One of the new trends in massage chairs is the zero gravity massage chair. We are starting to see the zero gravity position becoming mainstream with certain recliners. Does this mean that you are weightless in the chair? If so, then I think the age of the Jetsons has arrived. Unfortunately, the technology is not quite there for us to float in the chair. What is zero gravity and what is its relationship to massage chairs?
So let's start with the basics. Zero gravity is a place where there is an absence of gravity. To understand gravity, it is a force coming from the mass of a particular object. Every object in the universe has some level of gravitational pull. However, the gravity can only extend within a certain range from the object. When you are beyond the range of any objects gravity, then you are in zero gravity.
We can only associate zero gravity with pictures we see of astronauts floating. We see them spray in the air and it just continues in the same direction. There doesn't seem to be any direction up or down.
How did a zero gravity chair come about? Well, one of the challenges of space travel is to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. In order for a rocket to get to outer space, it must overcome the force of gravity from the earth itself. This requires a tremendous amount of thrust to escape from this tremendous force.
Astronaut must undergo the polling of many g's to get beyond the gravitational pull of the Earth. The takeoff is vital. Minimizing the impact on the astronaut is key to mission success. It was found that reclining fully with the astronaut looking straight up into space toward the top of the rocket was the best position. Since astronauts pulled many forces of gravity when taking off, this position was termed zero gravity.
The development of the zero gravity chair was an enormous success for the astronauts. This help them better withstand the forces of takeoff. Imagine you have to start your mission by pulling multiple g's. This is tremendous wear and tear on the body. Remember, this is the first 15 seconds of the mission. The zero gravity position was important because it better distributed the weight of the astronaut.
This became the standard takeoff position for astronauts. It is now known as the zero gravity position. This helps the astronauts to endure the rapid increase in gravitational force. This enabled the weight of the astronaut to be more evenly distributed across their body to absorb these extra forces of takeoff.
Now there are a variety of zero gravity massage chairs and recliners. There seem to be two different concepts of what the zero gravity position means on Earth. One school of thought is to more evenly distribute the weight of the user. The second school of thought is to elevate the legs at or above the level of the heart.
One class of zero gravity massage chairs seeks to spread your weight more evenly across your body. When you are in the reclined position then your weight is distributed across the surface area which is in contact with the entire recliner. This helps to spread the forces on the body.
Another benefit found in the zero gravity chair was putting the legs above the level of the heart. This aided the astronauts and better blood circulation during takeoff. On Earth, this helps to reduce swelling and enhances blood flow in the lower legs. It is common to elevate certain parts of the body to reduce swelling after injury.
So there you have it, the mystery to zero gravity massage chairs has been revealed. Many people who have tried these zero gravity chairs say they enjoy this position. Others have not been so impressed. It is really a matter of opinion as to what may be of benefit to you. Check out some of these latest zero gravity massage chairs and see what you think.