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 18th 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.
The development of Swedish massage centered upon releasing the build up of stress in the body. This technique, like others, needs to be performed on a routine basis for maximum benefit. It was designed to relieve the daily build up of stress in the body. Swedish massage is also called classic massage. Swedish massage is effective in relieving discomfort from pain, body aches and tension.
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.
The best massage chair recliners have integrated the 6 elements of Swedish massage into their chairs. These premier massage chair brands use a combination of electro-mechanical systems driven by sophisticated software to deliver the Swedish massage effectively. Whether it is the massage rollers performing Effleurage or Tapottement performed with a rhythmic tapping action, these massage chairs have evolved in sophistication and effectivness. Of course, a massage chair recliner does not tire, so relief is only the push of a button away.
Not all massage chair recliners can perform all 6 techniques. All techniques are performed to different degrees and can vary from model to model and from manufacturer to manufacturer. Omega Massage’s Montage Elite massage chair and the Panasonic Real Pro Elite have the most comprehensive Swedish massage techniques. The Montage Elite is the most comprehensive Swedish because it has full body heat capabilities where the Panasonic Real Pro Elite does not. Try them both and decide for yourself.
Back in the 18th century, Mr. Henrik Ling, who pioneered the Swedish massage, might not have imagined his techniques would be integrated into a massage chair in the 21st century. As he might not of thought his massage would be offered in spas around the world. However, Mr. Ling recognized that Swedish massage must be performed on a routine or periodic basis to release built up stress. If tension is left unchecked, then further damage to the body continues. Relieving this build up is critical for the health and well being of an individual. Mr. Ling would be happy to see people getting his massage therapy on a routine basis with a massage chair recliner.
