The demands of daily life can exert both physical and mental strain on our bodies. Massage therapy is a technique used to relieve accumulated stress and tension. It dates back thousands of years to ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilizations. In Japanese, “shiatsu” is the term for applying pressure to specific areas of the body. Due to time and financial constraints, many have turned to home massage chair systems as an alternative to the traditional massage therapist. Motorized massage systems utilize a power source such as batteries or an electrical outlet to operate mechanical rollers. Massage chairs are available in a variety of types and options.
Massage Cushion
Massage cushions consist of a single compact piece of cushion with built in motorized massage technology. The cushion may contain sections for the seat, back, or both. After placing the cushion on a suitable chair, the user controls the available options through the use of a remote. Options may include the motion of rollers, heat, speed, and intensity. Massage cushions have the advantage of portability and cost over other motorized massage systems. Many cushions can be purchased for under $100. One disadvantage of massage cushions is their light weight designs can cause some users to experience discomfort from the lack of padding.
Basic Massage Chair
Massage chairs take the cushion concept one step further. They also have a built in motorized massage system, but have the appearance of a high end office chair. The variable options are still controlled remotely. Because the massage system is comprised of the entire chair, it is less portable and more costly than massage cushions. The chair may provide more comfort to some users due to increased padding and the ability to recline. Massage chairs could cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. These chairs should not be confused with the more expensive massage recliner chair systems discussed in the next section.
Massage Recliner
This type of massage chair has an appearance similar to conventional recliners and may also be known as massage sofas. The outer material is often made of leather or some other synthetic fiber. Massage recliners also include variable options similar to other massage systems that can be controlled via remote. Instead of a hand-held remote, the controls are often located on a control pad attached to the recliner. Massage sofas often have additional options such as adjustable recline and components to massage the calves and feet. The added options and comfort will usually put the cost of a massage recliner in the range of a few thousand dollars.
The selection of a specific massage system should be determined by individual preference and circumstances. In addition to relieving stress and tension, motorized massage systems may have benefit in the management of certain types of pain. Those with pain or medical conditions that could be exacerbated by physical pressure should consult a physician before purchasing a motorized massage system.
References:
1. AllAlliedHealthSchools: “Massage Therapy History” (October 28, 2010).
2. Spine-Health: “Benefits of Heat Therapy for Lower Back Pain” (October 28, 2010).
3. Spineuniverse: “Massage Chair Technology and the Science of Comfort” (October 28, 2010).
4. Target Online Store: “Massage Cushions” (October 28, 2010).
5. TheFreeDictionary: “Shiatsu” (October 28, 2010).
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