We work hard to improve the lives of ourselves and our loved ones, so it’s important to consider the rewards of any investment we make, whether it be of our time, our money, or our energy.
As many people look into purchasing a massage chair, they ask themselves whether the purchase is worth the price. Should I buy a massage chair? Do massage chairs really help? The value of a solution is relative to the individual problem it solves, so let’s examine a few different cases.
Massage for Injury Recovery
Whether you’re an athlete or a “Regular Joe,” physical injuries can lessen both your quality of life and the amount of money in your bank account. Missed work and multiple doctor visits come as an unexpected cost, and you’ll find yourself taking your vacation days for errands that are anything but relaxing.
Even with health insurance, missed time from work can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If your injury requires massage therapy, this also means taking a few hours per week to visit a therapist that is likely to only be available during your standard business hours.
Massage for Stress Relief
Our stress responses are actually a primitive survival tool, commonly known as our “Fight or Flight response.” When we sense any type of potentially harmful situation, our bodies produce a chemical reaction that increases our heart rate and tightens our muscles. We are physically preparing ourselves to respond to a threat to our well-being.
Small doses of stress can allow us to enhance our focus and performance, but long-term stress puts a strain on our bodies that can actually be harmful. Think about tension headaches, body aches, skin rashes, hair loss, and insomnia. Our modern way of life supplies us with plenty of stress, but we aren’t USING that physical response to run, fight, or otherwise exert that energy. Our bodies pump the adrenaline through our systems, and it manifests itself as physical strain.
Aside from the same inconveniences of missed work that we mentioned in the previous example, bear in mind the effects that these ailments have on quality of life. Yes, you’re missing work. But, more importantly, you’re missing life. You’re missing play time with your kids, enjoying your weekend bike rides, and waking up refreshed and energized each day.
Some stressors can be avoided, but others can only be managed after they happen. That’s where meditation, exercise, and massage can make all the difference. Calming your mind will help you to manage stress, and easing the tension in your muscles through exercise and massage can save you from emotional, physical, and mental anguish.
Massage for Health Problems
We’ve discussed massage for injuries, but what about long-term illnesses or health problems that can’t be repaired in a few months? Those suffering from ailments such as Fibromyalgia or chronic anxiety may require medication that has a multitude of adverse side effects.
Stress-related skin problems may require topical medications that heighten sensitivity to the sun, making sunburns even more likely (and dangerous) than they already are. Loss of appetite related to depression can mean nutritional deficiencies with long-reaching and hugely impactful consequences.
Massage can help to stimulate blood flow and relax your muscles, allowing your body to better care for itself. Better blood flow means that you can move more easily, with less stiffness or pain. That means that less pain-management medication is required, which means that your mind can perform without medication-associated brain fog.
Stress-relieving massage means flare-ups of eczema or acne are less frequent, which means less inconvenience and discomfort. The sleep-enhancing effects of massage mean that your body is better rested, more able to repair itself, and better charged to handle the small stresses that can develop into physical ailments. Your appetite improves, which means your body can be given the nutrients that fight illness and general lethargy.
Is a Massage Chair Worth the Money?
When purchasing any kind, you should always consider whether the product/service is worth the price. But you should also consider the long-term effect of your investment.
There are many advantages to buying a massage chair, but there are some drawbacks that should also be considered.
Why Massage Chairs are Worth It
Is a massage chair worth the money? If you ask anyone who owns and uses a massage chair regularly, the answer is probably “yes.” There are many advantages to having your own massage chair.
An Investment in Your Health
A massage chair is an investment in your mental and physical health. Regular massages can help alleviate stress and tension that can take a toll on your quality of life.
Some people find it challenging to motivate themselves to drive to work each day, but we do it because we know that it will allow us to create something worthwhile, engage in personal development, and provide for our families. Words like “investment” can make us feel like we’re in a business meeting, but an investment in our health can mean avoiding a hospital room and enjoying the outdoors instead. And a better, longer, more fulfilling life doesn’t come with a price tag.
More Cost Effective Than Massage Therapy
How much is a massage chair worth, really? Apart from the investment in your health, a massage chair can offer tangible savings over the long-term that make them well worth the cost.
Inconvenience aside, the cost for a 1-hour massage is generally $100-$175, which can cost up to $210 when you include a 20% tip. Let’s be lenient and say that an injury requires you to have weekly massages for two months. Your total cost is then $1,680 for that period of massage therapy. That’s more expensive than the cost to own a WholeBody® 5.1 massage chair, forever.
