Sunday, December 7, 2008

Acupressure Massage Therapy Simulated with Massage Chairs

By Steve Esquire

Many traditional forms of medicine are only now starting to be empirically validated by Western Science. Now many of the Eastern forms of healing are starting to go more mainstream in the health care industry. Take acupressure which derived from acupuncture. Acupressure uses the application of firm pressure to help manipulate the energy flow in the body. Now massage chair recliners have built technologies that integrated the use of acupressure.

There are different types of acupressure based on the traditional trigger points in the body. The differences between the types are the rhythms, techniques and pressures used. For instance, Shiatsu is a subset of acupressure massage and is its most famous form. Other techniques involve applying firm pressure for 3 to 5 seconds on trigger points. Another technique involves using a pressing pressure with an intermittent tapping action. Yet another technique involves slow pressure on the trigger points to induce whole body relaxation.

Many of the best massage chair brands like Panasonic, Omega and Sanyo include a body scan technology to accurately identify an individual persons acupressure points. The software then adjusts the massage for each person. There are over 300 acupressure points that have been identified throughout the body. Acupressure uses these trigger points to manipulate the flow of energy throughout the body and to help to remove blockages.

These massage recliners take a reading of your back as the acupressure massage is activated. The computer in the chair takes in all the information. It will then, processes it and then create a program just for you. The recliner knows how to manipulate the most critical trigger points and knows the precise location of your points. The massage recliner runs a customized massage just like a massage therapist. These acupressure massages are very effective in revitalizing your body and spirit.

To help you relax some massage chairs incorporate other features to compliment the acupressure massage. Most spas have soft meditative music to help the mind to relax and get away from thinking about the stresses of the day. Some massage chairs have MP3 players built in with headphones to help you to relax. You can also find heat therapy, where there are heating elements constructed into the chair. Heat helps to reduce swelling and increase blood flow.

The acupressure massage helps to encourage the flow of blood and lymph. The increased flow of blood and lymph increase energy and help the body to heal. Additionally, some of the benefits of acupressure massage are the following:

Reduction in blood pressure; Reduction in stress; Increased awareness; Increased energy

The ancient Chinese pioneered the use of acupressure massage. They discovered that your trigger points are correlated to greater healing and longevity. These treatments were effective if done on a recurring basis. This is perhaps the greatest challenge of massage is getting it done frequently. Now, with massage chairs, one can have affordable access to these important therapies. Getting recurring massage from an economic perspective is much cheaper with a massage recliner.

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