Thursday, October 8, 2009

Massage Is Great For Your Health

Massage Chairs to the Rescue: Improve Your Health with Massage!

by Janet Huey

How is it that we just do not ever seem to have enough time. We know we need to take better care of our bodies, but somehow we just keep cutting corners. We are all busy. We know we need to make good health a higher priority, but. Well, you know, but. We do know that stress builds everyday. It is cumulative. How does that stress get reduced? Since ancient times, massage therapy was the preferred method. Today, how about the day spa? Nice, if I had the time. This is where a massage chair can help.

Can a massage chair really help me out? The premier massage chair brands have developed an incredible array of therapeutic massage therapies in their recliners. Massage therapy manipulates both the skin and muscles which helps to relieve and alleviate aches, pain and discomfort. Furthermore, massage chair recliners can perform full body massages. From you feet to your head, today's massage chair got your covered.

The evidence for massage therapy keeps building. The studies keep showing that massage therapy helps to relax the muscles; reduce the heart rate: increase blood flow and lymph flow; improve range of motion and guess what? Reduce Stress! We all know the massage therapy feels good, but massage therapy is a treatment. The studies also show that like diet and exercise, massage therapy is a process of healing the body. Massage therapy must be performed on a periodic, recurring basis.

Of course, one of the problems of getting a massage is the time involved. By the time an appointment is set, you drive to the spa, and get the massage, and then come back home may all take 2 hours or more. This is great if you always have the time, but most of us do not. A massage chair on the other hand, provides in-home convenience, 24/7 access and no appointment necessary. It is ready, willing and able to relieve your aches and pains.

When you get a traditional massage at a day spa, the massage therapist will give you a full body massage. The massage therapist will start on one part of your body at a time. As the therapist finishes one area, then they will move on to the next. A full body massage is usually completed in 50 minutes. If a therapist does the back and then moves on to each leg, and then to each arm for a total of 5 areas. The therapist spends about 10 minutes on each area. So, really each area gets about a 10 minute massage.

Now, a massage chair performs a full body massage as well. The difference is the massage chair works in parallel, so all major areas are receiving massages simultaneously. Since all areas are being massaged, the total massage time is only 10 minutes. The massage therapist by contrast work 5 areas for 10 minutes each for a total of 50 minutes. The massage therapist takes 5 times longer to cover the same area.

A massage chair can help you by always being available when you need it. Imagine having 24/7 access to your own mechanical masseuse. No appointment necessary. Building a routine around massage therapy cannot be too hard. In fact to get the most benefit, the routine has to include periodic, continuous treatment. Sound like more fun that working out! Well, it certainly is a great compliment to soothe those aches, pains and soreness. Get the balance you need, and look at integrating massage therapy into your total health. The ancients would have loved the opportunity to have a massage chair recliner.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Some Good Reasons To Get A Massage Chair

Why A Massage Chair Is Good For You

by Jason Prescott

Don't let the current economic times get you down. Find the perfect counter measure to the current stressful times in a massage chair. More people are feeling stress than ever before. Stress can be harmful to the body when there is no physical release. Stress is a reaction which causes muscle tension in the body. It is important to release the stress out of your body and a massage chair is a perfect way to do it

How about a little comfort in your life? You can find the best quality materials used in the craftsmanship of most massage recliners. To help you relax, designers of massage chairs wants you to be very comfortable. This helps your mind to be calmed and provides for a better massage environment. The chair back and leg rest typically have very plush and soft materials. This is important so that you only focused on receiving the massage.

There are many interesting massage chair styles. There are many models that are contemporary in design. These contemporary models may resemble more of an executive chair then a traditional recliner. There are a few that look like a traditional recliner, but not many. Then there are the industrial designs that that are very tough to fit in with most people's decoration. But, don't worry, you will find one that's perfect for you.

One of the biggest problems of receiving frequent massage therapy is convenience. People simply do not have enough time to go to a spa and back a few times a week. Massage chairs give you unprecedented convenience. They are available to you 24/7 access without any need for an appointment. This is a very important point. The benefits of massage therapy are received when it is done on a frequent basis. It is just like diet and exercise, it is not a one-time event but one that should be done periodically.

