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Looking for a massage chair can be a daunting challenge. There are so many interesting features to be aware of when searching for the perfect massage recliner. This is an important investment in your longer-term health. Some people view these as luxury items but those who need consistent and reliable massage therapy find them necessities. If you are just starting out looking for chair, here are some considerations we have put together for your benefit.

What You Need: First you need to think about what you need in a massage chair. Do have back problems? Do you get stiffness in the shoulders? Do your feet ache after work? These are just some of the questions you should ask to identify what types of massages may be appropriate for you. You also want to think about what you may need in the future as well.

2) Quick Fix or 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 Chair Features: You should think about some of the features you would want in a massage chair. Are you mainly concerned with the back massage? How about the lower body? Find out some of the basic massage techniques available and also other features. Massage chairs often have MP3 players, stretching systems and heating elements.

Try a Massage Chair: Research some places where you may be able to tie a massage chair. It is important to get a feel for some of the massage techniques. You also want to make sure that any particular trouble areas are sufficiently served. Finding a place to try your favorite chair can sometimes be challenging.

Massage Chair research: The Internet allows you to research very quickly. Do a search of your favorite brands. Find the models in your price range or with feature set that you would like. You can print out the model specifications at most Internet dealer sites.

6) Long Term Considerations: 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!

Weigh the Information: If you have to balance out massage chair features, chair design and cost. Make sure that you are getting the features you want over the long term. It is sometimes better to pay a little more to have peace of mind. Stick with a reputable manufacturer and you will have fewer problems.

Location of Chair: Think about where you want to put the chair. Remember that massage chairs will recline and many have leg rest which will extend out. The footprint of a typical massage chair can be significant. Some need as much as 6 to 7 feet from the wall.

Time To Get It: You done your research, you checked out chairs and you know your needs. Now it’s time to go ahead and make your purchase. Shop around and see what type of deal you can get. You can check the full prices at retail locations or on the Internet. This is a significant purchase and many times shipping and tax may be included.

10) Sit Back and Relax: The best day is when you first get to sit in your massage chair! All the hard work is behind you! Enjoy, you have earned it!

If you want to get the most out of your massage, then you need to consider the surroundings in which you are receiving the massage. In order for you to relax you need to set the stage so that you can fully relax. We offer a few simple tips that can dramatically affect the results of your massage experience.

Part of the massage experience is relaxation. It is a time to let go and unwind. This is important to help restore the healing process in your body. When receiving a massage it is important that it is at time and a place which will help the goal of relaxation.

The major aspect of relaxation is psychological. If your mind concentrates on the problems of the day, then it’ll be hard for the body to relax. Stress, anxiety and other issues cause tension in your body.

When your body is under tension, it is holding your muscles taut. This sustained attention results in muscle stiffness and fatigue. The muscles simply become tight and loose their flexibility. If your mind hold on to its troubles then it is harder for the muscles in the body to relax.

Maximize your massage experience with a couple of these ideas. First and foremost remove potential distractions which can intrude during your massage therapy session. It is important to have a calm and soothing environment to assist in relaxing. If there is too much muscle then the mind may not be able to easily relax.

So, turn off your cell phone. Make sure you won’t be disturbed during the course of your treatment. If you are getting a 20 minute massage, then try to find a time when you will be able to relax the whole time. You don’t want to have to get up and do something in the middle of your massage which breaks your relaxation period.

There are ways to cut out the ambient or background noise. Playing music is a perfect way to control the auditory reactions. Normally, it is good to play instrumental music without words. Many popular tracks used in massage therapy come from the new age and smooth jazz categories.

An excellent way to drown out the ambient noise is by using headphones. Many massage chairs come equipped with a music player and provide headphones for the users. By playing the music through the headphones, it is easy to get lost in the music. Headphones also help to drown out any ambient noise.

Lowlight conditions are preferred to induce greater relaxation. If the lights are too bright, then it is harder to relax and distracting. Low lighting helps to establish an environment of relaxation. If you have a dimmer, put the lights on the lower settings.