Is a massage chair worth buying? When you consider the costs of buying a massage, yes.
Available 24/7
When you purchase a massage chair, it’s yours forever, and it’s available whenever you are – 24/7. If you work until late in the evening, you can still come home and enjoy a relaxing massage after a long and stressful day.
When you own a massage chair, there is no need to worry about booking appointments and working your day around the therapist's schedule.
A Consistent Experience
Even if you visit the same massage therapist every session, the experience will be different every time. The massage technique, the amount of pressure applied and even the music and overall ambiance may be different with each appointment. These inconsistencies can also mean that some massages will be less effective or enjoyable than others.
One advantage of owning a massage chair is that the experience will be consistent. You may have different programs to choose from, but each session of the same program should provide the same overall experience.
Private, Contactless Massage Therapy
Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of working with a massage therapist. After all, massages can be a personal thing, and it may not be easy to relax completely when another person is in the room.
Having your own massage chair affords you privacy and a contactless way to enjoy massage therapy.
Different Massage Options
Massage chairs may have a variety of programs that can help you address different issues. For example, you can choose a deep tissue massage to alleviate tension in overworked or injured muscles. The next day, you may use the foot massage function to help soothe your aching feet.
Massage chairs offer the ability to adjust your settings and programs based on what you’re feeling in the moment.
Some Drawbacks to Consider
While there are many advantages to buying a massage chair, they may not be the right choice for everyone.
Higher Upfront Cost
A quality massage chair is an investment. While you will save money over the long term, the upfront cost can be significantly higher compared to sessions with massage therapists.
Why are massage chairs so expensive? Because they use sophisticated mechanical parts and systems to deliver an authentic full body massage. These chairs are built with high-quality materials and engineered to provide a luxurious experience with each session. They also have features like faux leather upholstery and Bluetooth speakers that allow you to relax with an audiobook or listen to calming music during your massage.
While the features and construction of the chair make it worth every penny, the high cost may put a massage chair out of reach for some individuals.
A Different Experience
When considering the question “are massage chairs worth it?” it’s important to remember that the experience will be different from a session with a massage therapist.
Quality massage chairs are designed to mimic the hand movements of a masseuse. However, while the experience comes close, it can’t completely replicate the true feeling of a massage therapist’s hands.
So, when asking the question “are chairs worth the money?” consider whether the experience of an in-person massage is important to you.
Massage Chair Effectiveness
Along with the benefits and drawbacks of a massage chair, it’s important to consider its effectiveness. Do massage chairs work? Are massage chairs good for you? If so, how good are massage chairs, really?
To answer these questions, let’s explore what research has to say about massage chairs and the overall health benefits of massage.
Massage chairs have been shown to help:
- Reduce pain. One study found that massage chairs were just as effective as physiotherapy at reducing pain and improving quality of life in participants. That study also found that a massage chair was more cost effective than physiotherapy.
- Improve blood flow. One study found that regular massages may improve blood flow in localized areas.
- Reduce stress and anxiety. Research has found that just 15 minutes in a massage chair can help reduce stress and anxiety while improving alertness. Participants also had fewer symptoms of depression after five weeks. Reducing stress and anxiety can also help lower your heart rate and help you slip into a state of total relaxation.
Final Thoughts
A massage chair gives you access to massage therapy anytime and from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Massage chairs are worth the cost, all things considered. The convenience and health benefits of regular massages far outweigh the upfront cost of purchasing a chair.
With the COVID-19 crisis putting most countries on lockdown, more people are working from home than ever before. Setting up a home office has been a tricky process for many of us. Along with finding a designated place to work, you also have to consider the ergonomics of the space. The goal is to create a home office that's comfortable to work in without causing back pain or strain.
A zero gravity workstation is a great option, especially if you suffer from constant pain when sitting.
Investing in an ergonomic office chair is a great place to start. The Human Touch Perfect Chair® is ideal for any home office setting. Our Perfect Chairs may not look like the conventional office chair, but they offer the comfort and ergonomic design needed to work safely and comfortably from home.
Experience the Benefits of Zero Gravity
The legs are elevated above the heart in the zero gravity position, while the shoulders and head are also slightly elevated. It may sound like a strange way to sit or sleep in, but NASA designed the position as a way to take pressure off the spine when astronauts are launched into space.
