Daily Swedish Massage In A Massage Chair

By Rebecca Sheffield

Massage chair recliners have come a long way over the years from simple vibrating chairs to very sophisticated massage chairs with heat, music and various massage therapies. One of the most basic massage techniques is known as Swedish massage or classic massage. The Swedish massage was developed in the'th century by Henrik Ling. Swedish massage is very effective in allowing the body to absorb more oxygen.

Stress hits us in various ways in our daily lives. With the various challenges we have, we put stress on various parts of the body. In general, stress impacts us mentally by causing thoughts of fear. This fear translates into physical tension as the flight or fight reactions stir up our muscles for action. This physical tension builds up in the body. It is further sustained by how we mentally deal with stress, which for many is to deny it. These physical and mental stresses have a cumulative effect as it builds up in the body.

To help alleviate the pain, aches and soreness, massage treatments have been developed and practiced through time. Swedish massage is considered one the most basic massage styles. Swedish massage is aimed at alleviating pain and to enhance the body's health. It helps detoxify the body by increasing cell metabolism which eliminates their waste materials.

There are 6 main elements that constitute Swedish massage. These elements include tapottement, effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration and traction. Tapottement makes use of both tapping and chopping to loosen muscles. Effleurage makes use of long sweeping strokes along muscles. Petrissage makes use of kneading and squeezing actions. Friction is used to apply heat helping blood flow and muscles relaxation. Vibration makes use of shaking to help loosen muscles and alleviate tension. Traction makes use of pulling and stretching the major muscles.

These 6 techniques have been integrated into the best massage chair recliners on the market today. These massage recliners uses different mechanical components to accomplish these massage techniques. Effleurage is performed by rollers in the chair back and covers the neck, shoulders and back. Petrissage is performed by the rollers moving toward each other in a pinching or kneading movement. Friction is accomplished by adding heating elements in the chair to warm up areas of the body. Tapottement is performed by the rollers doing a rhythmic tapping action. Traction is used in the lower body by mechanically raising and then lowering the footrest to stretch the lower body out. Vibration is performed by the placement of vibrating motors in strategic locations in the chair.

Check out Panasonic and Omega Massage because their massage chairs have advanced the Swedish massage technique the most. The Omega Montage Elite and the Omega Montage Premier massage chair both offer all 6 elements of Swedish massage. Omega has integrated full body heat into both of these chairs. Panasonic with the Real Pro Elite does not offer heat, so it is lacking one element of Swedish massage. Not all chairs offer the Swedish massage elements. A great place to start is with the Real Pro Elite by Panasonic or the Omega Montage Premier massage chair.

Swedish massage has come along way from the days of Henrik Ling. Mr. Ling would be amazed that the techniques he pioneered have been engineered into the robotic massage chairs of today. Many of the same benefits provided by his pioneering efforts can be found in these mechanical masseuses. However, Mr. Ling found the real benefits of Swedish massage when it was performed on a routine basis. Sporadic visits to the Spa are not as effective as periodic application. If you are looking for Swedish massage techniques, a massage chair recliner is an excellent way to perform on a routine basis. - 30453

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