Massage chair recliners have come a long way over the years from simple vibrating chairs to very sophisticated massage chairs with heat, music and various massage therapies. One of the most basic massage techniques is known as Swedish massage or classic massage. The Swedish massage was developed in the 18th century by Henrik Ling. Swedish massage is very effective in allowing the body to absorb more oxygen.

Most of us experience stress in our daily lives. We may be under pressure at work which gives us mental stress. Mental stress causes us to tense up which means are muscles are not relaxing. We may be working out and exerting more physical activity. The muscles become sore and ache after being under the stress of exercise. Both mental and physical stress can take its toll on the body.

The development of Swedish massage centered upon releasing the build up of stress in the body. This technique, like others, needs to be performed on a routine basis for maximum benefit. It was designed to relieve the daily build up of stress in the body. Swedish massage is also called classic massage. Swedish massage is effective in relieving discomfort from pain, body aches and tension.

Swedish massage uses 6 elements which are effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapottement, traction and vibration. Effleurage uses long sweeping strokes covering many parts of the body. Petrissage uses kneading and squeezing of the muscles. Friction or heat helps muscles relax and helps blood flow. Tapottement is the use of a tapping or chopping motion to loosen muscles. Traction is the pulling and stretching of the arms and legs. Vibration is used to shake and loosen muscles to relieve tension and stimulate the capillary vessels.

The premier massage chair brands now offer these 6 elements of Swedish massage. The sophisticated software runs the chairs electro-mechanical systems delivering effective Swedish massage. The integration of heating elements, air compression systems, mechanical massage rollers and even music makes for one unique experience. These robotic masseuses perform all 6 elements of Swedish massage on demand.

Not all massage chair recliners can perform all 6 techniques. All techniques are performed to different degrees and can vary from model to model and from manufacturer to manufacturer. Omega Massage’s Montage Elite massage chair and the Panasonic Real Pro Elite have the most comprehensive Swedish massage techniques. The Montage Elite is the most comprehensive Swedish because it has full body heat capabilities where the Panasonic Real Pro Elite does not. Try them both and decide for yourself.

Mr. Henrik Ling pioneered the Swedish massage back in the 18th century. He might be amazed to see how his techniques have spread and been replicated by technology into chairs. His pioneering efforts have circled the globe and Swedish massage is the most commonly found massage in spas. The key with Swedish massage is to release the build up of stress, which means getting a Swedish massage periodically. Otherwise, the build up goes uncheck or is relieved only sporadically. A massage chair recliner can perform a Swedish massage on a daily or routine basis in the convenience of home.