1. What is a Shi-atsu massage lounger?
2. What types of massage can the massage lounger give?
3. Does the massage lounger have pre-programmed or manual massages?
4. Can I adjust the intensity of the massage?
5. Are there health benefits of massage?
6. Can everyone use the massage loungers?
7. What is the warranty on the massage loungers, and how long do they last?
8. How long does the massage lounger last?
9. Can I have the massage lounger delivered to my home?
10. Do you make other massage products?
11. What is the Body FX massage pad?

1. What is a Shi-atsu massage lounger?

Panasonic's massage loungers replicate the Shi-atsu massage technique, to massage over 24" along your back, neck, and shoulders for a relaxing massage.

Used by professional massage therapists around the world, Shi-atsu is a Japanese physical therapy technique, which literally translates as "finger pressure". The technique primarily involves the application of gentle pressure using the thumbs, palms and elbows.

2. What types of massage can the massage lounger give?
The massage chair delivers 3 basic massage types:

Kneading
The Kneading technique is an upward and downward movement, designed to target the pressure points on your back and alleviate pressure build-up. Kneading massages help to maximize the circulation of blood to and from the heart.

Rolling
The Rolling technique runs along your spine in a curve, which we refer to as an "S" curve because of its shape. Rolling massages stretch the spine to temporarily relieve pressure on the discs in your back. Not all massage loungers have this feature.

Tapping
The Tapping technique consists of rapid movements (up to 500 per minute) delivered to your back. Tapping helps dissipate stiffness while easing tension on your muscles. Not all massage loungers have this feature.

3. Does the massage lounger have pre-programmed or manual massages?
Panasonic massage loungers let you to choose between pre-programmed massages and manual massages, depending on your needs.

Pre-Programmed Massages
Our massage loungers come with 3-6 pre-programmed massages, which focus on the upper back, lower back, or the entire back. The massages vary in intensity (which can also be controlled manually), and combine the kneading, tapping and rolling massage types. Each pre-programmed massage lasts 12-14 minutes.

Manual Massages
You can use the manual section of the massage lounger remote to tailor a massage to your body's needs. Massage just one area of your back, move the rollers up and down, select Rolling or Rolling/Tapping massages over select areas of your back, or adjust the width of the massage heads to hit various points of tension around your spine.

4. Can I adjust the intensity of the massage?
Yes, there are three ways to adjust the intensity of a massage:

1. Intensity adjustment button - this button electronically moves the heads back up to 2" from their most intense point (available on most massage lounger models)
2. Insert pad - adjust massage intensity by keeping the insert pad in the massage lounger to dampen the effect of the rollers
3. Reclining angles - the less the chair is reclined, the less body weight is put on the rollers, which reduces intensity

5. Are there health benefits of massage?
Yes. Massage can help increase circulation, reduce tension, release endorphins, and relax your muscles. You may also experience warming in the areas that are being massaged, which is due to greater circulation.

6. Can everyone use the massage loungers?
Children under 16 should not use massage loungers, because their spines are still forming. Pregnant women should not use massage loungers. Anyone who has had back problems or back surgery should check with their physician before using a massage lounger.

The massage lounger is only specified to hold up to 264 pounds. Applying any weight greater than this may strain the massage heads and mechanism, which could cause damage to the massage lounger. Damage from excessive weight is not covered by the product warranty.

7. What is the warranty on the massage loungers, and how long do they last?
The massage lounger warranty covers the product as follows:

Repair Coverage

Parts and Labor: 1 year

Electronic parts: 3 years

Providing Service

During the first year following purchase: Panasonic will either fix the massage lounger in your home, or will pay for it to be removed from your home for servicing.

Following one year after purchase: You should take the massage lounger to a local servicer or have it shipped to the nearest servicer.

Extended Warranties
Extended warranties are available. For $199 you can buy a one-year extension (2 years labor, 4 years electronic parts), and for $299 you can buy a two-year extension. This extended service program is available directly from Panasonic. For more information, please call Panasonic at 1-800 637-2007.

8. How long does the massage lounger last?
The lounger should last for up to 1,000 hours, which translates to 1 programmed massage per day for over 10 years.

After 1,000 hours the chair may need greasing and some servicing adjustments. Heavy use of the lounger, or placing a lot of weight on the lounger on a consistent basis, may result in the need to have the lounger serviced earlier.

9. Can I have the massage lounger delivered to my home?
Yes. Panasonic offers a "White Glove" delivery service for our dealers, which includes delivery, ensuring proper functioning, and the removal of any packaging that the unit came in. This service costs $200. A delivery appointment is generally made within 7 business days of the dealer placing the order with Panasonic.

10. Do you make other massage products?
Yes. We have 3 hand-held massagers (both corded and rechargeable versions). We also have a Body FX massage pad.

11. What is the Body FX massage pad?
Unlike traditional massage pads, the Body FX does more than just vibrate. It combines relaxation with entertainment, to give you a more thorough massaging experience.

Using air technology, the Body FX has 12 air nodes that push gently on your back to sooth your muscles and help to increase circulation. Plus, the Body FX's thin speaker (located in the lower portion of the massage pad which aligns with your back) vibrates to any audio source input you choose. Just hook up the audio source to your Body FX with the connectors provided by Panasonic, and you will feel the music as the product massages your back.