There are numerous massage chairs on the market. Some are high quality and offer a wide range of functions some are no better than lazyboys. Here are five considerations that you must take into account when buying a massage chair.
- One of the best massage systems out there is the air massage system. It has a much wider array of features and functions and can preform many more massages than some of the fixed roller systems. The air massage system works through an array of inflatable bags, the bags can be any size and shape and can preform many functions. The bags also eliminate the pinch points and hard pressure points than are common with other systems.
- Most massage chairs will come equipped with a kneading massage function. This is effective because of the repetitive motion which will lead to relaxation and a deep massage. Kneading is usually accomplished with a roller system because of the large surface area that is required to knead effectively.
- If you are after the most relaxation possible from your massage chair I suggest that you invest the extra money in a system that is capable of preforming a foot massage. Many massage chairs stop at the calf or even the bottom, but to really get a full massage you need to include other parts of the body and the feet are critical. Look for a system that incorporates air massage into the foot massage, which will allow the massage to target the many small bones and muscles of the foot.
- Many massage chairs have a tilt function that allows you to lean back to almost a full horizontal level. Many massage chairs are not built for taller individuals so a foot support could be an important addition if you are 6’ or over.
- Last but not least I would suggest finding a massage chair that is capable of at least 5 automatic programs. Now when I say automatic programs I do not mean simply turning the thing on and letting it knead your back until it is raw, but programs that will cycle through a number of different massages and target different areas. Some programs will be aggressive, others will be relaxing, what you are looking for is variety. Massage chairs are no small investment and this is one of the most important functions that will allow you to see a good return on your investment.
Massage chairs are not created equally, so keep your eye out for quality. These are 5 features that I find important when selecting a massage chair but don’t forget that the most important aspect of buying a massage chair is trying out a number of different options and spending enough time in each massage chair to get a good feel for how effective they are.
The benefits of massage are not just skin deep, they reach deep into the core of who we are and can have a tremendous impact on how we look at life and our overall quality of life. The ancients knew of the benefits of massage and we can certainly learn something from the past by looking at he numerous massage techniques and body manipulations from the past.
Many people first think of muscle soreness and physical therapy when they think of massage but the vast majority of massage clients are actually people looking for relief form pain and anxiety. Soothing the muscles and the nerves can have help achieve a greater sense of well being. So, it is no surprise that massage is being used to tread many more things than just muscle stiffness. It is often used to overcome depression, chronic pain, or even low self esteem. Massage is often associated with a feeling of release for many recipients. This could be the release of negative feelings or the release of pain. Whatever the case, it works.
Massage is not usually considered a medical treatment, it is often still viewed as an alternative therapy. It is often used tomassage.com/to-massage-or-not-to-massage” target=”_self”> treat sports related injuries or to promote optimal performance during sporting activities. It is not uncommon to see numerous massage therapist on the sidelines of professional sporting events. These sporadic regular massages often help athletes avoid overuse injuries.
On the medical side of things massage has also been found to effectively treat people with auto immune disorders such as HIV. The increased circulation and the frequent release of dopamine have a positive effect on people with these diseases. The addition of the positive mental aspects of massage can also help people in these situations who often find themselves at rock bottom.
Any parent has most likely experienced the positive response of their infant to human touch and massage. The benefits of massage have also been shown to carry over into the birthing process, making labor easier and less painful. Child birth is possibly the most stressful occurrence that some women will endure, any help they can get will be good help. After birth babies that receive frequent massage have been shown to gain weight faster and have fewer medical complications during their first year of life.
Blood pressure is also greatly effected by massage. Certain personality types have been proven to have higher blood pressure and stress relieving activities such as massage can significantly reduce the level of stress and blood pressure that these patients experience.
Massage can be used to treat nearly any symptom and can be used where other medications fail. There are virtually no side effects to massage and while it may at first glance seem expensive it is often much more reasonably priced than other therapies. If you have never received a massage I urge you to schedule on immediately and experience the benefits for yourself.
Pain Control is a touchy subject because pain is an immensely difficult thing to live with and unless you have ever lived with chronic pain you can not understand. It is persistent like nothing else and it can turn a normal relaxed person into a frighteningly quick tempered not so level headed devil of a person to live with. It can make life unbearable and you will do anything to make it go away even if just for a little while.
So, I tread lightly when I address massage as a pain control because I know that it is not a cure and I do not want to offer false hope where none exist. Massage can offer relief and a possible break. It can offer an alternative and something different, it can give a sense of well being and it can possibly improve your quality of life.
Massage controls pain in a couple of ways.
Gate Control Theory
In the same way that positive and negative thoughts cannot occupy the same space in the brain at the same time pain and pleasure cannot exist in the brain at the same time. If you send enough positive sensory information to the brain the receptors will be overwhelmed and for at least a brief little while you will feel the pleasure of the massage. This may take some mental focus on your part but like many other things in life that do not seem like choices this too is a choice.
Natural Pain Killers
Massage causes the body to release its natural pain killers, that studies have found to be as powerful as morphine. Dopamine is responsible for the pleasure of orgasms and the runners high, both of which are incredibly addictive. Releasing dopamine will have an immediate and lasting effect on pain.
Associated Symptoms
Your pain may not be directly caused by muscle stiffness, muscle soreness, decreased flexibility, or bad circulation, but these can all be causes of pain and improving any of them will assist with pain management. Massage offers relief in all of these areas and while it may not directly effect the cause of the pain it can reduce other symptoms associated with the pain.
Touch Therapy
It is tough to get a massage without any touch and touch has been shown to be a powerful healing tool by itself. Passing healing life touch from one individual to another is an excellent often overlooked side effect of massage.
Deep Relaxation
With persistent pain it can be very difficult to ever achieve relaxation. All of the previously mentioned side effects of massage work together to put you into a highly relaxed state. Find a massage studio that will allow you to relax in their facilities for as long as you want after your massage to gain the full benefit of the relaxation and healing calm.
