Archive for the ‘furniture’ tag
A Massage Chair Performs Shiatsu Massage Just Like Hands
Traditionally, shiatsu massage has been performed by skilled therapists to ease and relieve aches and pains throughout the body. The evolution of technology includes robotic massage chairs capable to imitate a shiatsu massage therapist. The most advanced models locate acupressure points by making a scan of the body. The chair then accurately pinpoints an individual’s acupressure points. These shiatsu massage chairs can deliver a full body shiatsu massage including the acupressure points which induce whole body relaxation.
Shiatsu is a massage technique originating over 5,000 years ago with roots in traditional Asian medicine. The technique has parallels to acupuncture, but without needles. Instead, pressure is applied to specific point in the body. Shiatsu is based on manipulating the flow of energy throughout the body. Shiatsu is thought to help restore the balance in the body. The shiatsu massage technique uses gentle stretching along with applying a rhythmic and gradual pressure using a kneading motion. Shiatsu uses certain pressure points along certain meridian or pathways that related to specific organs in the body. Shiatsu literally means finger (shi) and pressure (atsu) or finger pressure. The use of a finger pressure massage is used to regulate the flow of energy in the body. A shiatsu massage induces deep relaxation, increases the energy flow and brings the body back into balance.
Skilled humans have performed massage throughout the centuries evolving into many techniques. Shiatsu continues to evolve with technology as has been integrated into the current shiatsu massage chairs. Integrating advanced electronics with sophisticated software controls means one tireless robotic masseuse. Mechanical fingers replicate subtle hand and finger movements. They scan your body to find critical points and customize the massage just for your body.
The mechanical systems can apply gentle pressure to acupressure points. Effective acupressure massage helps to relax the body and tranquil the mind. Shiatsu Massage chairs also have mechanisms that replicate the thumbs, hand and fingers. Imagine little mechanized fingers provide shiatsu therapy that never tire. Select from gentle or firm and select little or more pressure for the acupressure massage. Shiatsu techniques make use of rubbing, percussion, kneading and vibration.
Shiatsu massage chairs provide a wide variety of therapies to aid many ailments and symptoms. Shiatsu massage has been shown to help stimulate circulation in the capillaries of the skin. Shiatsu is used to treat those suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis. Shiatsu reduces muscular pain, limbers up muscles and increase nutrition flow throughout the body. A shiatsu massage assists the metabolize fat which increase stamina.
It is hard to match the gentle and soft touch of a human. Human hands have subtle and unique qualities making them simple, yet complex. Maybe the robotic massage chair cannot replace human hands yet. At least they never tire. You can use them 24/7 without an appointment. Relax to the built in music player and drift away as the pressure points are released one by one. Whatever you do, do not let your symptoms persist and please find treatment. There are ailments that can be treated at home with a shiatsu massage chair.
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Review for the Human Touch HT7120 Massage Chair
Human Touch has a wide variety of massage chairs for virtually any need and budget. This review will focus on the HT-7120 massage recliner by Human Touch. This recliner is in the $2,000 to $3,000 price level. This review is in 5 main parts which include warranty coverage and customer service, comfort and ergonomics, ease of use, key features and massage therapy. Each of these areas can earn up to 20 points each. An overall rating is given by summing up the areas for a total possible rating of 100. Let us see how the HT 7120 rates in this review.
Warranty Coverage and Customer Service: We start with warranty, since this is the consumer’s long term protection against the occurrence of defects in workmanship. The warranty coverage for the HT-7120 is 3 years on the structure, 1 year on parts and 90 days labor. Labor is provided for 90 days and Human Touch will cover the shipping to and from the customer during this period. There is in home technician service available, but at the customer’s expense. This is a very light warranty by industry standards. Customer service is provided by Human Touch and they are competent at diagnosing problems. We rate the warranty coverage for this recliner a 12.
Comfort and Ergonomics: With any massage chair design, ergonomics is an important aspect of design for comfort and relaxation. We like the ergonomics of the HT 7120. It has a very contemporary design, yet it fits the body well and is very comfortable to sit in. The controls are laid out well and positioned in good locations. The leg ottoman can be adjusted in the width of the wells, but you are unable to extend the leg ottoman. This recliner earns an 18 in this category.
