In a Nutshell:
With patented technology, luxurious recliner-like design, and a great selection of customization options, the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair lives up to its price tag.
Overall Massage Quality
Customization options
Ease of Use
Value for the Money
Overall Rating
4.7/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: Anyone who can afford it. Its patented technology, luxurious recliner-like design, and customization options are worth it.
Unfortunately, the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 has been discontinued. We recommend checking out the Human Touch AcuTouch 8.0 Bali Massage Chair Review
In this Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 review, we’re bringing you all the information you need to get a sense of the features and benefits of this massage chair — taking you as close as you can get without actually sitting in the chair. Let’s get started!
Who is Human Touch?
Human Touch is a massage chair producer headquartered in Long Beach, California. They have been producing massage chairs for over 35 years and have won many awards for their innovative designs, including multiple Design Journal Awards for Design Excellence (ADEX).
A touchstone of the Human Touch brand is their attention to aesthetics. Using high-quality, natural materials, Human Touch creates chairs that complement the home and look more like luxury recliners than massage chairs.
In addition to their design awards, Human Touch massage chairs are the only massage chairs recognized by the World Federation of Chiropractic as being a credible supplement to back therapies.
All of Human Touch’s design and engineering takes place at their headquarters in California, but they manufacture their massage chairs in China. Today, we’re focusing on the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 from the WholeBody series, a mid- to high-end full-body massage chair around $5000, which won the ADEX Platinum Award in 2013.
Features of the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair
Human Touch has developed numerous multi-patented systems that are used in their products, introducing an entirely new vocabulary — Sofhyde, Cloud Touch and AcuPoint among others — to the massage chair industry. Don’t worry if these terms don’t make much sense now; we’re going to walk you through these features and explain what they do.
AcuPoint Detection System
The AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair features Human Touch’s patented AcuPoint Detection System. So what is it?
If you’ve spent much time researching massage chairs, you’ve probably seen features like computer body scan that map the back before initiating massage. AcuPoint is Human Touch’s body scanning software.
AcuPoint software scans your entire back and neck, measuring the contour, shape, length, and width to identify key pressure points to target during your treatment. After Acupoint scans your back, it automatically adjusts its auto programs to treat your pressure points. This automatically occurs the first time you select any “Main Menu” option after you power on the chair.
You can override the Acupoint detection by selecting the “Shoulder Setting” from the status screen. From there, you can choose from one of nine shoulder height settings, which brings us to our next feature.
9 Shoulder Height Settings
If you don’t want to mess with the AcuPoint detection system, the AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair offers nine shoulder height settings. This feature ensures the massage rollers are treating the right areas on the neck and shoulders without going too far up or down. It allows users of varying heights to dial in and enjoy a custom-fit massage easily.
If you aren’t sure which of the nine settings fits best, an initial run of the AcuPoint detection system will let you know.
Once you know your unique height setting, you can bypass the AcuPoint detection step and simply select the correct setting. For reference, the settings are numbered one through nine, one being the tallest setting.
Smart 3D Massage
At first, the term “3D massage” may be a bit confusing. Let us explain.
Whenever you see “3D massage,” what it really means is that the massage head rollers move in three dimensions. Typically, those dimensions are: vertically (up and down), horizontally (side to side), and inward (applying pressure).
Now, back to the AcuTouch 6.0.
Quad roller heads — four rollers that mimic the feel of two hands and two thumbs — on the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair deliver 3D massage using their patented Smart 3D Massage System.
With Smart 3D massage, the rollers move up and down, side to side, and they articulate, knowing exactly where you need the most pressure.
The third movement, articulation, is a set of alternating movements and pulses that push the rollers into the back providing an intense, deep tissue massage.
Cloud Touch Technology
In addition to roller massage, the AcuTouch 6.0 features Cloud Touch technology — Human Touch’s term for airbag or air massage technology. Because of their focus on designing chairs that seamlessly blend in with your home’s decor, the Human Touch massage chairs often lag behind other massage chair producers when it comes to air massage. After all, bulky airbags tend to look like, well, bulky airbags.
But that doesn’t mean the AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair is without.
On the AcuTouch 6.0, there are strategically placed airbags, or air cells as they are sometimes called, located next to the hips, shoulders and in the seat. There’s also a unique pop-up arm well massager which we’ll cover later in the article.
With air massage, the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 delivers compression massage that presses and squeezes the targeted areas. Thus, it increases circulation, releases tension, moves stagnant fluid from the muscles and joints, and revitalizes the muscles and skin.
Adjustable Shoulders Massagers
On the AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair, there are three settings of width adjustment for the shoulder airbags. Just press the shoulder massagers toward your body until you feel the click.
Keep making adjustments until the massagers fit snug against the side of your shoulders. To return the massagers to their widest position, push them toward your body once past the narrowest settings, and they will extend back out.
This feature makes it easy for both narrow-framed and wider-framed users to enjoy the massage chair.
Pop-Up Arm Air Massage Well
Remember how we mentioned that Human Touch tries to minimize the “massage chair look?” Well, they’ve taken that goal one step further with the introduction of the pop-up arm air massage well.
