Starting as a simple four-legged contraption meant for sitting, chairs have come a long way. Browsing on the net or in a store for a chair could confuse the buyer with the many choices laid out – those for simply sitting on, recliners to relax in, and now chairs designed for getting a massage. Competition spurs innovation, and makes the customer the king. You do feel like royalty seated in one of the decadent massage chairs that have evolved via many modifications from the humble wooden chair. The new age massage chairs can be customized to buyers’ needs and adjusted to suit their likes and dislikes. Spoilt for choice
Given the wide variety of massage chairs on the market, you can choose one with features tailored to your desired level of comfort and your budget. The low-end massage chairs provide the very basic massage to specific pressure points, usually concentrating on the back. The high-end massage chairs include functions that create sensations of kneading, tapping, compressing and rolling as if by a masseur. The extensions provided in these sophisticated massage chairs or loungers are extremely realistic. Devices attached to the footrest put thumb pressure on the feet applying the technique of reflexology. Some chairs are devised to provide a full body stretch. Some osteopaths and chiropractors design massage chairs with special thought to massage of the back, arms and legs while taking care of the spine. The high-tech chair The amount of ongoing research and development on massage chairs is overwhelming. Like classification of massage according to techniques and styles, massage chairs too are classified by their area of specialty. For example, the Shiatsu Air Massage chair concentrates on the thighs, legs, calves and feet, while the Back Massage Chair does wonders for people with back problems. Panasonic, Sanyo, Matsushita and Fuji are some of the leading brands of specialized chairs. Sanyo’s smart chair is supposed to have intelligence to detect areas of physical stiffness and fatigue. Does this signify the birth of chairs with artificial intelligence? Which chair is for you completely depends on your needs. It should serve you for a long time, offering comfort, relaxation and relief from medical problems if any. Does it really need to have multiple options or can you economize and buy a simpler one with limited options? Lower back pain, fatigue, stress, sore muscles, tired feet, stiff neck and shoulder – you name it, the massage chair will have a provision to provide relief. Is all that is claimed by the manufacturers really delivered? Have you tried one and felt rejuvenated? Share your views – write to us! |