Ease of Use: The massage chair industry is always adding features into chairs which is outstanding. The counterbalance to many features is ease of use. With so many new features, figuring out how to take advantage of them can be frustrating. The HT 7120 comes with a very well designed remote control. It is slim remote and has controls located on 2 sides of the remote. The remote is descriptive and fairly easy to use. There is no remote stand, so the remote tucks away in a pocket. The only cumbersome operation is flipping the leg ottoman, but other than that we give the HT 7120 a 19 in ease of use.
Key Features: The interesting features in the HT-7120 are the compression massage and the channel width adjustment in the leg ottoman. The compression massage is based on sports massage therapy. It is a combination of stroking massage and a rocking motion. The stroking massage helps to elongate muscles and also applies firm pressure for deep tissue relief. The rocking motion helps to loosen the spinal joints and relieve pressure. The channel width is adjustable in the leg ottoman. This is a nice feature allowing for the pressure to be adjusted to better accommodate your calves and feet. We give this recliner an 18 for key features.
Massage Therapy: There are various massage therapy functions with the HT 7120. It comes with 5 manual massage programs, 3 pre-set programs and 3 level height adjustments for the back. You can select from rolling, kneading, compression, percussion and vibration with the manual programs. You can select from sore muscle relief, energy rejuvenate and auto-demo for the pre-programs. One nice compliment to the massage therapy are the built in heaters for the lower back. You can also activate the full body stretch function. Your feet and calves can obtain soothing relief with the massaging leg ottoman. The HT-7120 earns a 19 for massage therapy.
Overall, we rate the HT-7120 an 86/100. This is a sleek and contemporary design for a massage chair. We are concerned with the really short warranty compared to others in the industry. These chairs are well built and designed, but warranty is your long term protection and this warranty is one of the shortest. The massage therapy is very effective and the controls are simple and easy to use. This is certainly a massage chair recliner that deserves your attention if you are looking for a solid mid range model.
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Indispensable Tips for Purchasing a Massage Chair
If you are looking for a massage chair, then check out some of the helpful tips we have put together. There is many new technologies, features, options, styles that finding a place to start is sometimes difficult. We present some broader considerations applicable to most massage recliners. Take your time and find the best chair for your longer term needs.
Customer Service & Repair: Evaluate the warranties of each manufacturer. How long is the coverage? Companies like Sanyo and Panasonic only have a 1 year warranty. Others may have 3-5 year warranties (at no additional cost). Also, what type of service will they provide if you have a problem? Do you have to ship your massage chair or take it to an authorized service center? Massage chairs weigh 100lbs to 200 lbs and shipping is expensive. Some manufacturers offer in home service. Be aware before you buy!
Buy for the Long Term Solution: Are you looking to get into a massage chair to relieve one symptom over a short time period. Maybe you want a entry level massage chair that is simple to use and lower price. Or are you looking for a longer-term solution where you expect long term performance and many advantageous features. Lower end massage chairs have short warranties and are built with lower quality components. Higher end massage chairs have longer warranties, more features and are built with higher quality components.
Massage Therapies: Massage recliners offer a tremendous variety of effective massage therapies. You can find chairs with shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports, Hawaiian and more. It helps to know a little about the more important techniques like shiatsu, Swedish and deep tissue. Each therapy has a particular focus. Also, manual massage techniques include kneading, chopping, percussion, tapping, finger press and others. It is good to try different chairs because the same massage technique may be interpreted differently.
Upholstery Material: Massage chairs come in leather, synthetic leather and faux suede. There are advantages and disadvantages to each material. Leather is very wear resistant, but requires more maintenance and cannot be used with heating elements. Synthetic leather or PVC leather has improved dramatically with many materials softer, wear resistant and easy to clean. Faux suede enables many fashionable colors to be used, but may be more problematic to keep clean.
Manual or Power Assisted Recline: These days most massage chairs over $1,500 are power assisted in lowering the chair back and raising the footrest. Manual is with the use of a lever and a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder will raise the footrest or chair back. The user has to lower the footrest and push back to lower the chair back. Most entry level massage recliners have manual controls. The power assisted recline utilizes a motor for chair back and a motor for the footrest. These operate with a one-touch control and may be integrated into moving with different massage programs.
