Review of the Best Shiatsu Massage Chairs

There are many terms to describe massage chairs. Commonly, you can find robotic massage chairs or shiatsu massage chairs. There are many different terms which can cause confusion for those looking for a massage chair. Shiatsu massage chairs provide a shiatsu massage therapy. This is a massage therapy that origins are in Japan. Let us first explore shiatsu massage then we can make sure that any shiatsu labeled chair actually qualifies for this designation.

To trace the origins of shiatsu massage, one has to go back to China. The Chinese healers found the use of acupuncture. These practice identified pressure points in the body that assisted to speed up healing and reduce pain. The Japanese took this basic art and developed acupressure points. By applying firm pressure in these pressure points, the energy of the body could be regulated. hey began to correlate certain pressure points with relief in different parts of the body which formed the basis of shiatsu massage therapy.

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.

Shiatsu massage therapy has 3 main parts which include acu-pressure, kneading and tapping massages. Usually the acu-pressure points are detected by performing a body scan. The massage chair then customizes the massage to the user. The back rollers have the kneading and tapping movements. The best massage chairs have these minimum requirements to qualify as a shiatsu style massage chair. Some brands that offer them are Human Touch, Sanyo, Panasonic and Omega Massage.

The Panasonic EP30004 Real Pro Ultra creates a virtual map of your back. It takes into consideration the curvature of your spine and shoulder height. This chair also comes with an ultra-fine kneading function called Junetsu. Junetsu uses small circular motions that reverberate to the bone to provide muscle invigoration and relaxation. These massage techniques are particularly effective for the whole back region. The Junetsu is a unique massage only incorporated in the Panasonic chair.

The Sanyo SA 5000 uses a physical shape sensor to measure the users body. This is a high tech gadget to keep the shiatsu massage hitting the right acu pressure points. The interesting feature is that you can move around in the chair and the shape sensor readjusts where your pressure points are located. This is perfect for those who squirm more during the massage. The chair will still zero in on your points and hit them with relieving accuracy. Sanyo has got your back!

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.

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If you are interested in a Shiatsu Massage Chair, then see all the best Shiatsu Massage Chairs made by Panasonic, Sanyo, Omega, Takasima, Massagenius and more. Browse our massage chair articles, reviews and features.