You may find it interesting to know that this is also the position your body naturally takes when in a zero gravity environment, such as floating in a pool of water.
Back Pain Relief
Many of us suffer from lower back pain because we sit at a desk all day or perform repetitive motions that strain our backs.
The zero gravity position takes the pressure off the spine, specifically the lower back. Once that pressure is removed, blood can flow freely to the back to alleviate pain and discomfort.
If you suffer from pinched nerves or muscle tension in your back, a zero gravity office chair can also help decompress your spine to alleviate these problems.
A few of the ways that an ergonomic office chair helps alleviate back pain are:
- Tilt tension
- Sturdy yet comfortable seat cushion to promote better posture
- Height adjustable settings to ensure proper foot placement
- Adjustable armrests to further promote good posture
When you're sitting for long hours, adjustable features help take the strain off of your back. It's better to invest in zero gravity computer chair that may cost more than other models but doesn't leave you with an aching back day and night.
Plus, the right zero gravity chair will last a long time and can be written off if you own a business.
Less Stress on the Heart
Along with taking pressure off the spine, zero gravity also takes pressure off the heart, allowing it to work more efficiently and improving circulation. In this position, your heart doesn't have to work so hard to pump against the power of gravity, so blood can flow more freely.
If you have fibromyalgia, lower stress on the heart is crucial to your long-term health.
The best office chairs for fibromyalgia are zero gravity chairs. You'll reduce pain, lower your risk of heart complications and do it all while being more productive.
Better Circulation, Recovery and Pain Relief
Improved circulation will help with recovery from injuries and even muscle growth. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to your organs and muscles. Muscles that receive more blood get more nutrients and oxygen, helping them grow. Injuries also recover more quickly because they receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal.
Zero gravity is also an effective way to alleviate pain. Along with taking pressure off painful areas, improved circulation reduces or even eliminates pain.
In fact, a 2014 study from Portland Research Group highlighted the effectiveness of zero gravity and Human Touch's Perfect Chairs on pain.
- * 41% of people taking pain medication before their chair purchase took less pain medication after purchasing a Perfect Chair.
- * 17% stopped taking pain medication entirely.
- * 74% of owners said they would recommend Perfect Chair to other people.
Do zero gravity chairs help back pain? Yes, but they also help relieve general pain, too. There are chairs for back pain specifically, yet a zero gravity desk or chair will reduce pain in the entire spine and other joints.
Relaxed Muscles
Working from home can be stressful, even if your home office is in your living room.
The zero gravity position helps take pressure off muscles, allowing them to relax and alleviating tension. When the body is in a total state of relaxation, you also enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep.
A reclining desk or reclining computer workstation helps take strain off of your muscles, joints and back. When you sit in a reclining desk chair workstation, you're actively promoting less stress and tension on the muscles.
If any of the following hurt or are sore after long work hours, a zero gravity reclining office chair can help:
- Neck
- Back
- Shoulders
Plus, the mesh fabric is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time and very durable.
A Versatile Home Office Asset
Perfect Chairs are just as versatile as they are comfortable.
If you want a zero gravity chair for lower back pain that's high-tech and can help improve your workflow in the office, we have the perfect option for you.
With our Laptop Desk accessory, you can instantly transform your chair into the perfect home office chair. Our Supreme Upholstery Packages offered with any of our Perfect Chair models include 3D EasePoint Technology™, which is designed to distribute your weight evenly across the entire seat to eliminate uncomfortable and painful pressure points. This makes it easier to comfortably work from your chair, even for extended periods of time.
With zero gravity, maximum adjustability and the finest craftsmanship, Perfect Chairs make it easy and comfortable to work from home.
Even after you return to your office, your Perfect Chair will be there to greet you after work and help you relax after a long day. If you're going to have a home office, you want it to be as comfortable as possible. A zero gravity chair is the best option for comfort, back pain reduction and versatility.
Looking for something to ease your aching, tired feet? If you’re on your feet all day at work or have a medical condition that causes pain or swelling in your feet, a home massager is a convenient way to get some relief.
Although mild cases of scoliosis are common and may come with few if any major symptoms, this condition can worsen over time. For some, it can range from disruptive to debilitating. Let’s take a closer look at this condition and learn how back massage for scoliosis can help, which treatment considerations to keep in mind, and how you can experience relief at home with a massage chair for scoliosis.