Some people have a perception that massage chairs are expensive. Yes, initially they are expensive as the cost of the chair must be paid for when you buy. However, massage chairs have a lifespan of 2000 hours. This would be a typical rating for a $3000 massage chair. A massage from a masseuse runs approximately $50 an hour plus tip. A massage chair, on the other hand, would run you a dollar 50 an hour and of course no tip is necessary.

Combat your stress by putting it in check mate with a massage chair. These turbulent economic times are tough; however, a massage chair is tougher. These relentless machines never say no. They are always at your beck and call and we'll give you consistent and reliable massage therapy. Integrate them into your daily routine. You do not have to set aside a full 60 minutes for massage. Take a break and get a 10 minute massage. Target your stiffness muscles and joints for relief and let the massage chair melt your tensions away.

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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Best Massage Chair

Try The Upper Echelon Massage Chair

by Charles Baker

The Montage Premier by Omega Massage is the best massage chair on the market today. The Montage Premier has many desirable features compared with the other massage chairs in its class. Here are some of the more important features of this top of the line massage chairs.

Five Automatic Programs: The Montage Premier has 5 pre-programmed massage treatments that work off one touch buttons. Each of the 5 automatic massage treatments uses the functions of the entire chair for full body relaxation. There are particular themes associated with each of the massage programs including Relaxation, Vitality, Activation, Morning and Night. Select the program that fits your needs at the time.

Four Manual Programs: The manual massage techniques are delivered by the roller mechanism contained in the chair back. The rollers can move up and down the full length of the back. The Montage Premier allows you to select kneading, tapping, rolling and kneading and rolling. Choose from 4 levels of speed to customize massage force to your needs.

Six Massage Courses: Massage courses are where the massage is concentrated in a particular region of the body. These are designed to massage say the lower back or the shoulders. The Montage Premier is equipped with six massage courses. Included is full back, lumbar, upper back, middle back and two variations on the neck. When this choice is selected, then the massage will be applied only in this area. The massage courses are only for the functions of the chair back and thus feature the back, shoulders and neck.

Air Compression Massage System: The Montage Premier massage chair comes with an air compression system. This system is driven by an air compressor that will inflate and deflate air bags located in the chair. The Premier massage recliner comes with airbags for the feet, calves, thighs, buttocks and arms. A compression massage helps to relieve tension in these areas by providing a firm compression massage. There are 4 levels of air pressure to choose from with this recliner.

Lower Body Traction System: This massage recliner comes equipped with a lower body traction system. This traction system will stretch out the lower body including the hips, knees, legs and ankles. The leg rest is used to hold onto the ankles. It is then raised to a horizontal position. The leg rest will then lower to 3 successively lower positions which stretch the lower body.

Full Chair Heating Elements: The Montage Premier massage chair has full body heat. Heating elements have been placed throughout the chair including the chair back, seat and leg rest. These can be individually controlled from the remote control. Apply soothing heat to where you most need it at a touch of the button.

Music Player with Headphones: This is a seemingly simple feature that actually has much more impact that people think until they try it. Every massage therapist knows that the environment of getting a massage must induce relaxation. If the person is distracted by their thoughts then it is hard to relax. Music is always used to relax the mind and calm it so the body can relax. Select your favorite relaxing music and let your body relax.

Foot Reflexology Massage: The feet are one of the more important areas to have massaged. The feet are believed to have gateways to the major organs. These reflexology points as they are known can be stimulated and help to reverse the effects of stress on the body. A reflexology massage just feels great after being on your feet all day. That alone can be priceless.

If you are looking for the best massage chair on the market, then check out the Montage Premier massage chair. You will find the most complete set of useful features of any massage chair on the market. It is also designed to accommodate persons up to 6'6" and 300lbs. This is truly a massage chair that provides uncompromising massage therapy to the most demanding of users.

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Sanyo SA 5000 Versus Panasonic 30004

Massage Chairs Compared Sanyo SA 5000 Versus Panasonic 30004

by Joseph Squires

Massage chairs are a competitive market and to of the biggest powers are Sanyo and Panasonic. We compare two of their higher and chairs and a back to back breakdown. The SA 5000 is the contender from Sanyo and the Panasonic 30004 is the heavyweight from Osaka. We will match up some of their top-notch features and layout their warranty coverage.

