Inside the backrest of every massage chair, there’s a mechanism that moves along your spine, massaging your body. These are the massage arms, which mimic the motions of a professional masseuse’s hands using various massage techniques. While the operation of these arms may vary depending on the brand and model, every massage chair features at least a few classic massage techniques.
What massage techniques are found in massage chairs?
Massage chairs are inspired by classic massage therapy, and each technique targets muscles and the nervous system in a slightly different way. Depending on the method applied, the chair can provide relaxation or therapeutic effects, relieving back pain, improving circulation, and supporting muscle recovery.
The most common massage techniques in massage chairs include:
- Kneading – a classic massage technique similar to kneading dough. It targets deep sensory receptors, improves blood and lymph circulation, and revitalises muscles.
- Tapping – a dynamic method where the massage arms simulate quick, open-palm tapping. This boosts blood and lymph flow.
- Beating / pounding – inspired by fast, rhythmic fist-tapping in traditional massage. Although similar to tapping, it’s more intense and helps warm up the muscles.
- Shiatsu – a Japanese massage technique mimicking thumb pressure. Often called “needle-free acupuncture,” it promotes calm and supports the body’s detox processes.
- Combination – a mix of two massage methods, like kneading and tapping for example. Combining techniques allows for a more complex and effective massage.
These techniques, drawn from classic massage therapy, are found in most massage chairs on the market – and that’s just the beginning! Many other methods are used by manufacturers, and while we can’t describe them all, here are a few more popular ones featured in our models:
- Knocking – based on gentle, rhythmic tapping, like a finger or fist knocking. It boosts circulation and relaxes tight muscles, especially around the back and shoulders.
- Grasp – mimics the motion of grasping and squeezing the neck with fingers. This helps release tension and improves tissue flexibility.
- Acupressure – derived from Chinese medicine, this involves pressing specific body points (similar to Shiatsu). It relaxes, eases pain, and stimulates energy flow.
- Chopping – a technique using fast, vertical strikes that resemble chopping with the edge of the hand. It’s commonly used on the upper back to stimulate and increase blood flow.
- Rubbing / swing – an energetic technique involving smooth, circular movements along the spine. It warms up and loosens muscles.
- Rolling – a gentle “rolling” massage focused on the muscles along the spine.
When starting a massage session, you can choose an automatic program (which alternates several techniques) or a manual mode using a single technique. If you opt for the manual setting, it’s helpful to understand what each technique does. That knowledge will make it easier to use your massage chair and help you get the most out of its features.
How many massage techniques can a massage chair have?
Most massage chairs feature between a few and a dozen techniques – 5 to 6 is standard. However, some models offer dozens. Leading the pack is the Fujiiryoki JP4000, the first and only massage chair in the world equipped with 98 techniques. Among them are 53 types of kneading and brand-new, innovative methods like “rhomboid” massage, which targets the narrow area between the shoulder blades.
Curious to feel how these massage techniques work in the Japanese chair or other models we offer? Come experience it for yourself with a test session at one of our showrooms. We’d love to see you! :-)
