Panasonic Introduces Real Pro Elite Message Lounger

Furniture World Magazine

Giving consumers the tools to effectively ease tension, lessen fatigue and relieve joint pain, Panasonic introduces a ground-breaking product in massage therapy: the new EP3222 Real Pro(TM) Elite massage lounger. This next-generation model delivers a more precise, luxurious, full-body massage to over 188 square inches of the body, covering more acupoints on the back and neck than any lounger on the market. The new lounger also lets the consumer choose the type, strength, and focus of the massage and the parts of the body treated. Result: a custom-designed massage program that's specifically tailored to individual needs. "This revolutionary massage chair uses advanced motor and sensor technology to closely recreate the manipulations of a professional massage," said Dan Silver, Group Merchandise Manager for Panasonic Personal Healthcare Products. "Intricacies, such as movements of the human hand, changes in direction and pressure applied by professional masseurs were recorded onto a computer chip. These specifics are then recreated in the lounger for a more true-to-life massage experience." Also key to reproducing an authentic massage is Panasonic's new Float feature. This mechanism can perform various massage functions, such as the feeling of the pressure felt by the thumbs used in the Shiatsu method, or the gentle sensation produced by the palm or heel of the hand in a Swedish massage. Other new features include a Stretch Massage for use in thigh and hip relaxation and an easy-to-use remote with voice guidance. The Real Pro Elite also features a new full-body automatic course program based on four types of massage methods, including: Shiatsu Tension Relief Course: Sensors analyze points of stiffness in the entire body, then one-point shiatsu is used to help relieve pain. Massage mechanisms also knead firmly deep into the muscles with the appropriate strength to help relieve tension. Deep Massage - Kneading/loosening course: Massage heads knead and loosen muscles with the appropriate pressure to help reduce tension and promote blood circulation. Swedish Massage: Reproduces movements and pressure used in Swedish massage technique, such as stroking with the palm of the hand, to help alleviate feelings of fatigue and listlessness. Stretch Massage: Stretches out and presses the joints of the spine, knee, etc. to help reduce pain felt in these areas. Designed for a more complete lower-body massage, the new EP3222 closely fits around the user's calf and thigh area and includes an extendable ottoman for use in a comforting foot massage. Incorporating a system of 33 airbags the calf, thigh and foot massage regimen is programmed to alternate between grasping, squeezing and rubbing sensations to alleviate tension and muscle stiffness in these areas. The new massage lounger also includes five pre-programmed massages, which are useful in the relief of pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulder or back. Or, the consumer can specify the massage location, length and intensity of the massage and save it in memory. Up to three people can program and save up to six massage regimens each, for a total of 18 programs stored in memory. Panasonic's massage chairs recently received the endorsement of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the largest professional association in the world representing doctors of chiropractic. The company's massage loungers are also endorsed by the world-renowned Acupressure Institute of America, Inc., in Berkeley, California and Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., founder of the Acupressure Institute The new Panasonic EP3222 Real Pro Elite massage lounger is targeted for late October 2005. About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com.