First up is the SA 5000 from Sanyo. The tale of the tape is a quite impressive list of features. Sanyo unveils its GK roller system and this massage recliner. This roller system enables the grip massage to reach around the neck and shoulders. This provides a very relieving squeezing type massage to soothe the upper body.

The Panasonic 30004 also comes with some fantastic features. The Panasonic recliner comes with its advanced Junetsu massage therapy. Junetsu is a micro kneading program. This deeply penetrating massage soothes the tightness of muscles and knots. This is one of the most advanced massage therapy programs on the market today.

Now if you need a good shoulder and neck massage, turn to the SA 5000. The GK rollers drive the stiffness program for relief of the shoulders and neck. These specialize rollers come out and around the shoulder or neck and provide a gripping massage. Target this area for relief.

The 30004 massage chair by Panasonic has five automatic programs for your massage needs. They provide a good sampling of massage techniques including deep tissue, Swedish, shiatsu and stretching. Stretching massages work in conjunction with other parts of the chair to stretch the lower body and also the upper body and arms. The shiatsu massage takes a reading of your body and notes exactly where your acupressure points are located.

Sanyo incorporates a stress detector into the SA 5000. The stress detector is actually based on a lie detector technology. It detects where you have tension in your body. By holding on to the sensor under the hand, chair detects and targets your stress points. This is pretty amazing technology into massage chair.

Need a good stretch? Try the Panasonic 30004 massage chair with its upper body stretching capability. This amazing technology actually can stretch your arm and shoulder areas. A lower body stretch capability is also incorporated into this massage recliner. This is an excellent way to relieve tension and the joints and to help increase flexibility.

If you need to target a specific area, then try the manual massages of the SA 5000. There are four manual massage techniques including kneading, rolling, combination massage and tapping. You can also specify the massage to be in a specific area of your back. Select from upper back, lower back middle back and neck and shoulders.

Now if you are looking for manual massages, the 30004 from Panasonic delivers with it man massage types. This is like having your own essays with multiple capabilities. Choose massage type such as Junetsu, Swedish, shiatsu, kneading, stretching, rolling, gripping and tapping. There are also massage courses that you can set for specific areas. You can also pinpoint the massage to relieve a specific area or point.

Now you must think about the warranty coverage. Luckily both of these massage companies offer in home technician service. Once you're chairs deliver, you do not want to have to move it. In-home service is critical with any manufacture. You also get three years of parts with Panasonic. Sanyo only covers three years for the roller mechanism. The other parts that Sanyo covers are only for one year. You may want to think about extended warranties in both cases.

Sanyo and Panasonic are the Titans of the electronics industry. These two Heavyweights square off with the SA 5000 and the 30004 massage chair recliners. Both of these are solid machines that deliver soothing and relaxing massage therapy on demand. If you enjoy deep penetrating massages and like stretching then go with the 30004 by Panasonic. If you like a neck and shoulders massage then the SA 5000 by Sanyo is for you. In either case these massage chairs deliver.

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Panasonic Model EP3222

Review Of Panasonic Model EP3222 Massage Chair Recliner

by Tim Austin

The subject of this review is the Panasonic Real Pro Elite model EP-3222. This is one of the high end luxury massage loungers in the Panasonic line. Panasonic is one of the leaders in the development of mechanical massage therapies. We will evaluate some of the advanced features and function of the EP 3222. Let us delve into our review of this Panasonic massage chair.

Massage chairs are complex machines that use both computer electronics and mechanical systems to deliver effective massage therapy. Like any complex product, you want to protect yourself from defects in materials or workmanship. Although, it is unlikely you will have a problem, it is always better to be protected so you do not have to worry later if something were to happen.

The EP-3222 Real Pro Elite comes with warranty coverage from Panasonic. Panasonic gives you 3 years parts and 1 year labor on this chair. This coverage is below what other manufacturers give you. Most manufacturers provide in home technician service for at least 90 days and in some cases for up to 1 year. Panasonic does allow you to purchase an extended warranty at additional cost.

