The Benefits of Massage
Massage has been proven to improve and maintain the body and mind. Massage allows you to benefit from improved blood and lymphatic circulation, flexibility, quality of sleep and body awareness. Enjoy increased range of motion, enhanced relaxation and elevated mood. Reduce your stress, pain and severity of injuries with regular massage therapy.
Improve Circulation
Therapeutic or deep tissue massage manipulates the tissue surrounding muscles and uses pressure to release tension in the body. This pressure, whether it is provided by the hands of a massage therapist or the rollers of a massage chair, awakens sore or stiff areas and reinvigorates them by improving blood and lymphatic (spine) circulation. Recirculation of these fluids helps pass nutrients, gases, blood cells and hormones to and from cells in the body to help fight diseases and stabilize your body.
Enhance Relaxation
One major benefit of having a massage chair is that you always have control of the massage intensity. After a long day, you can turn on a light, soothing massage and feel your stress disappear. Recline to a laying down position, turn on the vibration setting or enjoy a foot rub - whatever your body needs to fully relax. The circular motion that most massage techniques use soothes your body and places you into a calm and comfortable state.
Better Quality of Sleep
Muscle aches and pains can lead to disruptive sleep and ultimately affect your health, productivity and mood. Evening massages are a great way to release tension before bed and experts say that regular massage therapy improves and maintains the body and mind. By setting aside time for massages on a regular basis you are taking care of your body and greatly improving your chances for a better night's sleep.
Elevate Mood
Doctors say a daily dose of massage - like eating a healthy meal - causes positive activity within your body. Over time, this can accumulate and lead to a better and happier mood. When your physical self is well rested and feeling good, your emotional self is likely to align with those feelings. As your body enjoys the repetitive stroking motions of massage therapy, it releases endorphins which relieve pain and promote a feeling of well-being.
Reduce Stress
The main purpose of massage therapy is to relax the body and mind. Even a vigorous massage can calm certain muscles and quiet the mind. Stress is related to our physical and mental health, work performance, quality of sleep and much more. Massage provides a solution by placing us in a tranquil state and making us feel relaxed as well as pampered.
Less Pain & Injuries
A massage chair allows you to visit a massage therapist as often as you like. If you experience frequent soreness or obtain a random injury, you will have access to massage therapy. Use the chair's various techniques and settings to release tightness, stretch your back or soothe trouble areas. Keep your body healthy and reduce your risk for future injuries. (NOTE: Depending on the severity of your pain, you may want to consult a physician).
Soothe Tired Muscles
Normal activities such as sitting at a desk, standing, walking and sleeping can tire out and strain your muscles. Our chairs come with different selectable comfort levels so that you can energize and stimulate your body or use gentler settings to promote recuperation. Either way, your hard working muscles will get the attention they need. Massage therapy is a great way to maintain the body so you can continue to be active.
Guide to Massage Therapy
There are many different types of massage used all over the world. Each one offers various techniques, sensations and health benefits. In the past, massage was considered a luxury but today it is a valued medical practice that can do more than just relax you. Massage therapy can alleviate pain that comes from headaches, sore muscles, injuries and illnesses and can also reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve sleep quality.
Swedish Massage
This technique is most applicable to the term "massage therapy" because it involves therapeutic or deep tissue massage. The majority of registered massage therapists are trained with Swedish massage. The approach is to use pressure to manipulate muscles and tissue and release tension in the body. A Swedish massage therapist usually uses oil or lotion and creates long, smooth strokes in kneading or circular motions.Shiatsu Massage
The word Shiatsu means "finger pressure" in Japanese. This massage technique dates back to the early 20th century and is one of the most popular approaches used today. A Shiatsu massage can be quite firm but should not create any soreness. Traditionally, it has used a combination of herbalism, acupressure and massage. Shiatsu now incorporates disciplines from physiotherapy and chiropractics and uses gentle manipulations and stretches combined with pressure from the fingers and thumbs.Hot Stone Massage
This luxurious treatment involves the use of heated stones to warm up and loosen muscles. Smooth river rocks are heated and then placed on or rubbed along parts of the back, neck and lower body - wherever there is tension or imbalance. The combination of warmth and pressure from the stones creates a relaxing sensation that is especially enjoyable for people with poor circulation, arthritis or severe muscle pain.
