Alan Weidner asked:


The HT-1650 massage chair is the newest and, in my opinion, the nicest and most luxurious massage recliner that Interactive Health has yet manufactured. With the HT-1650 massage chair, Interactive Health has blended beauty with technology. This is truly the “His & Hers” in one, to end all compromising. Many different preferences can all agree on the value and quality of this chair. No other chair appears as sophisticated and diverse to fit into any home, with any style of décor. From elegance to modest taste, this chair pleases every setting.

With its luxurious premium leather, the quality of the fabric alone makes this chair one that you can melt away in. You can get cozy in it’s top-grain, double stitched, Aniline dyed leather, and make yourself at home resting comfortably as the memory foam cushion softens, making it irresistibly tempting to spend your entire weekend lounging deep in relaxation.

But if that isn’t reason enough to drool over this chair, brace yourself for all the benefits that lay inside, as your personal in-house masseuse.

This chair boasts of triple motors, with quad rollers that can be enhanced with air technology to customize the level of intensity to your personal preference and tolerance. So you get the best of both worlds of air and rollers. Step it up a notch in your relaxation by turning on the infrared heat in your low back. Unlike regular heat coils that can become too hot and uncomfortable after only a few minutes, the infrared heating unit works with your body’s inner temperature, delivering a natural heat that you can enjoy through the entire massage session. So you can maximize your massage therapy by adding heat therapy, and kiss those sore muscles goodbye!

Rollers in the calves and feet work the acupressure points and stress triggers that contribute to fatigued legs and feet, and will help improve circulation working out all of that tension, bringing back energy and rejuvenation.

Not only are your back, neck, shoulders, calves and feet taken care of, but your buttocks and thighs will be pampered as well.

This personal masseuse of yours will come with many choices to tailor- such as percussion, kneading, compression, stretching, traction, and rolling, the combinations are practically endless. You can even get rid of tension in your arms after a long day at work with the armrest vibration. You truly won’t want to move a muscle. So what more could you ask for from such a progressive design? How about voice activation so that you literally won’t have to move any muscle!

With 8 pre-set programs ranging from 1:Sore Muscle Relief, 2: Sports & Back therapy, 3: Leg/Foot/Hip Therapy, 4: Neck/shoulder relief, 5: After work stretch, 6: Morning energize, 7: Night time soothing, and 8: Auto Demo – it’s almost unnecessary to want any more from this chair, but you still have customizable preferences to personalize your sessions.

And with its unique on-board outlet on the back of the armrest, you can plug in your laptop, and can practically consider never having to move an inch again…that is, until you want to get up and enjoy your improved energy and overall physical health.

This chair reclines to a 170 degree angle to really traction out and stretch away the tension that compresses down on our spine all day long. Or you can just kick up the ottoman and enjoy the comfort of the chair overall while you watch some T.V. The only negative comment I’ve ever heard brought up about this massage chair, besides the price tag, is the fact that the ottoman doesn’t incline to 180 degrees. It rises to just a few degrees shy of horizontal. So, if you are banished from the bedroom and onto the massage chair for a night’s sleep, and you want to be completely horizontal, you might have a complaint. Other than that, this massage chair is everything it claims to be.

Interactive health uses unique technology for the back massage track, which is designed to promote the proper posture for your back, deserving it’s endorsement from the American College of Chiropractics and Orthopedics, as well as the American Chiropractic Association. Of course, Interactive Health’s standard 1/3 year warranty applies.

You really do get a fantastic bang for your buck; in my opinion, other manufacturer’s chairs in this same price range can’t compete on luxury and features.

MJ Marks asked:


When I think of a Japanese made product, I think of quality. I think of the videos I saw in the 1980’s when US manufacturing was suffering and the US looked to Japan as an example. I do not remember much except the exercise breaks. There would be a courtyard and the whole company or division would be out there doing stretches and exercising in place, all in their matching blue lab coats. That is the image frozen in my brain, and that type of stuff just made sense to me.