Whatever perspective you are coming from, find out what benefits you want from a massage recliner. They provide numerous therapies or you can target a particular ailment. Find the best chair for your needs over a 3 to 5 year period. That way, you will have many therapies to choose from for many years to come. Think about how your needs may change through time and find one right for you.
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Massage Chair Review: Sanyo DR6700K Massage Chair
This is a review of a Sanyo massage chair. The model DR-6700K is one of the top massage recliners produced by Sanyo. We will walk through an evaluation of 5 separate categories and provide a score out of a possible 20 points each. A total rating is given by adding up the scores. This provides a basis of comparison for the other massage loungers that we have reviewed. Let us see how the HEC-DR6700K massage recliner stacks up to the competition.
Warranty & Customer Service: One of the first areas you want to check out with a massage chair that you are interested in is the warranty coverage. Massage chairs are complex machines and you just want to make sure in the unlikely event something goes wrong that you are protected. Let’s look at the warranty coverage for the DR6700. The roller mechanism which is what provides the back massage is covered for three years. Parts and labor are covered for one year. Sanyo also provides you with one year of in home technician service. The parts and labor is rather short. The good part of the warranty is the 1 year technician service. We rate the warranty an 18.
Comfort & Ergonomics: One of the key elements in design today is the discipline of ergonomics. Ergonomics is the study of how the human body moves. Sanyo has built a fairly well designed chair from an ergonomic standpoint. All is within easy reach. Additionally, the DR6700 is form fitting to the body. The back pad and seat are comfortable to sit in when the chair is not running. Sanyo has done a pretty solid job and we give it an 18.
Ease of Use: This category takes a look at how easy the chair is to use for the average person. We have seen some overly complicated remotes which require too many steps to get the chair to do what you want. The remote control has 4 automatic programs which operate off one touch. Manual programs are a little bit more involved which requires a few steps to get the chair where you want. The intensity and width adjustments have a nice phased LED to show the power levels. Overall, we rate the Sanyo DR6700 a 17 in ease of use.
Key Features: The two extraordinary massage features in the DR6700 are the Stiffness detection system and the GK rollers. The Stiffness detection system is borrowed from Sanyo’s lie detector technology. This system actually measures your pulse rate and the extent of your perspiration. This is done by reading your finger when you hold onto the secondary remote control. The DR6700 can locate areas of tension and stress in your body. These readings are then feed to the computer and those areas are targeted for relief. The other important feature is the GK rollers in the roller mechanism. These nimble rollers can massage over the tops of the shoulders for a soothing and relaxing massage. We give the DR-6700 an 18 for key features.
Massage Therapy: The DR 6700 has 4 automatic one-touch massage programs. The programs are as follows: Stiffness, Recovery, Fine and Relax. There are also manual massage techniques which include the following: Grip, Shiatsu, Kneading, Tapping and Combo. Each of these techniques is specialized with a particular movement to loosen or revitalize tight and sore muscles. In manual mode, just select the intensity of the massage to be more or less invigorating or select the width of the rollers to cover the areas of your back that you need attention. Target specific areas by selecting the region which includes: neck and shoulders, lower back, lower body and quick course. You have a lot of good options to choose from with the DR-6700. Our rating of the massage therapy is 19
So how did the DR6700 do overall in our review? We give it an overall rating of 90 points. This is an advanced massage chair with some thorough and invigorating massage therapies. The warranty for the parts and labor is a bit cheap for the high end range. The chair does deliver with some interesting electronic features and the Grip massage is a soothing relief. If you get a chance, check out more about the HEC-DR6700 massage chair.
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Product Review of the Sanyo SR1000K Massage Chair Recliner
Sanyo has an entry level massage chair called the SR-1000K. The SR-1000K has many of the same features as some of the higher end chairs made by Sanyo. This product review will discuss some of the more salient features and functions of the SR 1000K massage chair by Sanyo.
With all massage chairs, make sure that you check out the warranty coverage. There is substantial variation between models of the same manufacturer and also between manufacturers. Let us focus on the warranty of the DR 6700. The roller mechanism is covered for a three year period. This is what massages the back and the mechanics are contained in the chair back. The parts and labor are covered for one year each. There is also in home repair available and that is picked up by Sanyo for the first year.
