When it comes to massage chairs, there is a spectrum of massage techniques and modes that are offered depending on the individual chair. Each technique offers a different sensation and works on relieving tension in your muscles in its own way. Some chairs are known for particular techniques more than others. As a starting point, it is important to know how each technique functions in a massage chair and how it works on the muscles in your body.

Rolling Technique

  Feels like the gentle hands of a massage therapist pressing firmly on one side of your spine, then the other. Rolling massages stretch the spine to temporarily relieve pressure on the discs in your back. It relieves tension and loosens the muscles to prepare your back for deeper massage. The greater in size the rollers and the greater size of total area that your back is affected, the more effective the massage will be for increasing blood circulation.

Kneading Technique

  Feels like thumbs pressing firmly in a circular motion on both sides of the spine. This therapeutic motion goes deeper, lifting and stretching muscles to improve circulation. Kneading both relaxes and invigorates the body. Kneading starts by applying gentle pressure to an acupoint and holding it there until the tension transfers from the body to the roller. Once the roller retracts, tension and pressure is released from the area.

Shiatsu

  This deep tissue technique focuses on particular acupoints that relate directly to organs or glands in the body. The massage stimulates these points to increase the energy flow, reduce stress, and to promote overall health in the body. This massage feels like fingers applying pressure directly on the acupoints and then releasing it.

Acupressure/Compression

  Feels like the heels of a professional therapist's hands firmly pushing on the muscles alongside your spine, and inward toward the spine itself. This technique has a softening affect on the tissues. It is generally used as a warm-up for deeper, more specific massage work. Some chairs refer to this technique as acupressure while others call it compression; the two terms are interchangeable.

Percussion/Tapping

  Feels like fists or the edge of hands rapidly tapping on your back muscles. This is the deep muscle therapy popular in sports medicine. It flexes spinal joints, relieves pressure, and invigorates your entire back. Some chairs refer to the technique as percussion while others refer to it as tapping.

Swedish

  Consists of a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and gently rubbing in the same direction as the flow of the blood returning to the heart. A Swedish massage may use all or some of the techniques offered in a particular massage chair. A Swedish massage loosens muscles and stimulates blood flow. A Swedish massage has become standard and is what many people refer to as a “normal” massage.

Air Massage Technique

  A technique that is solely used in massage chairs, Air Massages employ air bags in the back, seat and leg area. Air massage works by squeezing your muscles, holding, and then releasing the muscle for relaxation. It applies pressure to sore muscles and improves blood flow to tight or injured areas.

No massage technique is better than another; it just depends on what you are looking for in your own massage chair. The wonderful thing about most massage chairs is that you have the ability to design your own personalized massage combining any techniques you please. This way you can control the exact experience you desire.