Japanese quality is not just two words put together, it is a philosophy, and if you type the words “Japanese quality” into Google, the top result is a Wikipedia article about the concept of Japanese quality (out of curiosity, I searched for “US quality” in Wiki, and no pages were found). Japanese quality encompasses two kinds of quality: atarimae hinshitsu and miryokuteki hinshitsu. The first ideal means that the product will function as it is supposed to, and the second, that it will do so in a pleasing manner. Overall, his means that the item will work to the customers’ satisfaction and that the item will be desirable to own.

Fast forward to today, and this philosophy is still alive and kicking when it comes to owning a Panasonic massage chair. Panasonic has been making massage chairs for over 30 years, and have been the leading manufacturer of shiatsu massage chairs in Japan for that entire time. Their emphasis is in research and design which results in both the most technologically advanced massage chair on the market and the most technically sound massage chair available. All components, regardless of size, go through rigorous testing.

Panasonic’s unrivaled research includes study of the movements of real massage therapists so that a Panasonic massage chair gives the most realistic massage in the industry. Their chairs precisely reproduces the techniques used by therapists. A Panasonic massage chair imitates shiatsu massage, Swedish massage, fist kneading and grasping, and the latest model also does spot specific massage called Junestsu.

It seems in today’s market, many items are made with plastic parts. They are made to last for a certain period of time, and then break so that you have to replace it. I discovered this with my hand mixer. When it broke, I took it apart and discovered that it had plastic gears inside. PLASTIC GEARS! No wonder it broke! Well, with a Panasonic massage chair, you do not get inferior parts and flimsy belts. High grade steel rollers are used to give you a powerful massage, rollers that will not bend. Instead of flimsy belts, Panasonic uses gear driven movement. This means fewer repair problems over the years. Panasonic is so confident in their product, that it shows in their great full warranty coverage. Some chairs offer extended warranties at no extra charge. They know that their products will last.

Panasonic massage chairs come in quite a few models in a variety of price ranges. With a little shopping around and model comparison, you are bound to find the perfect Panasonic massage chair just for you. And you know that it will last a long time, long enough to make it more cost effective than seeing a massage therapist every week!

Keith George asked:


Most people have never used a massage chair and have no idea how they function. They have been around for years and are very sophisticated machines in the form and shape of an arm chair. Many of them are produced in Japan. It is really great to just sit in the chair and get the massaging.

Inside the chair there are a number of motors, often 2-6, and a computer program that runs the program you choose. The whole body can be massaged within 20 minutes, sometimes less and sometimes more.

What kind of massage can you get? Let me give you some examples.

Air arm massage is a feature on some massage chairs. This is especially great to relieve weariness from the arms which are working restlessly for operation of a personal computer or a cellular phone, during works, domestic chores, leisure and so forth. The air massage mechanism is provided on the armrest and it will move naturally with the change of the body angle caused by the reclining movement. In this way the stiffness and strains in the wrists and back of hands will be relaxed thoroughly.

Depending on how the backrest is set, the function of the arm massage will work differently. The backrest can be in an upright position, slightly reclined and completely collapsed.

The air massage option is also available for the lower part of your legs. It massages with repeating cycles of compression of the muscles in an oblique direction and releasing. This stimulation assist an important function, to return the blood to the heart.

As the shape and form of our bodies differ it is vital for a good massage chair to have the option the adjust for that. Now there are chairs that automatically scans the persons body and use the data collected to change the tools, often small wheels that role and push, inside the massage chair.

Movements of hands and whole arms are reproduced to realize complicated and stereoscopic kneading up and kneading down massage. There are even more complex functions added in some programs of a massage chair. For example a function that combines the stretch massage, which resembles pressing with hands to push up first and then down, with the simultaneous application of the kneed, tapping and wavelet.

