Massage Techniques in Massage Chairs

In most massage chairs, you can find several automatic massage programs. Depending on the chair, the number of programs usually ranges from 3 to 6. What are these automatic programs? They are nothing but pre-programmed massage cycles consisting of several massage techniques that work on our body in the right sequence and location.

The most popular massage techniques are: rolling, kneading, tapping, percussion, shiatsu, vibration, and stretching.

Rolling:

Belonging to calming massage techniques it is a very simple movement known to almost everyone. The massage rollers move up and down the back, at varying distances from the spine.

Purpose of rolling:

• Soothing pain - gentle rolling alleviates pain
• Improving skin condition - after rolling, the skin becomes smooth and elastic
• Relaxing tense muscles
• Improving circulation and relieving the back
• Accelerating metabolism in skin tissues
• Faster removal of edema and hematomas
• Increasing the flexibility of muscle contractions
• Warming up joints and muscles (used in sports massages, supporting warm-up)

Kneading

Kneading is a very important technique - it allows for maximum stretching and relaxation of muscles. It is the most effective method of massaging deep tissues. The massage rollers perform penetrating, circular movements of compression towards the spine on both sides.

Purpose of kneading:

• Helps deliver nutrients to the area around the spine
• Reduces tension and pain by stretching and contracting muscles
• Speeds up muscle regeneration after intense physical effort
• Increases the flexibility of muscle tissue and tendons
• Stimulates the contraction of muscle fibers, causing faster movement of interstitial fluids
• Eliminates scar tissue tension
• Regulates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in muscles

Percussion

Percussion is a series of energetic, rapid strikes following one another on the massaged tissue. The stroke should be springy, short, and made in a way that does not cause pain or bruising, hematoma, or broken blood vessels.

Purpose of percussion:

• Stimulates the entire back
• Reduces body fat by accelerating metabolism
• In respiratory system diseases, tapping is used to detach accumulated secretions in the lungs
• Stimulates the excitability of the central nervous system
• Regulates (narrows or widens) blood vessels

Shiatsu (acupuncture without needles):

In Japanese, "shiatsu" means "to press with thumbs". It is an ancient practice very similar to acupuncture, except that "shiatsu" focuses on meridians through which the body's energy flows. The massage rollers perform precise and penetrating pressure on specific points on the body.

Purpose of Shiatsu:

• Treating many health problems (headaches, migraines, back pain, blood pressure disorders, obesity, rheumatism, spinal pain)
• Reducing stress and tension, calming nerves, adding vitality
• Often used as a pain reliever (sometimes one shiatsu session, involving stimulation of energy flow through meridians, can bring relief to the patient)
• In a deep state of relaxation induced by this massage, the body activates hidden healing reserves that are usually dormant

Vibration

A technique involving mechanical vibrations of low amplitude and high frequency transmitted to the massaged tissues. It is often found in the seat of massage chairs to affect a larger part of the body. Vibrations are not performed by massage rollers but by special mechanisms capable of producing appropriate vibrations.

Purpose of vibration:

• Acts soothing and analgesic
• Stimulates the whole body
• Eliminates edema
• Used in respiratory system diseases
• Reduces heart rate
• Increases blood pressure
• Depending on the intensity, it calms or stimulates 

Stretching

It often appears as a separate massage program. The technique involves stretching and stretching the spine and the whole body. Stretch massage is performed by programmed backrest and footrest movements, which alternately extend from a semi-reclining position to a lying position. Folding the chair is preceded by a short back massage to increase the effectiveness of the procedure.

Purpose of stretching:

• Stretching the entire body (irreplaceable function for older people)
• Improving body flexibility
• Regeneration after intense physical effort
• Improving posture and silhouette

The most effective massage can be achieved when different massage techniques are used alternately, and the massaged area and the width and intensity of the massage are often changed. For this purpose, automatic programs have been created that lead the massage procedure perfectly and allow us to focus on pleasure rather than operating the massage mechanism.

Long-term use of one massage technique is not recommended (except for stretching). The massage can become boring, and the patient may feel uncomfortable. An exception to this rule may be a case where we consciously want to massage a specific area.

Each of us feels massage differently and needs different massage for full satisfaction. That is why experienced users are encouraged to experiment with massages. Everyone can create their own unique massage program using manual control, which can provide new experiences and have an even better effect on our health.