The scent of something nice is another way to complement your treatment. You can use a soft fragrance. Fresh cut flowers can be a good way to go. There are also many candles which he made a fragrance while burning. These can provide a nice scent to help your relaxation.

The clothes you wear are another important factor during the massage. If the clothes are too thick or too tight, then it is harder for the treatment to penetrate the muscles effectively. Lesser clothes and looser ones facilitate greater penetration into the soft tissue and muscles. This will help relieve and soothe them much quicker.

These are a few simple ideas that you can put in place very quickly. You’ll be surprised at how much more effective your total massage experience will be. Remember this is a time for relaxation and recovery. Your body needs time to heal and recovery. Allowing the mind to clear its thoughts and be calm helps the body to relieve tension and stiffness. Make your massage chair treatments much more effective by minimizing distractions and creating a soothing and relaxing environment.

For the uninitiated, Sanyo is a relative newcomer to the massage chair industry. Since they are relatively new, it is hard to find them to try, since Sanyo lacks distribution in brick and mortar stores. They are starting to find their way to internet dealers, but most customers have a hard time trying to find a place to try them. Shiatsu massage chairs have been on the market for 30 years. Sanyo entered the market only a few years ago. The flagship model of the Sanyo line is the HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity Massage Chair. This massage chair retails for just under $5,000. The HEC in the part number is Hitachi Electric Company, who actually makes the chair for Sanyo.

When purchasing a shiatsu massage chair, the company that stands behind it is also important. You first should choose a chair to fit your needs. But do not forget, the company tmust service it when issues arise. Customer service is critical when service is needed. Manufacturers vary and how they support the product also varies. Bigger is not always better. Our experience is relatively short times to resolve issue, which is important. They have a call center located in the US for us English speakers which is open 24/7 for warranty issues.

Warranty is always an interesting area. You can benchmark a manufacturer’s confidence by their warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the better and brings additional value and protection to customer. Sanyo’s warranty is weak. One would think that Sanyo would have one of the best warranties, but it is rather short compared to other massage chair manufacturers. Sanyo’s warranty is 1 year labor, 1 year parts, 3 years on the roller mechanism. Finally, Sanyo is offering in-home service, which it will cover for the first year. The warranty is a good indication of the company’s faith in its product. Sanyo’s massage chair warranty is weak for the price-remember the price tag is $5,000.

The HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity shiatsu massage chair reclines back so your knees are above your heart. In the zero gravity position the pressure from your body is removed from your spine and evenly distributed across your entire back. The HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity shiatsu massage chair meets this requirement. This is a relaxing position which can be used before and after your massage.

The HEC-DR7700K has a built in Stiffness Detection Sensor. The stiffness detection sensor is based on lie detection technology and detects stress points throughout your back. The Stiffness Detection Sensor gauges fatigue by monitoring changes in your perspiration and pulse rate. The massage is adjusted to pinpoint higher areas of stress.

Sanyo has a Physical Shape Sensor that adjusts the massage rollers to your body movements. As you move on the chair, so do the massage rollers to your new position. Sanyo has these intelligent rollers that adapt as you shift your body during the course of the massage.

Sanyo’s exclusive GK rollers systems can literally “reach out” and touch you in 3 dimensions. Your neck and shoulders are in for a real treat as the rollers come over the top of your shoulders. This shiatsu massage recliner has the first 3 dimensional massage functions. Perfect to massage your neck and shoulders. Sanyo needs to be congratulated in breaking new ground into the 3 dimension robotic massage chair!

The Sanyo DR7700K has tremendous variety of massage therapies with 5 automatic massage courses, 4 full body automatic courses and a total combination of 83 combination manual massage courses. Do you enjoy massages such as Grip, Shiatsu, Kneading, Tapping, Kneading & Tapping and various stretches? The GK rollers bring in the third dimension with Sanyo’s jointed massage head unit. Get a relieving shoulder and neck massage with Sanyo’s top shiatsu massage chair recliner.