The arm massage well (like a slot or holder) is lined with air cells and remains hidden until you pop it out of the armrests. So instead of having open and visible arm massagers, when not in use, the arm massage wells on the AcuTouch 6.0 are seamlessly hidden. Furthermore, this looks like armrests you’d find on a normal recliner.
The arm massage well delivers compression massage to the tops and bottoms of the arms and hands to aid in circulation and help the muscles relax.
Calf and Foot Massager
The calf and foot massager on the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 is a highly technological piece of equipment (and with zero airbags).
In general, airbags are the go-to for calf and foot massage and most chairs that offer lower body massage have them. Although Human Touch doesn’t use airbags, what they do use doesn’t disappoint.
Let’s take a closer look at the massage components on the ottomanPaddle Massager. The AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair utilizes paddle massagers made from durable, foam-like material. So how does it compare to air massage?
First, since the paddle massagers aren’t dependent on air, they can do more than just inflate and deflate to compress the area. A lot more in fact. Enter Human Touch’s patented FigureEight CirQlation technology.
With the massage paddles, Human Touch was able to introduce Figure-Eight Technology which massages the calves and feet in a progressive upward wave-like movement. This upward movement promotes blood circulation from the calves and feet toward the heart. This allows new nutrients to enter the calves and feet, resulting in faster healing and more therapeutic benefits.
Microcirculation Vibration Massage
You’ve heard of circulation, but what about microcirculation? In their article, Introduction to Microcirculation, Perimed, a vascular medical instrument and software provider, explained it like this:
“Microcirculation is the circulation of blood through the smallest vessels, i.e. arterioles, venules, shunts, and capillaries. The main functions are the transport of blood cells, oxygen, and nutritive flow to and from tissues, blood pressure regulation, and to act as a thermoregulator (mainly skin).”
In simple terms, microcirculation plays a critical role in the movement of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
On the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair, a high-frequency vibration plate in the foot portion of the ottoman vibrates to stimulate the movement of blood. Therefore, there are oxygen and nutrients throughout the legs and feet.
Additional Ottoman Features
Continuing with the ottoman, but taking at look at the aesthetic and customizable components, there are three main features offered on the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair.
Retractable Ottoman
On the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0, you can rotate or flip the foot massager so that it looks like a regular ottoman. Now instead of seeing foot holders, you only see a smooth cushioned surface. Or, you can retract the ottoman altogether, folding it back into and under the chair, so that it sits flush under the seat.
A purely aesthetic feature, the rotating ottoman adds to the AcuTouch 6.0’s “livability,” seamlessly transforming it into a luxurious recliner when not in use.
Massage Width Adjustment Dial
On the side of the ottoman on the AcuTouch 6.0 Human Touch massage chair is a circular dial that allows you to adjust the width of the massage paddles. With a few turns of the dial, you can move the paddles closer to your calves and feet for greater intensity, or farther away for less. This ensures the most effective and comfortable massage.
Ottoman Extension
On the side of the AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair is a lever that lets you extended the footrest out an additional 6 inches. Simply pull the lever and press out with your feet until you reach the ideal length, then release the lever to lock it in place. To return the footrest to its standard position, pull it towards you. From the standard position (not extended), you can retract or rotate the ottoman.
This feature makes it easy for users of different heights to enjoy a custom-fit calf and foot massage.
EasySleeves
Unlike the leather-like upper portion of the chair, the ottoman massage wells are lined with soft fabric. Since the fabric isn’t typically as easy to clean as leather, this might cause concern if — more like when — the ottoman gets a little dirty. So what do you do?
Thanks to the introduction of EasySleeves on the AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair the solution is simple. Simply unzip the fabric and toss them in the washing machine. The EasySleeves are removable and machine washable, making them quick and easy to clean.
Sofhyde
Another type of upholstery introduced by Human Touch is Sofhyde, a leather-like material that’s flexible and soft. It’s enough to allow the massage head rollers to move freely against the back without losing pressure or intensity.
The material is also what gives the Human Touch massage chair’s their signature luxury recliner look. Plus, the material is easy to clean — just vacuum or gently wash using a water-based cleaner.
The AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair comes in five Sofhyde colors: black, espresso, butter, bone, and red.
Handheld LCD Remote
The AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair comes with a slim handheld LCD remote. From the display screen, you can access the chair’s functions. Below the screen, a “Main Menu” quick selection button lets you return to the menu at any time. Below that, four navigation arrows let you scroll through and select the onscreen options.
The arrows also allow you to change the position of the massage head rollers when using the adjustable targeted techniques which we’ll cover in detail later. Finally, five buttons at the bottom of the remote let you recline and incline the backrest. It also allows you to raise and lower the footrest, and restore the chair to its original upright position.
Whenever a massage is in progress, the status screen will display showing how much time is left and the currently active massage and intensity settings. At the bottom of the status screen, you can access the manual mode options by selecting the “Intensity Setting,” “Action Setting,” and “Shoulder Setting” buttons. You can use the up and down arrows on the remote. We’ll take a closer look at the manual mode options later in the article.