Reflexology
This popular form of massage focuses primarily on the feet. Reflexology is based on the theory that reflex areas in the hands and feet can promote health in other parts of the body, as well as organs and glands. When pressure is applied to the feet in particular, different chemicals such as endorphins can be released and consequently reduce pain and stress.Thai Massage
Some sources date the creation of Thai massage to 2,500 years ago. Similar to Shiatsu massage, Thai massage uses hand and finger pressure to align the body. It is also referred to as Thai yoga massage because the therapist will sometimes move the body into different stretches and poses. During Thai massage the muscles are compressed, joints are mobilized and acupressure is used to increase blood flow.Prenatal Massage
This technique is exclusive to expectant mothers and involves massage techniques that relieve common pains from lower back stress, tired legs and swelled up feet. A prenatal massage is extremely gentle (deep tissue massage is prohibited) and is meant to provide complete comfort for the mother.10 Things to Look For in a Massage Chair
Different bodies have different needs, that's why it is best to get a massage chair that suits your body. Massage chairs vary by multiple factors such as shape, size, pressure and especially massages offered. You must decide what type of features would be most relaxing and most beneficial for your body when deciding on the perfect chair.
In order to get a full body experience, look for a chair that has a massaging leg, calf or foot rest
Automated Programs
Take the guess work out of your massage. Chairs that include both manual and automatic massage programs tend to be more desirable. To experience a pre-programmed massage, all you have to do is sit down and make your selection. The chair will likely target several areas of your body in timed intervals with a variety of techniques.Types of Massage Techniques
More advanced chairs may include a number of massage techniques for you to choose from. Look for; Shiatsu (knead), which uses gentle circular, squeezing motions; Tap, which rapidly taps the back and stimulates spinal muscles; Knead & Tap, which combines two techniques to relieve stress; Press, a soothing compression massage; and Knock, which releases toxins through increased circulation. Some massage chairs will have other massage options, research to ensure they are a fit for you.Leg and Foot Massage
In order to get a full body experience, look for a chair that has a massaging leg, calf or foot rest. A deep calf massage is incredibly soothing after a long day of standing or an intense workout. Your feet have over 50 reflexology pressure points, so a foot massage can actually aid in the health of your other important body parts.
When your body is fully reclined, it is in an optimal position for relaxation
Length of Massage Stroke
The length of the massage stroke is based on how high up and how far down the back rollers can reach. A longer stroke is generally recommended for tall people while a shorter stroke is fine for more petite individuals. For men and women between 5'7" and 6' tall, a massage stroke of 23-25 inches is ideal. There are chairs with strokes as short as 20 inches and as long as 29 inches, so it depends on your size and preference.Ability to Recline
When your body is fully reclined, it is in an optimal position for relaxation. Choose a chair with reclining capabilities of 150 to 170 degrees, which brings you close to the zero gravity position. This lets you experience a deeper massage. If you'd like the convenience of being able to recline with the touch of a button, look for a chair that has this automatic function.Removable Pads
Having a chair with removable cushions is important if you want to be able to adjust the intensity of your massage. Most chairs will let you select the speed and pressure of your massage, but having the ability to add or remove cushioning makes your massage that much more personal. For example, if you desire a more intense neck massage you can simply remove the head rest cushion.
Having a remote control for your massage chair is incredibly convenient and lets you enjoy your massage more fully
Strength of Massage
A strong massage is generally better for the body because it removes knots, releases tension and improves circulation. Most chairs will give you a few options so that you can choose between a vigorous massage that energizes you and a gentler one that relaxes you.Remote Control
Having a remote control for your massage chair is incredibly convenient and lets you enjoy your massage more fully. All selections will be at your fingertips so you can move from one technique to another without having to fuss.Use of Air Bags
Air bags are a somewhat luxurious feature of massage chairs. Inflated air bags work to compress your muscles in the same way that a Swedish massage would. On the calves and feet, air bag massage is especially relaxing.Number of Motors
A full body massage chair should have at least two motors. Each motor performs a different function or covers a different area of the body. A two motor chair would likely have one motor in the back and another in the seat or leg rest. More advanced chairs usually have 4-6 motors and 2-3 air bags.Ultimately, you are the one to make the final decision in choosing your massage chair. Do your research and make sure you're making the right choice for you. If your choice is Pure Therapy, we hope you will enjoy your purchase for years to come.
