It’s believed that massage therapy was first practised in ancient civilizations throughout India, China, Egypt, Japan, and Greece. Reflexology — a type of massage in which different amounts of pressure are applied to the patient’s feet, hands, and ears — is thought to have originated in Egypt around 2,500 BC. By 100 BC, Chinese practitioners had invented acupuncture and knowledge of massage therapy practices had spread to Europe. In Greece, a rudimentary form of sports massage therapy emerged and massages were prescribed to encourage the healing of injuries.
Treatment techniques remained mostly unchanged for hundreds of years in Europe — until the 1860s when the Swedish massage method was established, revolutionizing massage therapy in the western world. Massage therapy continued to grow in popularity and in the 1950s, the advent of mechanical massage chairs gave individuals the opportunity to enjoy relaxing treatments from the comfort of home.
Today, a wide range of massage chairs with sophisticated technology and features are available to those who wish to access the benefits of massage therapy on their own time, in their own space.
Zero gravity massage chairs
NASA researchers defined the measurements involved in neutral body posture, which simulates how our bodies would behave when relaxed and free from all physical influences — including the pull of gravity. The findings from NASA’s scientists can be seen in the seat design of modern day cars, office chairs, and aircraft.
Neutral body posture is easy to maintain over prolonged periods of time, supporting the natural curves of your spine and keeping your body comfortably in alignment. Zero gravity massage chairs allow you to achieve neutral body posture, which can relieve strain on joints and muscles, decompress spinal vertebrae, and open up airways and canals.
Wall-hugging massage chairs
You might consider choosing a wall-hugging massage chair if you’re working with limited space. This type of massage chair is built to deliver the same experience as a regular massage chair, but it can be placed much closer to the walls of a room thanks to its space-saving design.
Wall-hugging massage chairs are perfect for smaller areas — compact massage chairs are also an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy massage therapy at home but are unable to accommodate the space needed for a standard massage chair.
Shiatsu massage chairs
In shiatsu massage, practitioners use a combination of kneading, pressing, rolling, and stretching techniques to alleviate tension in specific areas of the patient’s body. Many find shiatsu (which evolved from anma, an earlier Japanese style of massage) to be relaxing and mood-lifting. It’s thought that this massage method may be able to relieve problems with sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain.
A 2019 study examined the efficacy of shiatsu massage in treating chronic lower back pain. It found that participants who received shiatsu massage therapy reported lower pain levels than participants in the control group after eight weeks of treatment.
Reclining massage chairs
Elevating the legs while sitting may help prevent swelling caused by excess fluids that can accumulate near the ankles.
The lymphatic system carries out essential biological processes that help the body stave off disease, maintain fluid levels, and eliminate bacteria and harmful germs. Lymph fluid moves slowly through lymph vessels: unlike blood, it isn’t pumped around the body by a powerful organ like the heart.
If the lymphatic system isn’t functioning properly due to injury or illness, lymph fluid can collect around the damaged areas, resulting in inflammation and swelling. Left untreated over time, a build up of lymph fluid in the legs or feet can lead to stiffness, difficulty walking, decreased blood circulation, and a number of other health issues.
Reclining massage chairs allow you to put your feet up and relax during massage therapy, and some even include systems designed to treat muscles and tissue in your legs and calves. Individuals who spend long periods of time on their feet throughout the day may consider using a reclining massage chair to relieve stress on the spine and reduce the risk of swelling in the limbs.
Heated massage chairs
Heated massage chairs typically offer a number of customisable massage programs, allowing the user to enjoy a treatment of their choosing with (or without) heat therapy. Research has shown superficial heat therapy to be successful in reducing lower back pain, which affects around four out of five people at some point in their lives.
Heat therapy can reduce joint stiffness and muscle spasm, which may be beneficial in helping tight muscles relax.
4D massage chairs
4D massage chairs offer a range of treatments that can be tailored to an individual’s specific needs. The massage rollers in these chairs rotate in various directions to target different areas of the body, speeding up or slowing down automatically to focus on certain muscles. Many 4D massage chairs also contain an L-Track, a path of systems that treat the hamstrings, glutes, and spine.
The aim of a 4D massage chair is to mirror the techniques and pressure used by massage therapists as closely as possible. Thanks to their highly customisable nature and advanced technology, 4D massage chairs are particularly useful to individuals who require frequent or high-intensity massage therapy. 4D massage chairs may be beneficial in:
- Soothing muscle aches or tightness
- Promoting healthy spine alignment
- Alleviating stress, tension, and anxiety
It’s important to note that massage chairs are not suitable for everyone — those with certain underlying health conditions (such as serious heart issues) should consult their doctor for advice before deciding to purchase a massage chair.
Ultimately, the right massage chair for you is the one that best addresses your needs. Look for a model that offers the type of treatment you’re seeking, suits your personal preferences, and will be easy and comfortable to use in the space you intend to enjoy your treatments in.