The massage chair industry has a few myths that have been sustained over a number of years. One particularly interesting one is the number of motors in a massage chair. The myth claims that the more motors in the shiatsu massage chair the better. Certainly, an increase in the number of motors can enable more functions. Practical reality suggests that more motors means more cost and more real estate and weight of the massage chair. This myth will be explored in this article.

This myth buster will challenge the more motors the better the chair. There are inherent advantages to having more motors, such as more massage movements. As with anything, there are tradeoffs, such as quantity versus quality. Can a massage chair with 18 motors have the same quality motors in a chair with only 3 motors? Keep in mind that motors are one of the most expensive items in a massage chair. Since, motors are not cheap, as the number of motors increases, the cost of the chair increases holding the quality level equal. Obviously, there is a great chance as motors are added; the quality level of the motors will drop.

The motors used in a massage chair must be allocated space within the chair. If more motors are used, then more mechanism must be installed around each motor to drive whatever massage function. More and more real estate in the massage chair is used to accommodate additional motors. Motors are fairly heavy, weighing 2 lbs to 5 lbs each. If the massage chair has 18 motors at 5 lbs each, that is 90 lbs just in motors. Adding additional motors increases the weight of the chair and takes up valuable real estate within the chair.

How is the quality of massage with more or less motors? High end luxury massage chairs generally have 3 high quality motors to power the back massage rollers. There are individual motors to run the kneading massage and to run the tapping massage. The third motor drives the roller unit up and down the chair back. The tapping and kneading motors can be run simultaneously for the shiatsu massage.

There is a 5 motor design where the kneading and tapping use two motors each. This is done by having a motor on both the left and right side rollers for both the kneading and tapping. Having 2 motors for kneading splits the duty and should lead to longer motor life. Did it make any difference in the massage capabilities? There was no noticeable difference. Is more better?

If the motor does not create a new and unique massage, then what value does it add? Why have more motors and potentially more problems? The simpler the design, the higher the quality and the less problems down the road. Remember, each motor needs to have controls, software, wiring, etc. to integrate it into the overall massage chair. This drives complexity, increases the testing required to ensure quality and if cheaper motors are substituted, then reduces reliability. Do not buy into the myth that more motors the better for a shiatsu massage chair. Simple is always better!

The massage chair industry has a few myths that have been sustained over a number of years. One particularly interesting one is the number of motors in a massage chair. The myth claims that the more motors in the shiatsu massage chair the better. Certainly, an increase in the number of motors can enable more functions. Practical reality suggests that more motors means more cost and more real estate and weight of the massage chair. This myth will be explored in this article.

This myth is going to be challenged in this article to reveal the real truth about the more motors the better the chair myth. First, one should examine the tradeoff of quantity versus quality. If a massage chair has 3 motors versus 18 motors, what is the quality level of the motors in the massage chair? Obviously, motors, not being cheap, mean that as the number of motors is increased, the cost of the chair must increase assuming the quality level is equal. However, as more motors are added, the lower priced motors (i.e. lower quality motors) will be used.

The motors used in a massage chair must be allocated space within the chair. If more motors are used, then more mechanism must be installed around each motor to drive whatever massage function. More and more real estate in the massage chair is used to accommodate additional motors. Motors are fairly heavy, weighing 2 lbs to 5 lbs each. If the massage chair has 18 motors at 5 lbs each, that is 90 lbs just in motors. Adding additional motors increases the weight of the chair and takes up valuable real estate within the chair.

The real issue is does having more motors increase the quality of the massage? After all, this is the basis of the massage motor myth. Most shiatsu massage chairs, whether high end luxury models to even lower level models tend to use a 3 motor system for the back massage rollers. One motor drives the roller unit up and down the chair back. Two motors are mounted on the roller system with one motor to perform a kneading motion and the other motor to perform a tapping motion. Both motors can be run simultaneously to product a kneading/tapping massage.

If you examine the top of the line massage chairs, most use 1 motor to move the rollers up and down the chair back and 2 motors are used for the kneading and for the tapping. If the design runs each left and right roller independent, then this is done with 5 motors. The motors in this case do not provide any further massage capabilities, but will put less wear and tear on the motors, since their duties are split. Again, neat design, but no real improvement in the actual massage delivered.

