Massage chair glossary

Before purchasing a massage chair, you can read our massage chair guide here.

3D body scanning :

This function positions the massage rollers in the chair precisely. The massage chair uses body scanning technology to locate the user's pressure points and precisely aligns the rollers.

4D massage chair :

These devices offer all the features of a massage chair with a 3D body scan function. Additionally, the device is capable of rotating the individual rollers and adjusting their intensity. This allows for even deeper tissue penetration and the reduction of physical tension and stress.

Airbag :

Airbag massage systems—also called air cushion systems—are used to mimic Swedish deep tissue massage. They do this by inflating and deflating air cushions in a variety of methods and speeds, essentially compressing and manipulating the muscles and connective tissues. The air cushions can work independently or in conjunction with each other.

Body scan technology :

Bodyscan uses a peripheral system to scan your heart rate, posture, and fatigued or tense areas and pressure points. This system is used to apply a customized massage or make minor adjustments based on your biofeedback.

Body Stretching :

With the body stretching function of the massage chairs—also called body stretching—the user's back is stretched significantly, which can provide pain relief and relaxation. Learn more under Thai Stretching.

Lumbar heat :

This function of the massage chair warms the lower back area and can help relieve ligament pain as well as general back relaxation.

Leisure massage chair :

These massage chairs offer only individual therapeutic, medical, or chiropractic massage functions. They are specifically used to relieve stress and tension, as well as back pain. Chairs in this category place a strong emphasis on comfort features and design.

L-rail :

The L-track allows the massage rollers to begin massaging at the base of the head, then move down the back (like the S-track in an S-shape), wrap under the gluteus maximus, and then move to the back of the thighs. This is an extension of the S-track, as the rollers now also reach the buttocks and thighs.

Air ionizer :

Some massage chairs have an airflow function that blows a breath of fresh, purified air toward the user. The air ionizer cleans the air with the help of ions. These are extremely effective dust traps. The charged particles combine with dust and other airborne particles, forming larger particles. Due to their increased weight, these particles fall to the floor, thus removing potential pollutants from the room air.

Massage chair :

A massage chair is a piece of seating furniture that features one or more massage functions. Simple models massage the back, while more elaborately designed chairs can also massage other parts of the body, such as the shoulders, pelvis, legs, feet, arms, and hands.

Massage chair motor :

Massage chairs have integrated motors that perform various functions within the chair. There are rotary motors, piston motors, and vibration motors. Rotary motors control the massage rollers, as well as the kneading and tapping functions. Piston motors control the functions of the leg rest and backrest, and vibration motors control the vibration movements.

Ottoman :

The leg section of the massage chair, in which the calf and foot massager is installed, is called the ottoman. Some models have a feature that allows the ottoman to be hidden, retracted, or adjusted. This makes the piece look less like a therapy chair and more like a designer living room chair.

S-Rail :

The S-track allows the massage rollers to follow the natural curve of the spine as they move up and down. This track extends in a kind of S-shape from the neck down to the lower back or tailbone. This is the basic version, which every massage chair has.

SL rail :

The SL-track, also called the SL-track, is like the L-track and combines the advantages of the S-track and L-track. The S/L-track allows the rollers to follow the natural curve of the spine via the S-track and to reach both the gluteal muscles and the back of the thighs in one stroke via the extended L-track.

Thai Stretching:

Thai stretching massage – also known as body stretching – is a further development of traditional Thai massage. Here, the focus is on an even more intense stretching and extension of the body and limbs. Massage chairs with this function stretch the body and back deeply, thus relieving discomfort and promoting relaxation.

Therapeutic massage chair:

These chairs primarily offer medical or chiropractic massage functions. They are used specifically to reduce stress and tension, as well as to alleviate back pain.

Heat therapy :

Devices with integrated heat therapy function have a series of built-in heating coils that warm, relax, and prepare the body for massage therapy. They are typically placed on the upper and lower back and feet.

Zero Gravity :

Massage chairs with this feature—also called zero-G or zero gravity—create a feeling of weightlessness for the user, as the massaged person lies in a position where their knees are slightly above their heart. Thanks to their body weight, the body presses even more firmly into the chair, allowing for a deeper massage.