There are two automatic programs designed in the SR 1000K massage chair. The first program is called Relax and as the name implies, it provides a softer, soothing massage. The second program is named Recovery and it is more like a warm down type of massage. Both of these auto-programs work with the touch of one button.
An intriguing and innovative feature is called the Stiffness Detector. This system using readings of your pulse rate and perspiration levels and correlates those to areas of the body having more tension. The massage chair then focuses the massage treatment to those areas detected. This is a fascinating technology integrated into the SR 1000 massage chair.
Would you enjoy a good leg stretch now and then? In addition to the manual massage techniques, Sanyo has built two different stretches into the chair. You can select the manual massage technique and then select stretch 1 or stretch 2 and the chair will seamlessly integrate the stretching into the massage program.
The legs can be treated by the leg rest massager. The leg rest is designed for the feet and the calves. The feet massager has a flip down unit. This is a nice feature when you are not using the foot massager, just flip it back up and it is out of the way. The massage is pretty invigorating and can effectively relieve tight and sore muscles.
There is a remote that runs all the functions of the SR1000. The design is fairly simple and intuitive for first time users. The buttons are a good size and easy for the average user to push. There are little lights that are used to show the level of intensity of the massage and also the roller width.
The Sanyo line starts with the SR-1000K massage recliner. It has some of the same features as the higher products in the line. However, it has a completely different look than the other Sanyo massage chairs. The leg rest is also unique to the SR 1000. The massage therapy is pretty effective. The foot portion of the leg rest can be hidden from view which saves space and makes it more attractive. The warranty is very good for this level of massage chair as well. Overall, the SR1000K is a pretty solid value for an entry massage chair recliner.
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Product Review of Human Touch HT1650 Massage Chair
The HT1650 massage chair recliner is one of the top of the line Human Touch massage loungers on the market today. We will put the HT 1650 through an evaluation in five key areas. We will give it a rating in each and sum up the total. Check out how this truly unique massage chair stacks up.
Warranty & Customer Service: Let us get the warranty coverage out of the way first, so we can look at the more exciting elements like features and functions. What kind of warranty coverage do you get with this high end massage chair? Actually, you get solid coverage with 5 years on the structure or frame of the chair. Parts and Labor are covered for 3 years and in-home technician service is covered for 90 days. This compares favorably with the other manufacturers. Customer service is good and response times are relatively short. This massage recliner gets a 17 for warranty coverage.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Comfort is extremely important in the case of the 1650. This leather recliner is disguised as a massage chair. So if it is not comfortable to sit in, then it is a marketing disaster. Luckily, Human Touch has done its home work and has made this chair very comfortable. The material selection is fine grain leather that is nice to the touch. It has sufficient padding and the leg rest does not have any hint of a massage chair. Also, a pocket is used to store the remote and no remote holder is visible. Human Touch has done a great job with the 1650 and we give it a 19.
Ease of Use: I don’t know about you, but I have always struggled trying to program my VCR. Thank goodness Tivo has finally saved me. We are critically concerned with the ease of use with massage chairs. These chairs increase in features and functionalities every year. The challenge is to keep it simple. We are happy to announce that the HT1650 has managed this. It has a remote that uses two different faces for buttons. This keeps it small and easy to hide in the side pocket. We give the 1650 19 of the 20 for ease of use.
Key Features: There are two really outstanding features with the HT 1650. The first is acupoint detection system and the second is the hidden calf massager. Did you know your back has almost 100 acupressure points? Don’t worry, the 1650 will scan your back and target the most important ones for your complete relaxation. The secret with this recliner is the hidden calf massager. Without this feature, it would be another massage chair, but instead it is a leather recliner with massage capabilities. The key is the technique used to hide the calf massager so it is only revealed when you want a massage. The key features earn a 18 with this leather recliner.