The many positive effects of massage therapy have long been recognized by the athletic and sporting world.
Many coaches, athletes, and sports medicine experts have long acknowledged that massage can provide numerous benefits to the body, including increased blood flow, improved circulation, reduced muscle soreness and tension, lowered mental stress and anxiety, and better overall wellbeing.
And now, with the recent partnership between Human Touch® and Recovery For Athletes (RFA), these many benefits are now even more accessible to athletes than ever before.
In this post, we are going to explore Human Touch’s market-leading massage chairs and zero gravity recliners and review their many benefits for athletic recovery.
The Important Role Massage Therapy Plays For Athletic Recovery
It’s not hard to see why the athletic world is so jazzed about massage chairs. Their many benefits have seen professional athletes from around the world incorporate massage therapy into their recovery routines.
Below, we explore the main benefits of massage therapy and how it helps some of the world’s greatest athletes stay on top of their game.
Increased Blood Flow, Circulation, And Reduced Blood Pressure
Whether it’s simply muscle soreness from an intense workout or recovery from an injury, massage therapy, delivered by massage chairs, is a great way to increase blood flow to painful or injured areas of the body. When blood flows into an affected area, it brings oxygen and nutrients that replenish cells and help sore bodies feel better and heal faster.
In fact, research has shown that deep tissue massages can work to reduce systolic (contracted heart pressure), diastolic (expanded or open-heart pressure), and mean arterial blood pressure.
These benefits not only promote athletic recovery but can also help to promote the longevity of an athlete’s professional life.
Great Range Of Movement And Increased Flexibility
With intense workouts and heavy athletic routines comes tightness and limited range of motion. Stiff, sore muscles and joints don’t perform optimally and are more susceptible to injuries like tears, pulls, and strains.
Thankfully, massage chairs help to loosen and relieve areas of damage due to physical activity, reducing the risk of injury and preparing the body for the next tough training session.
It has been shown that consistent use of a massage chair is an effective intervention for musculoskeletal aches, pains, discomfort, and a great way to increase range of motion.
The perfect combination to avoid injury and stay active and healthy for longer.
Pain Relief
There's nothing more effective at killing motivation and reducing athletic performance than pain. Tired muscles, soreness, and tightness all lead in one direction, more recovery time and less time athletically training.
Thankfully, massage chairs are great at relieving unwanted pain symptoms from athletic and sports training to return the body to optimal conditions in a timely manner.
Take Ryan Bader’s experience with his Novo XT2, he says, “…it’s really taken my recovery to a whole new level.” and reveals, “What I really like about it is it has so many features that I can easily tailor a massage to my day and how I’m feeling.”
Massage chairs are the perfect solution for pain relief and to help athletes, even with regimes as demanding as an MMA fighter, quickly and effectively relieve their post-workout pain to get back to training as soon as possible.
Injury Recovery
Injuries, big or small, are the antithesis of effective athletic training. A niggling injury can keep athletes from training, performing, and competing at their very best. And could, quite literally, be the difference between a long prosperous athletic career and retirement.
Former NFL player, Hiram Eugene, suffered numerous injuries throughout his career, and describes, “I am most affected by tightness/stiffness/soreness in my lower back, joint tightness/soreness in left hip, and stiffness/tingling/inflammation/numbness in my neck.”
He goes on to say: “My attraction to the [Human Touch] Novo massage chair was that it really does have the touch of human hands giving you a firm massage, and it also has a recliner mode that helps you relax while you receive that massage.”
Hiram, unfortunately, sustained a career-ending injury back in 2012 , but has been using his Novo massage chair to help with his recovery and manage pain ever since.
Relaxation
In addition to physical fatigue, muscle soreness, and injury management, athletic training can also take a mental toll.
This, once again, is where massage chairs shine. Professional racecar driver and Human Touch Wellness Council Member, Cassie Gannis’ experience is a prime example.
Cassie uses her iJOY® massage chair to help her relax both during and after her workday: “This chair uses long strokes, kneading, compression, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize me while I review race films, post to social media and answer emails. The positive effects of the iJOY massage chair are that it reduces my stress level, back pain, and muscle tension.”
