This document describes the HoMedics Zen Stretch+ back stretching mat, a device inspired by yoga and featuring TruHeat technology. It is designed to provide a variety of stretching and relaxation treatments.
Function Description
The HoMedics Zen Stretch+ mat is designed to offer a range of back stretching treatments inspired by yoga. Its primary function is to gently mobilize the spine and release tension in the back, shoulders, and hips through a series of programmed movements. The mat utilizes inflatable air chambers to create stretching motions, mimicking yoga poses. It also incorporates TruHeat technology, which provides soothing heat to enhance the stretching and relaxation experience. The device aims to provide an "all-round" treatment, acting as an antidote after long periods of sitting, and can help destress and replenish energy.
Usage Features
The mat is designed for ease of use and offers customizable treatment options.
Preparation:
- Unfolding and Placement: The mat should be unfolded and placed on the floor. Alternatively, it can be used on a firm, flat mattress, ensuring any soft bedding is removed. The pillow part of the mat should be at the opposite end to the bolster.
- Power Connection: Plug the mat into a nearby socket, ensuring the cable does not pose a trip hazard and the area around the mat is clear for comfortable use.
- Attire: Users should remove shoes, scarves, ties, belts, and jewelry, and wear soft, comfortable clothing to stay warm.
Treatment:
- Positioning: Lie down on the mat on your back, with your bottom nearest the bolster end and the pillow supporting your head.
- Leg and Arm Positions: The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted by varying leg and arm positions.
- Mild Intensity: For inflexible users (e.g., tight back/hamstrings), knees should be bent up, feet flat on the floor beyond the mat. Arms can be by the sides or resting on the belly.
- Moderate Intensity: For users with some flexibility, straight legs with a cushion under the knees are recommended. Arms can be by the sides or resting on the belly.
- Enhanced Intensity: For users with good flexibility who can easily touch their toes, straight legs (no cushion) are suggested. Arms can be by the sides or resting on the belly.
- Full Intensity: For very flexible users seeking a deeper treatment, straight legs (no cushion) with arms extended or folded over the head are recommended.
- Remote Control Operation:
- Power On: Press the power button on the remote control.
- Intensity Levels: Choose from LOW (1 LED lit), MED (2 LEDs lit), or HIGH (3 LEDs lit). It is recommended to start on LOW and gradually increase intensity for deeper treatment.
- Program Selection: The mat offers several programs:
- Twist: A dynamic program with twists to decrease tension in shoulders, hips, and lower back.
- Flow: A progressive flow of stretches to gently mobilize the entire spine, leaving users refreshed and supple.
- Energize: An uplifting program to boost energy.
- Stretch: An "all-round" treatment for relief after long periods of sitting.
- Unwind: A combination of twists and stretches to destress and release tension.
- Recover: A varied tempo program focused on replenishing energy.
- Note: Program times are approximately 15 minutes on high intensity, less on medium or low. Programs can be run consecutively for longer treatments.
- Active Heat Function (TruHeat Technology): Press the heat button on the remote control to activate soothing heat. Allow a few moments for the heat to warm up. The heat function can be used with any program but not on its own.
- Relaxation: During treatment, close your eyes, relax all muscles, and focus on your breath, allowing your body to sink deeply into the mat.
- Tips for Best Results:
- Relax and Let the Mat Work: Mindfully scan your body, consciously releasing tension by allowing your body to become heavier and softer. The mat's motion will move your body without effort; greater relaxation enhances benefits.
- Enhancing Twist Action: During a shoulder twist, gently turn your head in the direction of the twist, allowing the head to be heavy and the ear to sink towards the mat. Return to center as the shoulder comes back down. During a hip twist, keep the upper body relaxed and shoulders heavy. As the hip lifts, turn your head to the opposite side. Always move gently and return to neutral. If neck discomfort occurs, make movements smaller or use a pillow on either side of the head.
- Using Breath: If tension or discomfort is felt, visualize directing breath to the area of tension. Breathe slowly and deeply through the nose. Extend the out-breath up to 50% longer than the in-breath (e.g., count to 4 for in-breath, 6 for out-breath) to sink deeper into the mat on exhale.
- Varying Position: The mat is designed for various body shapes and sizes. Users can subtly change the feel of treatments by moving slightly closer to the top or bottom of the mat. Taller users may prefer their bottom closer to the roll end, while shorter users might move a few centimeters towards the head end.
- Regular Treatments: Treatments can be repeated as often as desired. Start gently (e.g., "stretch" treatment on level 1, waiting 48 hours before the next) and gradually build up to daily or twice-daily treatments.
- Essential Oils with Aroma Tab: Gently pour a few drops of essential oil onto the aroma tab to release scent into the air. More drops will result in a stronger scent.
Safety Cautions:
- Consult a doctor before use if you have health concerns, are pregnant, diabetic, or have a pacemaker. Not recommended for diabetic neuropathy.
- Do not use on infants, invalids, sleeping/unconscious persons, insensitive skin, or persons with poor blood circulation.
- Do not use if you have physical ailments limiting control operation or sensory deficiencies in the lower body.
- Never use on swollen/inflamed areas or skin eruptions.
- Discontinue use and consult a doctor if discomfort occurs.
- This is a non-professional appliance for personal use, not a substitute for medical attention.
- Treatments can be stimulating; avoid use before bed if it delays sleep.
- Do not use longer than recommended.
- If the product feels excessively hot, switch off and contact HoMedics Service Centre.
- Keep hair, clothing, and jewelry clear of massage mechanisms or moving parts.
- Diabetics should consult a GP first, as blood sugar levels can sometimes be reduced after treatment, and reduced sensation in limbs (diabetic neuropathy) may make massage/manipulation unadvisable due to increased risk of damage to weak blood vessels.
- No upper or lower height restriction; adjust position on the mat for optimal benefit.
Maintenance Features
Cleaning:
- Unplug the mat from the mains.
- Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the fabric.
- Do not saturate the mat with water or use harsh chemical cleaners.
- No other maintenance is required.
Storage:
- Store the appliance in its box in a safe, dry, cool place.
- Avoid contact with sharp edges or pointed objects that could cut or puncture the fabric.
- Do not wrap the power cord around the appliance.
- Do not hang the unit by the cord.
General Safeguards:
- Always unplug after use and before cleaning.
- Never leave unattended when plugged in.
- Unplug when not in use or before attaching/removing parts.
- Can be used by children aged 13+ and persons with reduced capabilities if supervised and instructed. Children should not play with the appliance.
- Do not reach for an appliance that has fallen into water/liquids. Unplug immediately and keep dry.
- Do not operate in wet or moist conditions.
- Never insert pins or metallic fasteners.
- Use only for its intended purpose with HoMedics-recommended attachments.
- Do not operate if the cord, plug, or appliance is damaged, or if it has been dropped into water. Return to HoMedics Service Centre for repair.
- Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
- Discontinue use if excessive heating occurs; allow the unit to cool.
- Never drop or insert objects into openings.
- Do not operate where aerosol products are used or oxygen is administered.
- Do not operate under a blanket or pillow to prevent overheating, fire, electrocution, or injury.
- Do not carry by the cord.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not crush.
- Requires 220-240 V AC power.
- Do not attempt to repair; service by authorized HoMedics personnel only.
- Do not stand on the appliance; use only on the floor or bed.
- Keep air openings free of lint, hair, etc.
- Do not place or store where it can fall into a bath or sink.
- Failure to follow these instructions may result in fire or injury.
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