Panasonic integrates some fancy technology to truly customize the massage for each user. When starting an automatic program, the massage chair performs a body scan. The EP 3222 makes a virtual map of your back. It locates your acupressure points. This is then inputted into the chair's computer and the program then focuses on stimulating your individual acupressure points during the course of the massage.

Another innovative feature of the EP3222 is the floating massage mechanism. The floating massage mechanism is patterned after the hand movements of a master masseuse. The floating mechanism consists of 2 to 4 firm rubber massage heads. These massage heads can very accurately simulate certain massage movements like pressing with the heal of the hand, stroking with the palm of the hand, thumb-like kneading and thumb-like pressure.

How about the massage treatments in the EP-3222? There are plenty of treatments for the most demanding massage requirements. You will find 11 basic massage modes in the EP3222. They have designed 6 automatic massage programs. You can select from manual massage techniques like Swedish or Shiatsu. These programs are well designed and very effective in providing relief.

Another area that Panasonic can target with the EP3222 is the entire lower body. They accomplish this with an air massage system. The air massage system uses a compressor which delivers to 33 strategically place air bags. These air bags provide and effective and relieving compression massage throughout the lower body.

The EP 3222 comes with a voice guidance system which can guide you through targeting specific relief. This is helpful for first time users or when you want to try something new. The remote also has a memory function. The memory function remembers the exact settings for the last five minutes of a massage you just received. If you like what just happened, you can store it in memory for the next time.

How about a great stretch? The EP-3222 Real Pro Elite comes with a stretch function for your legs. This function will elongate the muscles from the hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. This type of stretch is excellent to help improve your joint mobility and to increase your flexibility.

The Panasonic Real Pro Elite series has some other massage functions that we did not review like the Swede-Atsu that provides realistic feeling massage therapy. This is also incorporated in the EP3222 model. The massage therapies are good and the variety will enable you to get practically every type of ache, pain or tension relieved on demand. Our only concern with Panasonic is the short warranty on the labor. Other than that the EP 3222 is a solid massage chair and worthy of your further consideration.

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Saturday, October 3, 2009

Edema Relief

Massage Chairs Decrease Aches From Suffering Caused By Edema

by Claudia Grover

There quite a number of people who suffer from a swelling of the feet and legs. This can happen when fluid is retained between the body cells. Charlie, fluid is retained in the body cells and not between them. This condition is known as edema. Sufferers of edema typically have progressively more solid feet and lower legs. Many of these pieces are turning to massage chairs to provide a compression massage for relief.

Edema can result by a serious condition of the kidneys, the heart, the liver or even blood vessels. Some of the following have been late to contribute it to edema: pregnancy, PMS, neuromuscular disorders, and abusing drugs. These have been known to cause fluid to be retained between the body cells.

Edema can typically affect the feet, ankles and the lower legs. These areas will tend to accumulate more fluid due to their relative positions when sitting and standing. Edema has also been known to impact other areas of the body. When this occurs a can have systemic symptoms.

One of the most noticeable symptoms of edema is when the feet and calves swell. Sufferers note that swelling in the morning is minimal. They notice with increased activity that the swelling will increase as the day progresses. This can affect their mobility as the swelling causes increased stiffness.

Sometimes sufferers of edema may notice swelling at certain times. Typically after a night of rest, the swelling will be at a minimum. However, with increased activity during the day the swelling may increase.

Persons suffering from long-term edema may have what is called pitting. Pitting can be checked when you press a small area for a few seconds. Once you release your finger you may notice an indentation continues in that area. This needs to be checked as continued swelling can cause skin ulcerations.

As edema progresses other symptoms may begin. Often headaches, high blood pressure, swollen hands and more urination are reported. The retention of fluid in these areas causes the body to be in to become out of balance. People may often gain extra weight as well.

Seeking relief from edema is important. The stiffness associated with the swelling can cause discomfort. When dealing with swelling, elevating the legs periodically is helpful. This helps to circulate blood to those areas and helps with retaining less fluid.

You may also try leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping. Make sure that your feet fit well in your shoes and there are even supports socks. When you are trying to choose some shoes, just make sure you try them in the late afternoon. If you try them in the morning and your feet swell then they will not fit well in the afternoon.