She also adds: “Outside of the massage effects, the iJOY chair is a comfortable chair. It provides a great place to just sit and relax. I can be found watching TV in it after my workday has ended.”
As a professional athlete, it’s just as important to keep your mind sharp and relaxed as it is to keep your body pain-free. That way, when stepping onto the field or competing in a big event, their head is in the game and they are ready to perform at the top level.
Post-workout Muscle Care
Ultimate athletic achievements take not just serious commitment but also a rigorous athletic routine. Routines such as this can take a serious toll on the body and require just as much time off the field recovering as on the field performing.
Andy Potts, a world champion triathlete, shares his experience with the Novo XT massage chair: “As a professional triathlete, one of the pillars of my racing and training success comes from proper recovery. I train for over 35 hours a week, which takes a tremendous toll on the body. By adding the Human Touch Novo XT to my daily routine, I’m able to unwind and recover in a way I never thought possible.”
An investment in a high-quality massage chair is a convenient and easily tailored way to recover from heavy workout loads and professional athletic commitments. The process of giving
muscles and joints the care they deserve pays dividends to both recovery and performance.
Final Thoughts
Massage chairs are a fantastic way to take any athletic regime to the next level. That’s why a partnership between Recovery For Athletes and Human Touch is the perfect alliance for athletes everywhere.
RecoveryForAthletes.com is the top online retailer for athletic recovery, fitness, and wellness equipment. We stock products from over 75 brands within our online store, partnering with manufacturers who share our vision: to improve the recovery and performance of athletes irrespective of their sporting discipline.
With over 40 years of experience, Human Touch designs and manufacturers market-leading massage chairs that have set the bar for innovation and technology within the industry. Their comprehensive portfolio of high-quality massage chairs and zero gravity recliners has taken athletic recovery to the next level.
Could your home office use an upgrade? With more and more people working from home, the demand for workspaces that foster productivity and wellness has never been higher. Consider featuring a carefully-crafted massage chair in your home office that by its design and engineering, induces relaxation, refocuses your mind, and relieves stress.
Human Touch, a leading luxury massage and home office chair brand, has you covered. Check out this list of the best home office chairs of 2021:
Massage Chairs for Relaxing After a Long Day at the (Home) Office
Gravis ZG
The HumanTouch® Gravis ZG combines myriad therapeutic benefits, intelligent engineering, convenient controls, and exceptional comfort. Enjoy multiple heat zones, targeted air massage technology, and a zero gravity recliner, all in a compact, minimalist design. Gravis ZG has its own app for quick customization of your favorite positions and a reliable battery backup. And don’t forget the Smart Sitting feature (available in the downloadable app)! This intuitive feature allows you to set a timer so the chair “nudges” you when you’ve been sitting too long and should probably take a break and stretch your legs. Two frame color options, mahogany and beech, and three neutral pad set color options, saddle, sand, and bone, seamlessly blend into any home office decor.
Super Novo Massage Chair
The ground-breaking Super Novo Massage Chair is the first Alexa-enabled compatible ergonomic home office chair featuring patented Virtual Therapist™ technology. A Human Touch best-seller, the Super Novo lives up to its “super” name with features like 3D and 4D massage programs, Cloud Touch acupressure, dual-lumber heat, and zero gravity positioning. Access and store your devices with a convenient magnetic dock and holder, or turn on the premium Altec Lansing sound system to listen to calming music or nature tracks while you focus on work.
Novo XT2 Massage Chair
The Novo XT2 Massage Chair is a sophisticated home office chair designed for long working hours. Considered one of the best home office massage chairs available due to its powerful three-dimensional massage system, Novo XT2 delivers a masseuse-quality massage from the top of the spine all the way to the thighs. State-of-the-art technology, including Flex 3D Massage, dual-lumbar heating, and an extending foot and calf massage system, make this modern piece of furniture a must-have for relaxing breaks during the workday.
