Automatic programs and massage techniques in massage chairs

In the backrest of each massage chair there are certain mechanisms that work upon the back. At their core are massaging arms that imitate the movements of human hands and perform specific massage techniques. In addition to airbag massage or leg massage, the techniques form automatic programs. When buying a massage chair, questions often arise about how many automatic programs it offers or which massage techniques can be used in it. So in this episode, Paweł tells us what each automatic program contains and describes the role of massage techniques.

Massage chair vs back massage techniques

Techniques are also referred to as manual programs. These are massage programs based solely on the operation of the massage arms that imitate the movements of a masseur’s hands. The technique is the way the massage arms work on the back and, in the case of SL-shape systems, on the buttocks and even thighs. The most commonly available techniques are kneading, tapping, rubbing, kneading with tapping, shiatsu, or pounding.

Let’s take a closer look at the various back massage techniques.

• Shiatsu: The name of this technique, originated from Japan, simply means “finger pressure.” The purpose of the massage is to press on the energy channels that run through the human body, which can become blocked, causing physical and mental discomfort. Smooth and rhythmic pressure is designed to unblock the channels and prevent future disruptions in the body’s energy flow, effectively relieving tension and maintaining the harmony and balance of the entire body.
• Pounding: In this technique, the massage arms mimic the masseur’s movement of using a closed hand. The key benefit of this massage technique is the deep relaxation of tense muscles. It also effectively alleviates muscle pain and tension after many hours spent in one position, such as after work or a long, tiring journey.
• Tapping: This involves a bouncy, rhythmic, and short movement that imitates the open hand of a masseur. It doesn’t cause pain and prevents bruising. Tapping strengthens the muscles, stimulates the body, and improves blood flow.
• Kneading: One of the most characteristic massage techniques. The massage arms perform circular stretching movements on both sides of the spine. Their task is to stretch the muscles, deliver nutrients to them, and reduce accumulated tension. In some massage chair models, there is also the technique of synchronous kneading with tapping, which combines the circular kneading movements with tapping the muscles near the spine.
• Rolling: This technique mainly involves stroking, rubbing, and kneading. The massage arms move up and down along the spine with even pressure on the surrounding muscles. It’s used to massage connective tissue and superficial muscle layers, and because it warms up the muscles well, it’s also used as preparation for deeper massage.
• Waving: This massage technique is similar to rolling, where the massage arms perform a wave-like motion along the spine. It’s most often used before a more intense massage. It greatly improves muscle blood flow and prepares them for further treatments.
• Acupressure: This massage technique, originating from Chinese medicine, is a type of point massage associated with the philosophy of Qi energy. It states that the body’s balance will be maintained if the forces of Yin and Yang are balanced, and if this harmony is disrupted, illnesses may occur. According to beliefs, acupressure, or pressure on specific points on the body, is supposed to have a healing effect. This technique is most often used in combination with other massage methods.
• Rubbing: A fairly vigorous technique aimed at warming and separating tissues, improving blood circulation, and relaxing muscles. The masseur performs semicircular and circular movements, using the fingertips, whole hands, hand base, or closed fists. In massage chairs, the arms also perform semicircular movements toward the spine, along its entire length. The pressure on the muscles is quite strong, feeling similar to rubbing with a fist, which is important to reach deeper muscle layers. It is also combined with tapping in some chairs.

In a massage chair, it is possible to choose a single back massage technique, and moreover, to direct the massage arms’ actions exactly to the spot that needs special attention and relaxation. Depending on the model, this may involve moving their operation up or down or selecting point, partial (on a specific section), or full-range massage. Additionally, when choosing a manual technique massage, you can adjust its speed according to your needs.

Speed and intensity adjustment in a massage chair

Massage speed and intensity are two functions often confused with each other. Massage speed refers to the pace of the massage arms’ movement on the back, while the intensity of the massage arms’ operation refers to the pressure applied to the back.

Currently, massage intensity can only be adjusted in massage chairs that have at least 3D massage functionality. In our offer, you can use this function in models such as Massaggio Stravagante 2, Fujiiryoki JP2000, Fujiiryoki JP3000, iRest Brillactiq (A665), iRest Grandease (A550), iRest Maesthron (A801), Bodyfriend Phantom Care, Bodyfriend Phantom Rovo, and Bodyfriend Davinci. The pressure strength can be adjusted when the chair is operating in the user-selected technique, or by choosing a more or less intense automatic program. For stronger sensations, more intense programs should be selected, while for gentler massage, it’s better to choose programs where the massage arms’ movement is subtle and relaxing.

In basic chairs that do not have manual intensity adjustment for the massage arms, except for the intensity of the airbags, there is another way to adjust the massage strength to your needs. You can increase it by massaging in a lying down or horizontal or Zero Gravity position. Using gravity, the body adheres more closely to the chair, thereby increasing the massage intensity. On the other hand, if you want a gentler massage, you can use the massage chair in a sitting position.

Automatic programs in massage chairs

Each massage chair comes with specially prepared, ready-made automatic programs that make it easy to use the massage features. By pressing just one button and without needing to make additional settings, you can enjoy a relaxing massage. Automatic programs are pre-programmed massage cycles that combine all the functions available in the specific model in the right combination and intensity. They adjust the massage technique, the strength of the airbag operation, and add other available options, such as rolling massage.

When using a massage chair, you will encounter two types of automatic programs. The first type includes programs that refer to the area where the massage arms work, and these can be programs for the entire body, upper body, or lower body. The second type consists of automatic programs focused on the end result. When using a massage chair, you can choose from relaxing, anti-stress, sports, or regenerative programs. In compact models, there are usually fewer of these programs, typically 3 to 5. In the most advanced chairs, there are many more, e.g., the Fujiiryoki JP3000 has 38 automatic programs, and the Bodyfriend Phantom Rovo has 47.

Bodyfriend models are equipped with automatic programs that use binaural sounds, and during the massage session, affirmations can also be heard. Special modes aim to improve brain activity or assist with various ailments.

In summary, an automatic program is a set of functions offered by a massage chair. It also includes back massage techniques that can be used independently. If, after reading, you still have any questions related to these features or others, feel free to contact us.