Appraisal Of The Top Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner
If you are looking for a massage chair, then you will see many massage chairs claiming to be a shiatsu massage chair. There is a lot of confusion as to what constitutes a true shiatsu style massage chair. First we need to understand the actual massage therapy technique, then we can better evaluate if a chair really fits into this category.
Shiatsu massage is a branch of ancient Chinese medicine which was developed in Japan over many centuries. Acupuncture has been used since ancient times, but the use of pressure instead of needles is acupressure. The Japanese healers have practiced many ways to heal the body and to reduce aches, pains and general discomfort. This particular massage therapy developed by using pressure applied to different areas to unblock and enhance energy flow. Through much trial and error, the Japanese healers found specific areas now called acupressure points which were found to help to heal the body.
Traditional shiatsu massage incorporates both kneading with the thumbs and fingers and chopping action with the sides of the palms. Kneading was found to stretch out tight muslces making them more elastic. This help to restore flexibility and improve the range of motion. Chopping massage was found to invigorate an given area to enhance blood circulation. The chopping action helps to loosen tight muscles which then make it easier to perform the kneading massage. The use of pressure point massage helps the major organs relax while the kneading and chopping work on relaxing the muscles.
Now that we understand the origins of traditional shiatsu massage, we can evaluate if a chair labeled as shiatsu earns the name or not. Some of the most famous shiatsu massage chairs originated in Japan and are made by Sanyo or Panasonic. Other brands like Omega and Human Touch which are American companies have developed shiatsu style massage therapies based on these principals. Here are some of the best shiatsu chair recliners available.
One of the original lineages of shiatsu massage chairs are by Panasonic. The EP 30003 massage recliner provides two different styles of shiatsu style massage. It has the traditional shiatsu massage and also the Junetsu style. The Junetsu style differs from traditional shiatsu with the use of small circular and penetratng motions. The Junetsu style is good deep tissue relief. The combinations in the auto programs are well thought out for a therapeutic and relaxing massage.
Sanyo has their high end chair that comes with a multi-point shiatsu leg and foot massage. The Sanyo HEC DR7700K uses specialized airbags with built in acupressure nodes to provide penetrating relief to the feet, calves, ankles and legs. The airbags will energize applying firm pressure to the part of the lower body. Other airbags energize with the acupressure nodes to stimulate the pressure points to provide whole body relaxation.
Some massage chairs have taken shiatsu massage and elevated into higher dimensions. Take the Montage Premier by Omega. This chair brings in the dimension of sound with the MP3 music player. Put on the headphones and let the music soothe your mind. Meanwhile, add full body heat or individual area heat to reduce swelling and ease aches and pains. Or add some traditional shiatsu lower body stretching. The Montage Premier incorporates a lower body traction that elongates the whole lower body for comprehensive relief.
Now you are an expert in shiatsu massage therapy as applied to massage chairs. This is an important massage therapy used throughout the globe. If you are researching robotic chairs, then start with the best brands like Sanyo, Panasonic or Omega. These shiatsu massage chairs provide therapeutic massage and other therapies.