Ergonomic Chairs for Small Home Offices
Sana Massage Chair
The best compact home office chairs offer you a relaxing respite right when you need it, whether it’s during a short break between meetings or winding down at the end of a long workday. The Sana Massage Chair is a gorgeous modern home office chair, inspired by the simplicity of contemporary design with a luxurious first-class touch. Professionals dealing with high-stress jobs and long office hours will benefit from Sana’s pain-relieving zero gravity recline and nine intelligent Auto-Wellness programs that support and massage the back. A small rear clearance requirement makes the Sana perfect for tighter spaces, and built-in USB ports also make it easy to use and charge your devices while you decompress with a relaxing full-body massage.
iJOY® Total Massage Chair
Unwind after work (or during your own mini breaks throughout the day) with the iJOY Total Massage, a top-of-the-line home office chair for back pain. Intelligently designed with FlexGlide® orbital massage technology that simulates the expert techniques used by massage professionals, the iJOY Total Massage also features air cells strategically placed to target healing pressure to the shoulders, arms, seat, and calves. Adapt the chair to your perfect fit with back massage rollers that adjust to your ideal width, a gentle recline, and extendable foot and calf massagers. This high-quality compact massage chair will take your workspace to the next level.
Perfect Chair® PC-600 Silhouette
While all Perfect Chairs are exquisitely-crafted, the Perfect Chair PC-600 Silhouette is a step above the rest. Compared to the Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion, the PC-600 is a more compact-ergonomic home office chair optimal for smaller workspaces. Relax into the plush memory foam and take advantage of the added comfort seating available with the innovative 3D EasePoint Technology™ (offered on the Supreme Upholstery Package option). Discover a new sense of wellness while you work with power recline, an adjustable lumbar system, extended armrests, and much more. And attach the Perfect Chair Laptop Desk to secure your devices while you work and take meetings.
ZeroG® 5.0 Massage Chair
The ZeroG 5.0 Massage Chair is where state-of-the-art design meets pure, weightless relaxation. Whether you’re weaving self-care breaks into your day or simply relaxing after work, recline into zero gravity and experience immediate relief of pressure on your spine and lower back. Increase blood circulation, reduce swelling in your lower extremities, and indulge in a fully encompassing massage of your feet, calves, and lower and upper back. Featuring the revolutionary BodyMap PRO® remote, Acupoint® Detection scanning technology, and an extra-wide seat for added comfort while you work upright, this remarkable modern massage chair is the ultimate addition to any home workspace.
Zero Gravity Reclining Office Chairs
Lito Zero Gravity Recliner by Relax The Back®
The Lito Zero Gravity Recliner by Relax The Back offers unparalleled comfort whether you’re video conferencing with clients, working long hours, or benefitting from a short screen break between meetings. Dip into virtual weightlessness with Lito’s zero gravity recline and take advantage of intelligent preset memory functions you can access with the touch of a button. Use this as an optional home office chair when you need a break from your desk, and enjoy its heated seat and contoured backrest that supports your lower back, as well as an articulating headrest comfort pillow.
Perfect Chair® PC-420 Classical Manual Plus
The Perfect Chair PC-420 Classical Manual Plus is a stunning example of marrying human craftsmanship with remarkable engineering. The PC-420 is made with superior materials designed for ultimate comfort and durability; materials include high-tensile strength steel, memory foam, a solid wood base, far-infrared Jade heat stones*, and Premium Leather or SōfHyde upholstery. Use the detachable Perfect Chair Laptop Desk for work and meetings, and then manually recline to zero gravity and ease into weightless comfort. *Note: Jade heat available on select upholstery packages only.
Perfect Chair® PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic
Explore next-level wellness while you work with the Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic, a contemporary leather home office chair that artfully blends form and function. Constructed with premium materials including a hand-carved wooden base and Premium Leather (or choose SōfHyde upholstery if you prefer!), the Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic is everything the modern-day professional needs in an office chair. Recline to zero gravity for instant back and spine relief, find your preferred seating position with the chair’s 3D EasePoint Technology™ and alleviate muscle tension with soothing built-in Jade heat. (Note: 3D EasePoint Technology and Jade heat available on select upholstery packages only).
Whether you’re looking for sleek, compact chairs for your home office or the ultimate combination of modern comfort and ergonomics, let this best office chair review guide you to the perfect choice.
When it comes to relaxing at home, the easier to do, the better it is! Pick a category that appeals to you and give it a try. You can also mix and match different categories based on how you’re feeling – remember, listen to your body, and do what feels right!
This article seeks to unravel the many health complications caused by bad posture. We’ll identify the common practices that go unnoticed yet pose a risk to your mental and physical health.
Catching every cold or flu that goes around is no fun, but if you have a weak immune system, it’s way more likely to happen to you. If you’re looking to improve your immune system and increase your body’s resiliency, try one or more of these eight strategies to get and stay healthy, from sleeping more to eating well.