In total, there are only 13 buttons on the remote, making navigating the chair’s functions easy and intuitive.
Removable Padding
To customize your massage further, a removable head pillow and back cushion allow you to increase the intensity of your massage by putting you in closer contact with the rollers.
Preset Programs and Techniques on the AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair
Preset Programs on the AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair
On the AcuTouch 6.0 Human Touch massage chair, preset programs, also known as auto-immersion programs, provide a wide variety of therapeutic massage experiences. Designed by Human Touch’s Wellness Council, a group of chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists and other professionals, the eight programs are:
The programs fall into two main categories: recovery and relaxation. Recovery massages tend to use deeper pressure to work out knots and stimulate healing in the muscles and joints. Relaxation massages are less vigorous and focus on helping the body to release tension and stress.
On many other chairs, when an auto program ends, the chair automatically returns to the upright position which can sometimes feel like you’re cutting a good thing short. On the AcuTouch 6.0, you won’t have that problem since the chair stays put after auto programs, allowing you to relax for as long as you want.
The auto-immersion programs are fully automated — simply select the program, sit back, relax and the AcuTouch 6.0 will take care of the rest.
Techniques on the AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair
On many massage chairs, you’ll see general techniques like kneading, shiatsu, Swedish, etc. But on the AcuTouch 6.0, they’ve taken the chair’s techniques and applied them to specific locations on the back. So, you’ll see terms like Stretch, Flex and Soothe applied to these particular areas, for example, Shoulder Stretch.
In total, there are 12 different massage techniques, including:
Let’s take a closer look at what each technique offers independent of the body areas.
MASSAGE TECHNIQUES |
FUNCTION |
---|---|
Stretch |
Uses small circular motions to knead both sides of the spine. The location of the massage depends on the technique area. For example, Full Back Stretch treats the full back while Low Back Stretch targets the lower back area. |
Stretch II |
Combines the circular motions of Stretch with the addition of moving up and down the spine. |
Flex |
Uses rapid tapping and alternating strokes on both sides of the spine. |
Soothe |
Uses a combination of small circular motions and slow tapping across your full back. |
Adjust |
All programs that include “adjust” are customizable, allowing you to use the up and down arrows on the remote to select the area of your back where you want the rollers to focus. |
3D Stretch |
Massages your back with small circular 3D motions on both sides of your spine. 3D motions apply penetrating pressure, giving a deeper massage. |
3D Flex |
Uses rapid 3D tapping strokes on both sides of your spine. |
3D Wave |
Massages your full back using a combination of circular motions and rapid tapping on both sides of your spine. |
Manual Mode Options on the AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair
Like we mentioned above, you can access the manual mode options on the AcuTouch 6.0 by selecting the “Intensity Setting,” “Action Setting,” and “Shoulder Setting” buttons. Here’s what you’ll find when you do.
Manual Mode Options for Back Massage
Manual Mode Options for Calf and Foot Massage
Manual Mode Options for Cloud Touch
In manual mode, you can select to turn on or off the Cloud Touch for the shoulders, arms, lower back, and seat.
Side note: The Cloud Touch manual mode options are not available during the auto-immersion programs.
Massage Intensity Settings
What You Won’t Find on the Acutouch 6.0 Massage Chair
The Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 massage chair is packed with features. Even so, it lacks some typical massage chair features that are necessary to mention, including:
Zero Gravity
Zero Gravity is a chair position inspired by NASA. Specifically, the position astronauts take during lift-off. This position has been determined to be the most effective at minimizing stress on the body by dispersing the body’s weight across the backrest.
The AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair does not have Zero Gravity, but it does feature power recline that allows you to change the position of the backrest and ottoman with the push of a button.
Heat Therapy
Another feature you find on many massage chairs is heat therapy. Heat therapy uses heating pads — most commonly in the lumbar or shoulder areas — to radiate warmth in the body. This helps the muscles to relax and release tension to provide a more effective massage.
On the AcuTouch 6.0 Massage Chair, there is no heat therapy.
Specifications and Dimensions on the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0
Chair dimensions (reclined) |
70” L x 29” W x 32” H |
Chair dimensions (upright) | 56″L X 29″W X 45″H |
Recommended maximum user weight | 285 lbs |
Required Recline Clearance | 15” |
Power Consumption | 160W |
Chair weight | 169 lbs |
Final Thoughts on Human Touch Acutouch 6.0 Massage Chair Review
In this Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 review, we left no stone unturned to bring you all the information you need to make an informed decision about this massage chair. With an impeccable design, high-quality massage capabilities, and loads of customization options, the Human Touch AcuTouch 6.0 is a great therapeutic massage chair that will likely offer relief to anyone who sits in it.
Reference and Resources
- Human Touch, Official Brand Website.
- How Does a Therapeutic Massage Help You?, PhysioWorks.
- Getting the Right Massage for Low Back Pain, Spine-Health.
- What Are the Benefits of a Hand Massage?, Live Strong.
- Five Immediate Health Benefits of Using a Massage Chair, US Medical Supplies.
- 4 Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage, MASSAGE Magazine.
- Medical Benefits of Massage Chairs, Consumer Rating.