Friday, October 31, 2008

The Critical 5 Massage Chair Features

By James Knolan

We are asked many times by potential massage chair buyers as to the most important features in a massage chair. There is a vast array of massage chairs on the market with many features, options, and price points. It is good to know what you really want out of the massage chair recliner to help guide your decision making. We have put together the 5 most important massage chair features for your review:

Kneading Massage: The kneading function in a massage chair recliner is the most important. The kneading massage is a gentle or firm squeezing movement. The rollers must move sideways across your back to perform a kneading massage. Make sure that the massage chair you purchase has a motor that is dedicated just to the kneading massage. This is ensures that the kneading will have sufficient torque from the motor to perform flawlessly.

Air Massage System: The lower body massage is more effectively covered with an air massage system. An air massage system uses airbags to perform squeezing and holding movements. Air bags can be designed in any shape and size. They are used for the feet, calves, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms and hands. Since they are very flexible, they can be used throughout the massage chair recliner. Air systems use a compressor and a manifold to regulate the air flow to the various airbags. For effective relief for the body extremities an air massage system is the way to go.

Auto Programs: Most massage chairs come with automatic programs. Just press a button and the massage chair takes over and delivers the massage. The auto programs follow pre-set programs as designed by the manufacturers. The auto programs are set to control the various massage techniques, locations, massage systems and durations. All auto programs are not created equal. You want to make sure that the auto programs will perform massage therapies that you want. If you have lower back pain, then you want to make sure the program can adequately cover that area.

Hip Air Bags: Many of the best massage chairs have integrated hip air bags into the recliner. The hip air bags inflate to provide an air compression massage to the hips. These air bags wrap around the sides providing soothing relief. The hip air bags are built into the seat unit and are sequenced in the software program of the automatic massages. Usually, the user can select the air bags individually, allowing one to just focus on the hips.

Foot Massage: Many massage chair recliners stop right at the calf. Unfortunately, this stops short of massaging one of the most critical parts of your body? Your feet! Your feet are critical gateways to relaxing your body and reducing the tensions of stress. When stress activates, it mobilizes your hands and feet for action. The major organs are activated to support the hands and feet. In particular, a reflexology foot massage helps to reverse this action. These massage chair recliners have reflexology nodes and use an air system to stimulate your feet and help induce full body relaxation. This is an important aspect of the total massage experience.

Here are the 5 most critical features you may want to consider for your massage chair. Massage chair companies are always adding and upgrading their features. There are many innovative and effective features in the recliners of today. Take your time and find out what features are right for you. A massage chair is an important long term health decision. Understand what benefits you want out of a chair and make sure that your find the best massage chair for your needs. - 15432

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