Swedish massage is now built into massage chair recliners. Most people think massage chairs are just simple vibrating chairs. But in fact, massage chairs are technologically sophisticated with items such as heat, music, stretching and various massage therapies. Swedish massage is one of the most basic massage techniques. It is a set of 6 elements, which for a massage therapist is easy to perform. However, to replicate the movements in a massage chair presents a set of fairly complex challenges to overcome. However, Henrik Ling, the developer of the Swedish massage in the 18th century might be very impressed with how his technique has progressed through time and is now incorported into massage chairs.
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.
Effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapottement, traction and vibration are the 6 elements of Swedish massage. Each element of the Swedish massage technique is defined here. The use of long sweeping strokes covering many parts of the body is Effleurage. The use of kneading and squeezing of the muscles is Petrissage. The use of heat to help blood flow and muscle relaxation is Friction. The use of tapping and chopping motions to loosen muscles is Apottement. The use of pulling and stretching the arms and legs is Traction. The use of shaking to loosen muscles and stimulate the capillary vessels is Vibration.
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.
Check out Panasonic and Omega Massage because their massage chairs have advanced the Swedish massage technique the most. The Omega Montage Elite and the Omega Montage Premier massage chair both offer all 6 elements of Swedish massage. Omega has integrated full body heat into both of these chairs. Panasonic with the Real Pro Elite does not offer heat, so it is lacking one element of Swedish massage. Not all chairs offer the Swedish massage elements. A great place to start is with the Real Pro Elite by Panasonic or the Omega Montage Premier massage chair.
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.