There are still massage chair companies that claim to have very high numbers of motors. Certainly, they are not motors performing massage functions. These massage motors are expensive, heavy, take up space and are integral to a long, trouble-free life. Many massage chair companies jumped on this fad and perpertuated the myth. If adding motors does not add massage functions, then what is its value? In this case more is not better. More motors creates more potential problems, complicates the design and servicing. More motors also means the quality level is being sacrificed versus models with less motors. This myth is built on hype. Simple is beautiful!

We are asked many times by potential massage chair buyers as to the most important features in a massage chair. There is a vast array of massage chairs on the market with many features, options, and price points. It is good to know what you really want out of the massage chair recliner to help guide your decision making. We have put together the 5 most important massage chair features for your review:

Shiatsu Massage Therapy: Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage which uses pressure points, tapping and kneading to provide a very invigorating massage. The premier massage chair brands integrate a body scan to detect your pressure points. The massage is then tailored to each individual. The shiatsu uses a combination of massage techniques, so the programming by the manufacturer is very important.

Heat Therapy: Heat has great healing abilities when applied in the right situations. Many of the top robotic recliners have integrated heating elements into their chairs. Some chairs have the capability to heat only one area while others can heat multiple areas. If you can get the heating with individual area controls, this way you can apply heat to just the area(s) you really want. Heat is very relaxing and helps reduce swelling and increase blood flow.

Auto Programs: Most massage chairs come with automatic programs. Just press a button and the massage chair takes over and delivers the massage. The auto programs follow pre-set programs as designed by the manufacturers. The auto programs are set to control the various massage techniques, locations, massage systems and durations. All auto programs are not created equal. You want to make sure that the auto programs will perform massage therapies that you want. If you have lower back pain, then you want to make sure the program can adequately cover that area.

Seat Vibration: This seems like a basic feature, but if you sit a lot, then seat vibration is a very effective technique. The seat has a vibration unit installed under the seat. The vibration can be set to 3 to 5 levels of intensity. Many of the automatic programs use vibration at certain points in the massages. Vibration helps to stimulate the capillary vessels to enhance blood flow in the buttocks area.

Wireless Sub Remote: It is amazing how many massage chairs are coming out with 2 remote controls. However, most 2nd remotes or sub remotes are tethered by a wire to the chair. The idea of a remote control is well to use it remotely–not tied to the chair. There is finally a wireless sub remote available. You can sit all the way back in the chair and operate most every function. This is important, because you do not want to have to get up to make adjustments to the massage. Sit back, relax and just click on the wireless sub remote.

We feel these are the 5 most important features to really check out when you are looking at a massage chair. The massage chair is an important investment in your health and well being. Make sure you get the features that you will use over the long run. Take your time and find out what massage therapies are right for you. Consult with your health care provide. Then check out some massage chairs and see what you really like. This will ensure you get the most out of your massage chair recliner.

We are going to examine the high end massage chair produced by Sanyo. In fact, we are going to look at the top of the line model. This is the HEC-DR7700 massage chair recliner. The DR-7700 is actually made by Hitatchi Electric Company for Sanyo. We will discuss its more innovative and important features and functions. Check out the inside scoop about the Sanyo DR 7700 massage chair recliner.

We always feel it is important to first discuss the warranty coverage for a massage chair. Massage chairs are rather complex machines with both mechanical and electrical systems. In any complex manufactured product problems can occur. You want to make sure that you have sufficient coverage to take care of potential issues down the road.

So what is the warranty coverage offered by Sanyo for their top of the line DR7700K massage chair? The DR-7700 comes with three years coverage for the roller mechanism. The roller mechanism is what provides the massage located in the chair back. There is one year coverage for parts and one year coverage for labor. You also get one year technician service for your home.

One of the important features of the DR7700 is the zero gravity position. Zero gravity is a reclined position where your knees are above your heart. In this position, the weight of your body is more evenly distributed across the entire back. This helps to take the bulk of the weight off your spine.

