The Rising Popularity Of The Massage Chair
Available to the retail market beginning in the 1980's, massage
chairs are finally becoming one of the most popular home therapy
products on the market. These chairs were developed to provide
the benefits of massage therapy to the home user on a regular
basis. Also, by being placed in one's home, it affords a great
deal of convenience.
Massage therapy has been used for centuries to treat pain, help
with relaxation. Massage is also credited with boosting the
body's immune system through the stimulation of reticular cells.
Like a traditional massage, the massage chair is designed to
reduce tension, reduce headaches, relax muscles and alleviate
pain. Massage chairs are thought to help sufferers of digestive
problems, circulation problems, and chronic fatigue.
Earlier models of massage chairs were not very effective. But as
technology developed, the mechanisms became more realistic and
reliable. While a massage chair may not be able to simulate the
total therapeutic benefits of a massage by hand, at the very
least, it provides massage motions that are consistent. Some
people even say that the electronic massage is in fact better as
the motions never tire and they are delivered in a rhythmic and
regular fashion.
With the advent of improved technology, today's massage chairs
can be customized and programmed to meet the user's individual
needs. Programs pinpointing problem areas and allowing choice of
firmness are becoming standard, and the choice of mechanisms
also varies widely. Some feature popular shiatsu style kneading
action, while others employ vibration and rollers to achieve
that "ooh, ahh" sensation.
With increased technology and rising consumer demand, the price
of good quality massage chairs should continue to drop. This
will result in a massage chair becoming more affordable to more
families. In time to come, perhaps, the massage chair will no
longer be considered a luxury item.