Compression massages have been used to help reduce the swelling associated with edema. A compression massage uses inflatable airbags to provide a firm pressure. This helps to relieve tension to reduce the stiffness.

It is pretty common to find compression massages in massage chairs. A compression massage is performed by inflating specially designed airbags. These airbags are designed to effectively apply pressure to different muscle groups throughout the body. Repeated use helps to restore flexibility from muscle tension.

Your best bet is to start by asking your medical provider what treatments are available for you. Your doctor can get your properly diagnosed and then recommend treatment options. Ask how a massage chair can provide you with frequent and consistent massage therapy relief in your own home.

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Friday, October 2, 2009

Looking For A Massage Chair?

Looking For A Massage Chair? What You Need To Know Before Buying

by Barbara Berrafato

1. Define Your Needs: Think about how the massage chair will meet your long term needs. There is a tremendous variety of choices of models, makes and features. Start with the areas you are looking for daily relief. Are there certain problem areas, you want to focus on? Next, match the areas with the type of massage that would be most effective. If you are looking for full body massage, see what massage therapy techniques you would enjoy most. If you know the massage types you want this will help get the best massage chair for your needs.

2. Back Pain Relief: Suffering from back pain or discomfort? Massage chair recliners started with back massages and have built a full arsenal of massage therapies for the back. There is the finger press massage for decompressing the cervical discs of the spine. The rollers move up and down the spine gently pressing to relieve pressure. Shoulders and neck can be effectively relieved with a gripping or grasping massage. The rollers provide a gentle squeezing action to relieve built up stress. Lower back pain is effectively relieved with a shiatsu massage.

3. Massage Therapy: Are you looking for deep tissue massage that penetrates beyond the superficial muscle layers? Shiatsu massage uses the body's acupressure points combined with kneading and tapping for whole body relief. Swedish massage uses longer strokes, kneading, squeezing and heat. A gentle Hawaiian massage using sway, stroking and light tapping may take you to the islands while you relax. The technology integrated into many shiatsu massage recliners is incredible. Have fun and find the massage therapies you enjoy most and look for massage chairs that have these capabilities.

4. Lower Body Massage: Massage chairs have rapidly advanced the technology and effectiveness of lower body massages. Most massage chair concentrated really on the back, neck and shoulders. This was accomplished using rollers to imitate human hands. The lower body presents more challenges. These companies have developed a mechanical paddle system and air massage using air compression. Some chairs are mixed with both, but the best massage chairs use one or the other. The paddle system is limited to the calf areas. Air massage is much more flexible since the massage is delivered via air bags. These chairs have air bags for the arms, hands, feet, calves, thighs, hips, buttocks providing superior coverage.

5. Warranty Coverage: Warranty is your future protection, so it makes sense to know enough to get the coverage you require. Massage chair warranties include parts, labor, in home service vs. service center, and shipping expenses. Parts are what areas of the chair are covered and for how long. Labor is when technician time is involved, how much does the factory cover and how long? In home service is having a technician come to your house and repair the product. Finally, more companies are adding this service; make sure the manufacturer covers in home service. Also, shipping expenses for parts or for the entire chair is another factor to evaluate. Some companies are really strict and the chair must be in the original packaging or else you can buy the packaging from them! These are the main warranties areas to know about. Make sure you go with a known brand of massage chairs. I would hate to tell you the stories we have gotten from people who bought a fly by night outfit. One good test is if the massage chair company has retail accounts. If they do not, then who has leverage to make sure the warranty is honored? Most warranties cover parts, labor, in home service vs. service center, and shipping expenses. The difference is what they cover and for how long. Fortune 500 companies make you buy an massage chair industry. Compare warranties and costs and find the right protection for you.

Your health is your most important asset. Protect and enhance it with a daily massage. You now know enough to ask the right questions and start to find the best massage chair for you. This is a long term investment. Massage chairs are expensive and there is a tremendous variety to choose from for you needs. Shop around and look for the best deal. Evaluate the total cost of the chair including taxes and shipping. Take your time and educate yourself, so you get the perfect massage chair recliner.

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