The most common functions of massage chairs are vibrations in the seat and backrest. Pleasant intermittent vibrations can be enjoyed simultaneously with the massaging. It promotes blood circulation and relieves strain from muscles.

What is the price of a massage chair? As always it depends on the functionality you want but prices range from just over $1,000 USD up to $8,000 USD. Many companies buy or rent a chair and have it for the personal. This is appreciated as a very efficient way to help the staff to stay healthy. There are studies showing that the number of sick-days will go down considerably when the massage chair has been installed.

An usual effect when a new chair is installed is that people will line up and try the massage. A schedule is almost always required and many use it frequently to get rid of the problems a stressful work situation sometimes creates.

James Nolan asked:


These days, when we walk into any mall, there are not one, but multiple options for every single product. At times we are lost wondering which to choose, or which would be the best of the lot. The same happens when we go to buy massage chair. There are so many lined up, and each one looks better than the other. We tend to sit in each of them, try them out and then decide. But most of the massage chairs offer similar features, and comfort. The only difference being the manufacturer and the expense. At times, people have a fixed budget when they go shopping, especially for products such as these.

When we buy a house, we look forward to picking up furniture and other cabinets, etc that go with the décor. And if there are elderly people at home, we look towards picking up a massage recliner. These comfortable sofa like chairs, come with a massager that will help relieve all tension and worry from the body. For elders, just walking from one room to the other could be tiring. So, if there were a massage lounger at home, they can relax in it and help stay fit.

The massage chair provides massage on specific points by giving rotary motion on that area. There are nodes placed in most places where people require massaging, and the chair works its miracles on those spots. The chair needs to be comfortable, before being a good massage lounger. So, it is important for the people who are going to be using it to sit and try it out, only then will they enjoy the massaging effect. For their old tired bones, these chairs are the best option. If they have been out shopping for a couple of hours and are ready to relax, if they spend a few minutes over a massage, their bones will come alive and they will have more energy as before.

Picking up the best massage chair is essential, and while making the purchase, check on how many massage rollers there are in the chair. If you go towards the higher end chairs, they might have up to 18 in them. However, just because there are so many, it doesn’t make the massage chair more effective. The quality of the material used, and the leather used on the upholstery will also add to the effectiveness and performance. Make sure the fabric used is leather or high quality resin; else you will have to worry about replacing them, since they could get dirty and wear out.

The main purpose of these massage recliners is to reduce your worries, so whenever you feel like a nerve is going to burst, spend a few minutes in this massage lounger and put your worries away. The newer models come with seat adjustment facility as well, which means you can recline the back rest to an almost lying down position or keep it erect. Same applies to the legs rest.

MJ Marks asked:


Homedics was founded in 1987. Since then, they’ve become a leader in the health and wellness arena. It has an extensive line of personal wellness products that allows their customers to relax, renew, and simplify life. As the innovative leader in self-care, wellness and personal health products, the people at Homedics continue to strive to provide people with products that promote well-being. Some of their most exciting products are their massage chairs. Here are a three of my favorites:

The Homedics eLounge Massaging Recliner will quickly become the best seat in your house. Its sleek, contemporary design make it a beautiful addition to any room. The advanced quad roller massage mechanism provides a customized massage. Simply pull the recline lever, choose a massage function, and you’re off to your own personal escape.

Features:

Modern and comfortable design with smooth lines and luxuriously padded, faux black leather Advanced Quad-Roller massage mechanism with 3D motion – It’s your massage therapist on demand! For ultimate comfort, this chair has four massage functions: Kneading, tapping, kneading & tapping and Rolling This chair brings you relief to where you need it with 4 massage programs: Upper, Lower and Full Back + Demo 160 degree manual recline for the ultimate relaxation Multiple convenience features: Cup holder, integrated remote control, pass- through electrical outlet, and tilt wheels for easy mobility Matching headrest/lumbar pillow included The ideal chair for your home theater!