The DR 7700K comes with a number of innovative features. This recliner comes with a physical shape sensor. The physical shape sensor detects when you shift your body in the chair. It will change the computer program so that the rollers will position themselves based on where you body is actually positioned in the massage recliner.

One of the electronic marvels contained in the DR 7700 is the Stiffness detector. The stiffness detector is a derivative of lie detector technology. It reads your pulse rate and your perspiration level. It senses changes in these two parameters and then correlates where tension and stiffness may reside in your body. The massage is then tailored to relieve these areas.

Sanyo has included four automatic pre-programmed massages in the DR 7700. These automatic programs operate the entire massage chair for thorough relief. You can select from the four themed programs named Fine, Stiffness, Recovery and Relax.

This massage chair recliner comes with heating elements in the foot wells of the chair. These heaters are designed to warm up the soles of your feet. This is especially effective when receiving the foot massage to soothe and relax your feet.

One of the more effective manual massages included in the Sanyo DR7700K massage chair is the Grip massage. The Grip massage actually works the top of the shoulders. Sanyo has specially designed rollers called GK rollers that have special capabilities to reach over the top of the shoulder for a soothing massage.

Sanyo has a full line of massage chairs and the DR7700 is the top of the line. It has a great array of features including some interesting electronic ones. Namely, the stiffness detector and the physical shape sensor are complimentary to the massage therapy. You also get a battery of massage treatments to help melt away your aches and pains. The HEC-DR7700K massage chair by Sanyo is certainly one of the top contenders for your attention in the high end of the market.

We are asked many times by potential massage chair buyers as to the most important features in a massage chair. There is a vast array of massage chairs on the market with many features, options, and price points. It is good to know what you really want out of the massage chair recliner to help guide your decision making. We have put together the 5 most important massage chair features for your review:

Shiatsu Massage Therapy: Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage which uses pressure points, tapping and kneading to provide a very invigorating massage. The premier massage chair brands integrate a body scan to detect your pressure points. The massage is then tailored to each individual. The shiatsu uses a combination of massage techniques, so the programming by the manufacturer is very important.

Air Massage System: The lower body massage is more effectively covered with an air massage system. An air massage system uses airbags to perform squeezing and holding movements. Air bags can be designed in any shape and size. They are used for the feet, calves, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms and hands. Since they are very flexible, they can be used throughout the massage chair recliner. Air systems use a compressor and a manifold to regulate the air flow to the various airbags. For effective relief for the body extremities an air massage system is the way to go.

Massage Courses: Massage courses are different areas that can be covered for your back. The massage rollers in the back of the chair can be moved to one spot, an area or the whole back. Massage courses enable the user to choose which area to cover with a manual massage. Basic massage chairs have 3 massage courses (upper, lower and whole back). In top level massage chairs, 4 or 5 manual courses are typical. If you have lower back pain, then select the lower back massage course and the chair focuses on that region.

Footrest Extension: This is a rather simple feature, but since massage chairs originated in Japan, they have always been small for the American market. To accommodate taller users (i.e. the average American), a footrest extension is critical. Most foot rest extensions allow the foot rest to go out an extra 3 to 4 inches. This doesn?t seem like a lot, but it is the difference between fitting in the massage chair and not. If you are five foot ten or over, you definitely want to investigate this further.

Music – Massage Synchronization: The top massage chair manufacturers have incorporated a music and massage synchronization function. This is a fascinating technology. With the touch of a button, the massage will synchronize its movements to the rhythm of the music. The intensity of the massage also varies with the tempo. Rock music will produce a more invigorating massage then say classical music. It is an interesting technology and when coupled with the right music can be very effective in reducing stress.

We are presenting the five key features that are available from the best massage chairs on the market today. These features represent some interesting innovation on the part of the massage chair manufacturers. These chairs continue to advance rapidly and the choices are getting wider and the features more effective. Make sure you determine the important results you want for your longer term massage therapy needs. Find the right chair just for your needs.