There are many terms to describe massage chairs. Commonly, you can find robotic massage chairs or shiatsu massage chairs. There are many different terms which can cause confusion for those looking for a massage chair. Shiatsu massage chairs provide a shiatsu massage therapy. This is a massage therapy that origins are in Japan. Let us first explore shiatsu massage then we can make sure that any shiatsu labeled chair actually qualifies for this designation.

Massage therapy has been used for over 5,000 years. It has different origins in China, Egypt and India. Shiatsu massage therapy is an offshoot of Chinese medical arts such as acupuncture. Acupuncture uses pressure points in the body to promote healing. The Japanese adapted acu pressure to control and regulate the flow of energy in the body. They noticed that applying pressure to specific points reduced discomfort and pain in the body. A body of knowledge developed using specific pressure points to induce total bod relaxation which formed into the traditional shiatsu massage.

As the pressure points were being discovered and correlated to different body parts, massage therapies were used in conjunction. Massage techniques such as chopping and kneading were used. Chopping helps stimulate the muscles to increase blood and lymph circulation. Kneading was found to elongate the muscles to help increase flexibility and healing after physical exertion. The use of pressure points where firm pressure is used with either chopping and kneading started the foundation to traditional shiatsu massage.

Shiatsu massage therapy has 3 main parts which include acu-pressure, kneading and tapping massages. Usually the acu-pressure points are detected by performing a body scan. The massage chair then customizes the massage to the user. The back rollers have the kneading and tapping movements. The best massage chairs have these minimum requirements to qualify as a shiatsu style massage chair. Some brands that offer them are Human Touch, Sanyo, Panasonic and Omega Massage.

The Panasonic EP30004 Real Pro Ultra creates a virtual map of your back. It takes into consideration the curvature of your spine and shoulder height. This chair also comes with an ultra-fine kneading function called Junetsu. Junetsu uses small circular motions that reverberate to the bone to provide muscle invigoration and relaxation. These massage techniques are particularly effective for the whole back region. The Junetsu is a unique massage only incorporated in the Panasonic chair.

Sanyo has their high end chair that comes with a multi-point shiatsu leg and foot massage. The Sanyo HEC DR7700K uses specialized airbags with built in acupressure nodes to provide penetrating relief to the feet, calves, ankles and legs. The airbags will energize applying firm pressure to the part of the lower body. Other airbags energize with the acupressure nodes to stimulate the pressure points to provide whole body relaxation.

Some massage chairs have taken shiatsu massage and elevated into higher dimensions. Take the Montage Premier by Omega. This chair brings in the dimension of sound with the MP3 music player. Put on the headphones and let the music soothe your mind. Meanwhile, add full body heat or individual area heat to reduce swelling and ease aches and pains. Or add some traditional shiatsu lower body stretching. The Montage Premier incorporates a lower body traction that elongates the whole lower body for comprehensive relief.

There you have it--shiatsu massage chairs. Shiatsu massage therapy is a very popular massage therapy and performed around the world in spas. Now you know some of its most basic elements. There are many subtle movements with shiatsu. Find the best massage chair brands and you will get a satisfying and relieving shiatsu massage. If you are just starting your search, check out shiatsu massage chairs from Panasonic, Omega and Sanyo.

If you are interested in a Shiatsu Massage Chair, then see all the best Shiatsu Massage Chairs from the brands such as Panasonic, Sanyo, Omega, Takasima, Human Touch and more. Browse our massage chair articles, reviews and options.