Includes:

Homedics eLounger Massaging Recliner with integrated remote control Instruction manual (in English and Spanish)

Specifications:

Upright Dimensions: 37″H x 29″W x 40″L x (13″ Floor to Seat) Reclined Dimensions: 26″H x 29″W x 52″L x (13″ Floor to Seat) Weight: 100 lbs Retails for under $800

Another amazing Homedics product is the AG-3000B Shiatsu Antigravity Recliner Massage Chair. It’s a luxury recliner with a moving massage mechanism. This chair lets you melt away the tension and stress of the day. It has a moving shiatsu massage mechanism, comes in chocolate brown microsuede upholstery, has custom recline settings, has a convenient integrated control panel, and 3 programs: full, lower, and upper back.

Product Features:

Moving Shiatsu massage mechanism Chocolate brown microsuede upholstery Custom recline Convenient, integrated control panel 3 programs: full, lower and upper back

Specifications:

Box: 38″ x 26″ x 17″ Weight: 79 lbs Retails for under $400

And finally, the last Homedics product I want to tell you about is the SBM-200PMF Therapist Select Shiatsu Massaging Cushion with memory foam state-of-the-art moving shiatsu massage mechanisms that travels up & down the back. Includes a programmable control with 3 programs and a memory foam seat for increased comfort. It melts away tension, muscle pain and fatigue. Its your massage therapist on demand! Easily fits on most chairs.

Product Features:

Memory Foam Seat Deep Kneading Shiatsu massage Programmable Hand Control with 3 programs Retails for under $120

Specifications:

Individual Dimensions: 26.5″ x 5.75″ x 19.00″

Homedics has many products to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Treat yourself to one of the massage chairs I’ve told you about. You’ll be glad you did!

Brandon Thomas asked:


The holiday season is officially here, and with it can come added stress.  Chair massage is a fast and affordable way to alleviate stress and keep you in good spirits.  Many people have high expectations for the holidays—we want to give the perfect gift, or host a wonderful party or dinner.  Many families are traveling a long distance or are having guests stay with them.  The pressure we put on ourselves to please friends and family can create tension and anxiety, making the holidays less enjoyable.  Taking a short time out with a chair massage can release tension, improve mood, reduce aches and pains and help you to regain your stamina.

Taking a break in the midst of holiday planning and events may seem like a difficult or even impossible task.  There are more errands to run, more treats to bake, more presents to buy, and very little time to accomplish it all.  However, just 15 minutes with a chair massage therapist can provide valuable physical and emotional benefits that can make all the difference.  A chair massage is performed in a relaxing setting and can be combined with aromatherapy to enhance the positive effects.  The chair massage therapist concentrates on the upper body and back, working out the kinks and improving the body’s circulation.  Massage has also been shown to aid immune system function, which can help you to fight off nasty winter colds. 

With the economy faltering, and added holiday expenses, a chair massage might seem like a luxury that just isn’t in the budget.   However, for the cost comparable to a bottle of wine or a night at the movies, you can receive the healing benefits of therapeutic massage.  Chair massages are very affordable, often priced around a dollar per minute.  The sessions last between 15 and 20 minutes, which allows clients to receive the benefits of massage therapy at a fraction of the cost of a traditional massage.   And, instead of buying gift cards for those on your list who seem to have everything, why not treat them to an enjoyable and relaxing chair massage?

Corbin Newlyn asked:


A superior massage can relieve tension although therapeutic massages are not always practical or easily accessible. Because of this, there are electronic replacements available that substitute for masseuses and masseurs, in the form of a massage chair.

Despite the popular belief that the chair massage is a luxury, it is nonetheless very effective in rendering numerous benefits that exceed its cost, and even if they can not be used for daily life, they are still really useful pieces of equipment.

Advantages of Massage Chairs

Having a hands-on massage can certainly help relieve the pain and this is the goal in the case of a chair massage, which aims to provide adequate reduction of pain and furnish relaxation to the user and without the necessity of person-to-person contact.

