Until now, technologies involving multiple dimensions were mostly associated with TVs and cinema screenings. As it turns out, however, multidimensional technology has also found its way into massage chairs, and what’s more, it is still evolving. Today, we’ll explain how the different “dimensions” of massage differ from one another, how the massage arms move in each system, and how this affects relaxation in a massage chair.
2D massage in a massage chair
In basic massage chair models, the massage arms move using a 2D system. This means that the massage mechanism operates in two dimensions: up and down, and side to side. However, despite the lack of a mechanically adjustable third plane and pressure intensity control, the well-designed mechanism allows the balls on the massage arms to move while remaining in contact with the back.
3D technology in a massage chair
A more advanced technology is the 3D system, as well as its counterpart used by the Korean brand Bodyfriend: XD, along with its improved version, XD FLEX. In massage chairs with this technology, the massage mechanism operates in three dimensions. Using actuators, the massage arms move along the entire length of the spine, up and down, side to side, and additionally move deeper or shallower in relation to the spine line. Taking the natural curvature of the spine into account, the massage mechanism moves deeper around the lumbar area and pulls back along the thoracic section.
4D – the fourth dimension in massage chairs
Massage chairs with the 4D system (referred to in Bodyfriend as XD PRO) are also available on the market. It was first introduced in a model by the Japanese brand Fujiiryoki, but is now used by many massage chair manufacturers worldwide. The 4D system differs from 3D in that it additionally adjusts the rate of movement of the massage arms during the massage. This means that the massage mechanism does not work at a constant pace from the beginning to the end of the selected massage programme. It can, for example, move more slowly at the beginning, then accelerate at the right moment and then slow down again – it all depends on how the programme has been programmed. Appropriately programmed acceleration and deceleration of the massage arms are therefore the fourth dimension of massage here.
5D technology in massage chairs
Another innovation is the 5D system and its improved version, 5D AI+, which can be found in the Fujiiryoki JP4000 model. This system is based on artificial intelligence, which regulates not only the speed but also the massage intensity in real time, adapting to the user’s muscle tension. 5D makes the massage extremely precise and effective, closely resembling a session with the hands of a professional massage therapist.
Proprietary massage systems in massage chairs
Most massage systems in massage chairs can be classified as 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D, along with the equivalents used by individual brands. This classification helps explain how many planes the massage arms work in, whether the chair allows massage intensity adjustment, and how advanced the movement of the mechanism is.
From time to time, however, models appear on the market that go beyond this standard classification. They use proprietary massage systems developed by a specific manufacturer and protected as the brand’s own solution. One example of such technology is V-Hand™ Plus by the Singaporean brand OSIM. The patented V-Hand™ Plus system uses massage rollers with a 720° range of motion, allowing the massage arms to perform a more complex, spatial movement.
Solutions like this show that the development of massage chairs does not end with the labels 2D, 3D, 4D, or 5D. The range, smoothness, and precision of the massage arms’ movement are just as important, as they have the greatest impact on how the massage actually feels.
A good massage chair is chosen not only based on specifications, but above all based on experience. A description can explain how the massage arms work, but only a test shows which model best meets your expectations. To consciously compare massage systems and choose the ideal massage chair, we invite you to book a test visit at one of our showrooms.
Transcription
Paul, can you explain what is meant by 2D or even 5D technology?
“D” relates to visual technology like 3D films or 5D cinema, but I need to explain it in more detail.
With massage chairs, there is an additional dimension. If you put your hands in front of you, point your index fingers upwards, straighten out your thumbs, to create a 90° angle. Then you will imitate the shape of the massaging arms. Move them up and down, and you will see how a 2D massage mechanism works. If you then create a forward and backward movement, you will add a third dimension, which is called 3D.
3D technology allows a massage mechanism to adjust strength in a particular place and to massage consistently on the whole back, whether at lumbar or chest level.
Is 3D linked to the scanning system and S-shape?
The 3D technology is the movement which allows scanning systems to adjust a massage according to the shape of a spine. S-shape is about the frame on which the massage mechanism moves and can work with 2D and 3D.
What about 4D?
4D works by matching an appropriate tempo to a massage technique movement. Mechanisms accelerate and decelerate the massage in a specially programmed movement, which simulates the action of a natural human hand. The most state-of-the-art mechanisms have 5D technology, which involves the AI algorithm which can recognise muscle stiffness in a particular point on the back and automatically adjust the strength to relieve tension.
Wow, is there 6D?
Not yet, in the massage chair industry. However, I hope that in the near future, technology will have advanced to greatly improve a massage chair experience.
