So far, there have already been numerous articles on our blog about massage chairs, their functions or how to choose the perfect model. However, we would like to use this article to go all the way back to the beginning and tell you what a massage chair actually is and how it delivers the massage.
What is a massage chair?
Massage chair is a device that massages your body by means of massaging arms and other elements, such as airbags and rollers. The massaging arms are an essential part of the chair, they are the parts designed to mimic the movement of the hands. The presence of this element is what makes the difference between a massage chair and a massaging mat. Using an advanced massage system, the chair both massages and relaxes the body. Such a massage relaxes tense joints and muscles, boosts energy and takes care of your well-being. It will provide you with much needed rest and relaxation after a stressful day at work.
The first massage chairs offered a very simple massage, and their design could hardly be associated with relaxation. With time, however, technology began to evolve, new manufacturers appeared, more Asian countries became interested in massage chairs, and then the United States and Europe. Today, our market offers dozens of models to choose from in a very wide range of quality and prices.
How does the massage chair give you a massage?
The main massaging work in the chair is carried out by the massaging arms. These are two or four balls made of soft rubber material. Placed at the ends of the profiled arms, they move along the line of the spine from the neck down to at least the lumbar region. They move in different sequences, with appropriate speed, force, but also in different planes and widths.
One addition to the purely mechanical massage is the air massage. It is carried out by a number of airbags which inflate in specially configured cycles, affecting various parts of the body. The airbags support the effects achieved by the massaging arms by contracting and relaxing muscles accordingly, thus stimulating blood circulation.
On top of all this, there is the third element, which comes in the form of additional functionalities that, to a greater or lesser extent, positively contribute to the effect of relaxation in the massage chair. These include stretching, heating, foot massage rollers, Zero Gravity position, SL-shape or advanced scanning systems.
By now you know how the massage chair works. If you’re thinking about a model for yourself and need assistance in making your choice, or if you have any questions after reading this, feel free to contact us.
TRANSCRIPTION
Paul, please can you explain what a massage chair is?
It is not easy to explain in one short answer. How much time have you got?
Many people think that a massage chair simply vibrates, but let me explain that it is a chair which uses a sophisticated, electronic mechanism to massage and relax your body. You can use it on your own, at home or in your office, whenever you want. If you’ve had a hard day at work – you can turn it on and just chill out, if you have stiff muscles – let the massage chair release them, if you need more energy – select the right programme and the chair will wake you up.
Can you tell me how it works?
There are three main elements. Let me start from the back-rest, where there is a Mechanical massage system inside, which provides a gentle movement with adjustable speeds and in some models adjustable strengths. It has massaging arms which move up and down your spine from your neck to your hips, imitating human hand movements and massage techniques.
Secondly, there is the air massage system, which uses air cushions to gently press your muscles and promote blood circulation. Depending on the specific models, there are usually airbags for the feet, legs, hands and arms. You can feel the result of this massage within 10 (to) 15 minutes. Your muscles should loosen, the heavy leg feeling should disappear and you will start to relax.
In addition to these two massage systems, there are some extra features which offer a greater massage experience. In some models there are stretching programmes, heating in the back-rest or foot-rest and also rollers for the feet. There are also special settings like zero – gravity position, zero – wall function, L-shape tracking, advanced scanning systems and many, many more…
So a massage chair can do lots of different things.
Yes, they have many functions and the market is growing, with new features and techniques being developed all the time. Massage mechanisms are getting better and better.
So, I have just given a simple explanation of what a massage chair is and how it works. The functions of a massage chair and all of these features need to be explained in more detail.
