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.
In our daily lives we run up against stress. It just seems to come with our day to day challenges. When we work under pressure, we start with mentally putting pressure on certain areas, some positive, some negative. The negative ones start fear reactions which tense up the muscles. We can become stressed on a mental level and also on a physical level. If this stress is allowed to build up, it begins to effect other parts of 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.
Swedish massage uses 6 elements which are effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapottement, traction and vibration. Effleurage uses long sweeping strokes covering many parts of the body. Petrissage uses kneading and squeezing of the muscles. Friction or heat helps muscles relax and helps blood flow. Tapottement is the use of a tapping or chopping motion to loosen muscles. Traction is the pulling and stretching of the arms and legs. Vibration is used to shake and loosen muscles to relieve tension and stimulate the capillary vessels.
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.