This give a person the ability to get a massage at home in privacy and in addition to such a convenience, it is also time efficient, which are sufficient reasons to use the massage chair, which should supply a person with the means to alleviate the back pains they are experiencing.

According to research conducted on the subject of chair massage, there are three reasons as to why it is advantageous, and those reasons are to improve circulation and lymphatic flow, lowers tension as well as to improve the flexibility and it also boosts endorphin levels. These benefits work on both the physical and psychological facets and help reduce the symptoms of back pain and the majority of them are designed and created to achieve these benefits.

Little Risk Involved

It should be noted that this non-invasive massage poses a very low level of risk to the user of a massage chair, but in certain instances contraindications that are common for other forms of massage therapy are equally relevant in the case of these pieces of equipment.

These might include not utilizing a massage chair when suffering from infectious skin diseases, unhealed wounds, rashes, just after surgery and when using anticoagulants. Also, the chair massage should not be used if one suffers from circulatory ailments, or if they have inflamed or infected wounds.

A typical massage chair can cost roughly 800 to 4000 dollars, and there is really no statistics available to suggest what type of massage chair is superior but the higher priced ones in general furnish better quality, although even the lower priced versions provide good service as well.

M. Jedediah asked:


A long day of sitting at the computer for 10 hours has your body tense and miserable. You can feel every single muscle in your back and shoulders. They are aching and tense, and no amount of hot water shooting out of the shower head will help relieve the tension. No matter what position you try, whether sitting or standing that also does not help. You just hurt and can not get comfortable no matter what you try. So, how can you make your muscles relax and the pains go away?

You have heard and read about the new personal massage chairs that people in the office have bought and you thought it was a silly idea, but now you are not so sure. At lunch you head out to the local mall and make a stop to see what these chairs are all about. The salesperson is helpful-of course, because they want to make a sale and get a commission. They begin by telling you about some of the fantastic features of the chair and offer you an opportunity to sit down and relax as they demonstrate each of them for you.

Each massage chair is a little different in style and more features depending upon the cost. Some of the features being demonstrated include several massage functions. Features may include a footrest that gently grips your calves so that your body will be arched and stretched into a relaxing position, a neck massage, adjusts for your personal height, a foot massager, and the relaxing back massage from your shoulders down to below your buttocks.

The massage chair is usually about the size of a normal recliner and will fit into most rooms. Their upholstery can be leather, vinyl or cloth. It does require electric to operate and usually has a batter backup-just in case the power goes out when you are in the ‘up’ position. They all carry warranties, but these vary by manufacturer and you should check into this closely.

So, what are you waiting for? You have heard all of the information, talked to everyone that owns a massage chair, and have had several demonstrated for you. All you need to do is to make the decision about which particular chair you want. If you are still debating on which one to purchase, go back and have another demonstration provided by the salesperson. Take your time and make sure that you get exactly the features you want.

Think it is too expensive? Well, anything worth having will cost money. But, you are worth it. You only have one body and life is too short to not enjoy the luxury and comfort of a massage chair. What is it worth to you to be able to come home every day from work and to be able to lie back in your massage chair and to have every part of your body tenderly massaged for as long as you want? The answer is ‘priceless.’

Kenneth Scott asked:


There are many types of massage chairs on the market and if you have never sat in one, you should. If nothing else, go to a mall or furniture store where these chairs are displayed and give it a try – and then just try to pretend that you do not want one. Having your very own massager whose fingers never get tired may simply be too much to turn down.

While massage chairs are pretty great for relieving everyday tension, they are ever better for people who have frequent back pain. Many use some type of massage chair to relieve tension and to keep the back feeling good. If you let pressure and strain build up in your muscles, it will become harder to do everyday things. For example, if you have a really tight muscle in your back, it may be difficult to stretch, bend all the way over, or perform other routine movements. Message chairs can help you to relieve that tension, thereby helping you do a million other things without the nagging pain so many people have come to accept as normal.