Massage Therapy: The massage therapy is the most important element of the massage chair. With the HT 1650 you get the following massage possibilities: 4 manual massage functions and 8 automatic massage programs. The manual massage functions include: rolling, compression, kneading and percussion. The 8 automatic programs include: full body sore muscle relief, sports and back therapy, leg- foot-hip therapy, neck-shoulders relief, after work stretch, morning wake up, night time soothing, and massage demonstration. These 12 treatments give you e a wide range of options to hit all the areas and trouble spots you may have. The calf and foot massager provides a compression massage. You can target either the feet or calves. The air compression massage works by performing a squeeze, hold and release movement. This massage is very effective in removing tightness in the calves and feet. The HT-1650 earns a 17 in massage therapy.
So how does the HT1650 rate overall in this product review? In summing up the scores we rate the HT-1650 a 90/100. The massage therapy is pretty effective in this massage chair. We really like the fact that it is a massage chair in disguise. This enables you to place it in almost any room in the house. The remote is a nice slim design and tucks away into a pocket rather having a remote stand. If you are looking for a massage chair that does not look like one, then this is certainly the massage chair recliner for you.
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Review for the Omega OM-510 Massage Chair
This review takes an in-depth look at the Prestigio OM-510 shiatsu massage chair made by Omega Massage, Inc. Omega Massage, Inc is known for its state of the art design, striking aesthetics and advanced technology. The Prestigio OM-510 was first released in January 2006. It is a midrange model in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range.
Be sure to go with a reputable massage chair manufacturer. One good benchmark is whether the company has any retail accounts. Retailers demand more from manufacturers because they move more volume. Omega has significant national retail accounts, so they stand by their product. The Prestigio massage chair has strong warranty coverage and Omega has excellent customer service and response.
The Prestigio OM-510 massage chair has strong warranty protection. Omega Massage has one of the best warranties in the industry. Omega’s standard warranty can only be matched if you purchase the extended warranty of other manufacturers. This is extra value provided by Omega and gives the customer more protection and lowers their risk. The Prestigio OM-510 warranty comes with 5 years on the frame, 3 years parts, 3 years labor, 1 year shipping and 90 days in-home service. Omega has comprehensive warranty coverage on their shiatsu massage chairs.
What about the Prestigio OM-510 shiatsu massage chair? Let us start with the design and aesthetics. Omega makes a very appealing and striking massage chair with the Prestigio. This sleek massage chair comes with highly varnished wood armrests and silver accents on the arm supports and leg supports to giving it a contemporary look. The OM-510 comes with a removable back cover, two detachable head pillows and an extra back pad. Also, Omega adds a handsome wood side table included, which is a nice designer touch.
The Omega OM-510 massage recliner comes with 3 automatic massages ranging from 10, 20 and 30 minutes. There are four manual massage techniques which include tapping, rolling, kneading, and Shiatsu. In the automatic mode, the Prestigio will provide all 4 massage functions in combination. Choose from 4 back courses and the manual massage technique of your choice. These manual courses cover the full back, the upper and lower back, as well as a pinpoint. The focus or pinpoint allows you to set the rollers in one spot and repeat the massage technique of your choice. The design of the Prestigio really covers the lower back or lumbar area better than any other massage chair recliner on the market today.
The Prestigio shiatsu massage chair comes equipped with a lower body air massage system. The air massage system covers the feet, calves, thigh and buttocks. Switch to manual mode and change the air pressure to 3 different levels or concentrate the massage on your feet, calves thighs or buttocks. A nice feature of the OM-510 massage recliner is its Knee Stretch function. The Prestigio will gently extend the knee by slightly raising the footrest and then lowering it to extend the ankle and knee joints. This gentle knee stretch helps to increase the range of motion and joint mobility. The Prestigio shiatsu massage chair recliner provides a very thorough and invigorating full body massage.
The Prestigio massage chair has reflexology points built into the foot wells. These reflexology points stimulate relaxation and stress relief in the corresponding organs and areas of the body. If you enjoy a great foot massage, the Prestigio massage chair for you. Insert your tired, aching feet inside and enjoy! The Prestigio OM-510 massage chair by Omega Massage is one of the best models in its class. It provides a strong and thorough back massage and has a tension relieving lower body massage. Omega provides a strong, comprehensive warranty. The Prestigio has Knee Stretch Technology and the Reflexology foot massage. If you are looking for a shiatsu massage chair to help to reduce tension, pressures, muscle aches and pains, this is a solid choice of chairs.
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