There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that massage chairs are comfortable.
They make a great place to rest after a long day at the office, or when you want to catch the ball game.
But the best massage chairs are also expensive more often than not, and comfort might not be the most persuasive justification for buying one.
However, there are verified medical benefits to using a massage chair. If you have a bad back or want to keep yourself in top shape for a long time, read on.
They Reduce Pressure On The Spine
Massage chairs are usually designed to seat you in a reclining position. When you sit down, you are relieving the constant pressure that is caused by walking and sitting all day.
As the muscles on your back relax, your spine will be free to lengthen and go back to a natural, unpressurized alignment.
They’re Good For Your Skin
This might be hard to believe, but massage chairs are known to help with skin health.
Massage chairs that have heating functions can help your skin. The heat improves blood circulation on the surface of the skin, and thus increases the flow of nutrients into the cell.
The added heat also means that your skin tends to sweat a bit more. Sweat naturally removes toxins from your body, promoting healthy skin.
The result is cleaner and more beautiful skin.
Massage Chairs Relax Your Muscles
Massage chairs have different settings that target different muscle groups. Combined with the heat and a massage, this gives your muscles a chance to relax from their usual stressed state.
During this relaxed state, they settle into a resting position where they are free to correct any imbalances. They also position themselves appropriately.
Here is an example: If you have a sore hip, that means you will sit differently from your regular position. This will cause a lot of stress to your muscles on one particular point in your body. With a massage chair, you can relax the muscles that have been unnaturally stressed, giving them the chance to go back to their natural resting position.
By improving the positioning and resting state of your muscles, not only can you improve your posture, but also your sense of balance.
They Stimulate The Production Of Endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals that the body releases to lessen stress and relieve pain. A long session in a massage chair helps increase the production of endorphins, all the while providing the same comfort, stress relief, and relaxation. So the benefit is compounded.
Ultimately, not only is this good for your physical health, but reduced stress is excellent for good mental health as well.
Massage Chairs Help Prevent Injuries
If you participate in sports, then you are well aware as to how many of your muscles are always stressed and in danger of injury every time you play.
Over time, that stress builds up, unless it is released. Massage chairs provide your body with relief, ensuring that muscle stress doesn’t build up too much over time.
This reduces the risk of injuring yourself as it gives your muscles the adequate care to rest and relax.
Massage Chairs Can Be Used In Rehabilitation
If you are already injured, then there are benefits to using massage chairs as well.
Massage chairs are frequently used in rehabilitation, since they are fantastic at relaxing torn muscles and promoting circulation to damaged parts of your body, without having to risk added injury.
Another benefit that massage chairs have in rehabilitation is the fact that they also help in relieving pain and provide comfort to the injured spot, without risking further aggravation.
They Can Boost Your Immune System
A 45-minute massage has been known to improve the production of lymphocytes.
These are cells that protect the body from disease, and it has been noticed that a long massage session has promoted increased production of lymphocytes in the body.
With more lymphocytes in the body, there is a less likely chance that any disease that attempts to attack your body will be effective.
They Can Help Regulate High Blood Pressure
Massage chairs are known to promote relaxation. The feeling of being refreshed after a good workout or a long yoga session is also simulated in the use of a massage chair.
That refreshed and relaxed feeling after a massage session lowers your heart rate, which in turn reduces your blood pressure.
If you are suffering from blood pressure issues, it’s a good idea to try out a massage chair and see if it helps you.
They Can Improve The Quality Of Your Sleep
We have talked about how massage chairs release stress and promote relaxation, so this should come as no surprise here.
Long massages are known to relieve stress, and thereby, fatigue. It is a good idea to ensure that you get a massage before you go to bed. Not only will it reduce the effects of stress, but you will also feel a lot more rested and refreshed after waking up.
Moreover, a massage session can act as a catalyst for your sleep. You would have noticed that most people tend to drift off to sleep during a massage.
They Can Help Combat Depression
In addition to promoting the production of endorphins, they also promote the production of dopamine and serotonin.
Without these chemicals, your brain becomes chemically imbalanced, which is one of the causes of depression.
A long session in a massage chair can help promote the production of these chemicals. So if you or someone you know is suffering from depression, this is an excellent way to try and fight off some of the side effects.
Conclusion
Massage chairs might be considered a luxury to some, but considering the health benefits they offer, they shouldn’t be. Whether you are coming home from a long day at the office, recovering from an injury, want to get a good night’s sleep, or are suffering from depression, there are real benefits that massage chairs offer for everyone.
If you are still not convinced, then it’s best left to let your body decide. Go out and try a few massage chairs, see if they are to your liking.