Think you do not have time to utilize a massager of this kind? Maybe you do not have time not to. Consider this situation. You come home from a long, hard day at work just to realize that you still need to do laundry, cook dinner, do the dishes, and get the kids to bed. If may be overwhelming. But if you take a few minutes as a breather, it can help to get things back into perspective. A few minutes in massage chairs is just one way to do just that. And unlike flopping down on the couch for a few minutes, you are much more likely to feel a little better physically when you get back up.

Many people have so much stress that it is actually hard to sleep at night. One way that many people cope with this is through pain relievers. This may be okay for the short term, but natural remedies are always a better alternative. One way that you may help yourself relax is with massage chairs. And the more you use them, the better your back will begin to feel. Just imagine how you could feel in a week if you got a massage every night.

Everyone has likes and dislikes when it comes to a massage. Even though massage chairs are only machines, there are alternatives for everyone. If you do not like your massage to be very firm, you can turn this down on most models. Also, you can make most models concentrate more or less on certain areas of your back.

Oakworks Inc asked:


Massage therapy has been in use for a long time. Chinese documents dating back more than 3000 years denote its use. In recent years, massage therapy has grown in relevance, popularity and significance as a viable alternative to more traditional treatments. Adding to the legitimacy of massage as an alternative treatment option, many states now regulate the industry by requiring massage therapists be fully trained and licensed. Massage therapy techniques target the muscles and soft tissue of the human body to help promote natural healing. Since its first documented use, massage therapy techniques have evolved to offers more that 250 different techniques or modalities.

Licensed massage therapists (LMTs) are providing treatment in all sorts of settings; from offices and airports to spas and luxury hotels. Many businesses have even contracted LMTs to come into their workplace and provide massages to their employees. Portable massage tables and chairs have enabled the industry to provide their services in almost any location. Jeffry Riach, Co-Owner and CEO of Oakworks Inc, the leading manufacturer of portable massage tables and chairs for over 30 years noted that “Oakworks continues to see an increasing demand for professional massage tables and chairs.” Mr. Riach went on to say that what’s even more exciting is the demand we’re seeing for our professional massage table products for use in home spas. You can view the entire line of Oakworks Professional Massage tables and Massage Chairs by visiting www.oakworks.com.

If you’re considering getting a massage, you’ll want to take a few things into consideration. One of the most important aspects you’ll want to pay close attention to is the qualifications of the massage therapist who will be performing your massage. You can find out if your state requires a license by visiting the Massage Register website at www.massageregister.com and clicking on the “Certification and Licensing” link under the General information heading. If your does require massage therapists be licensed, don’t be afraid to ask if the person giving the treatment is licensed and ask to see the license.

You’ll also want to know the type of modality the massage therapist uses. You can find out more about massage therapy and different massage modalities by visiting the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals website at www.massagetherapy.com. With more that 250 modalities in use today, it can be a bit daunting to understand all of them, but the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals website does a great job of breaking them down into simple to understand terms. The LMT you choose will also be able to explain the modality(s) they use and also help you understand what the benefits of their chosen modality or modalities are.

And finally, ask about any equipment they will be using including massage tables or massage chairs, oils or lotions. Let your LMT know if you have any allergies as this may affect the use of some oils or lotions. Also, massage table drapes and face rest covers and may be of concern. Tell your LMT if you have any allergies to perfumes, dyes or synthetic materials.

Millions of people around the world have discovered the exceptional benefits of massage therapy as an alternative to traditional medicines. Massage therapy provides numerous health benefits. Highest among those benefits are pain relief and stress relief. As our lives continue to move at a faster pace, we’re continually searching for ways to get healthy, relax and unwind. For many, massage therapy is the key to maintaining their health and wellbeing.