parts, Eastern techniques address the energy flow of the body and try to restore a healthy balance to the body and mind.
In the Eastern Massage Traditions, the body’s meridians, (energy channels) are stimulated in order to achieve proper balance in the body and mind. That’s why in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the use of Acupuncture is often a part of treatment.Western Massage Styles Available in most Massage Chairs
It employs movements to help open up the body’s energy channels. Pressure is applied to the Chinese acupuncture points on the surface of the body in order to stimulate the flow of energy. The Chinese call the body’s energy “qi.” Shiatsu encourages the flow of energy by manipulating the arms and legs as well.
Acupressure techniques are closely related to Shiatsu. They are also concerned with opening up the body’s energy pathways and centers in order to promote balance throughout the body and mind. By supporting the functioning of the immune system, Acupressure helps the body heal itself.
For the advantages of both Eastern and Western techniques, try a home massage chair.
When used properly, a home massage chair has no negative effects. Unfortunately, some people do experience slight side effects through overuse or improper use of their massage chair.
Potential Negative Effects
· Pain – the pressure used to relieve tension and pain with Shiatsu and deep tissue massage settings may cause some slight residual pain. Nerves or muscles may be slightly irritated through improper use of the Shiatsu or deep tissue massage settings on your home massage chair. Any pain experienced is generally mild and only lasts for a few hours after massage or, in rare cases, a few days, and abates on its own.
· Circulation – if you have circulatory issues, you may want to consult your doctor before beginning a home massage chair or other massage treatment. Especially if you have previously experienced blood clotting or deep vein thrombosis, which may be aggravated by massage.
· Allergies – if you are allergic to leather or other materials, you may experience a slight allergic reaction to your massage chair. If you know you have a pre-existing allergy to the material of your chair, be sure to wear clothing that covers any skin that would otherwise come into contact with the chair. Proper clothing should prevent any allergic reactions.
· Infection – the massage therapy provided by your home massage chair or other forms of massage helps to release enzymes and toxins that have accumulated in your muscles, so it is recommended to drink plenty of water during the day following massage. Water will help flush toxins from the body quicker. If your immune system is impaired for any reason, consult your doctor before starting any massage treatment to avoid infection and other possible complications caused by the release of toxins during massage.
· Skin Fragility or Bruising –if you bruise easily, be sure to use a low or softer pressure option as hard pressure massage can cause bruising.
· Low Blood Sugar – as massage can lower the body’s blood sugar levels, if you are diabetic, consult your doctor before using a massage chair or starting any massage treatment program.
· Fatigue – a study by the National University of Health Sciences (Illinois) found that approximately 1% of their test group experienced fatigue for 24 hours or less
· Headache – the same study found that about 1% of test subjects likewise had a headache within 12 hours after their massage treatment, but those experiencing headaches stated that their headaches went away within 24 hours or less as well
The National University of Health Sciences also found that test subjects experienced positive side effects after their massage including:
· Improved circulatory function (over 3% of test subjects)
· Improved respiratory function (over 3% of test subjects)
· Improved digestion (5.5% of test subjects)
· And nearly 10% of test subjects reported an improvement in mood and well-being
· Overall: 23% of test subjects experienced one or more positive changes unrelated to their primary health complaint before massage
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