Destress.
Stress has been found to be one of the leading causes for when one’s immune system is not functioning properly. When your body is stressed out, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced, thus making your body more susceptible to infections, infectious diseases and overall sicknesses. Luckily enough, you can prevent this by keeping a healthy state of mind. Take time out of your day to decompress and relax, especially if you are working from home. The anxieties and stresses of the current coronavirus pandemic have made working from home difficult, and people’s normal time for relaxation throughout the workday has been replaced with home-schooling children, conducting house chores and running errands. A great way to decompress at home is with a relaxing massage in a high-quality massage chair. By massaging and relaxing the muscles, your body’s stress levels will subside.
Sleep enough.
Yes, there is something that’s guaranteed to boost your immune system and, no, it’s not a supplement or a shake. Your body uses sleep to repair itself, making new proteins (aka the building blocks of the cell) while you snooze. Whether you’re fighting off an illness or injury or just trying not to get sick, sleep is your friend. You’re much better off skipping that expensive supplement and getting an extra hour of sleep instead. While everyone’s needs vary individually, most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep every night to fully function and keep their immune systems in top shape. If you have trouble sleeping, there are several different things you can try, such as taking melatonin, muffling loud sounds with ear plugs or white noise and blocking out light with blackout blinds or curtains.
Exercise regularly.
Exercise builds your body and makes you stronger and less susceptible to illness and injury over the long run. For optimal benefits, you should aim for a mixture of cardiovascular and strength building activities. Generally healthy adults should strive for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise spread out throughout the week, which equates to 30 minutes five days a week. There are many workouts that you can do at home or in your neighborhood with minimal equipment, such as running, walking, plyometrics and kickboxing. Experiment with some different types of workouts to see which ones you like best.
Eat a healthy diet.
Your gut and your immune system are very closely linked, and eating a healthy diet is an important component of maintaining a strong immune system. In general, you should eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Try to eat foods rich in fats and sugars only in moderation. Indulging occasionally is fine, but these foods shouldn’t make up the majority of your diet. Avoid any foods that you’re sensitive to, as they can result in inflammation and weaken your body (not to mention cause problems like stomach cramps and acid reflux).
Watch your stress levels.
Stress, especially chronic stress, wears down our bodies and makes us more susceptible to illness. If you’ve noticed yourself feeling tired or getting sick a lot for “no reason,” stress could be the culprit. Some of the other tips listed in this article, including regular exercise, are natural stress relievers. Many people also find yoga, meditation and mindfulness helpful in managing stress. You can also try deep breathing exercises, practicing aromatherapy (such as lighting a candle), spending time with your pet, listening to soothing music, and reducing your caffeine intake. Some Human Touch massage chairs also include a Sound Soothe feature, which allows you to get a full-body massage while relaxing to one of eight built-in nature tracks.
Practice good hygiene.
Good hygiene is incredibly important for protecting yourself from germs. You should wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water. Don’t forget to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. If hand washing isn’t available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. There are many key times to wash your hands, including before and after eating or preparing food; before touching your eyes, nose or mouth; after using the bathroom; after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; and after touching garbage. See the CDC’s website for full guidelines on how and when to wash your hands.
Don’t forget your mental health.
Lots of advice for boosting your immune system focuses on your physical health, but it’s important not to neglect your mental health as well. How you feel mentally is very closely linked to how you feel physically, and being stressed, depressed or anxious often manifests in headaches, upset stomachs, insomnia and other physical complaints. Exercising will help improve your mental health, as will getting outside in nature, connecting with friends and pursuing new hobbies. If you struggle with conditions such as depression and anxiety, finding a therapist can be a big help, and some people also find medications useful as well.
While many people want to take a vitamin and be done with it, cultivating a healthy immune system is more of a lifestyle—but it’s so worth it. Follow these seven steps to improve your immune system and better your health.
When it comes to preventative self-care, massage chairs can be a valuable health and wellness tool. Massage has proven benefits for overall health and well-being, from better sleep to improved immune function, reduced stress and pain relief.
With a massage chair in your own home, you can enjoy all of the following benefits from the comfort of your own living room:
Improved Immunity
Regular massages may help boost your immune system. Research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that people who received a 45-minute massage had increased levels of lymphocytes, which are the white blood cells that defend the body against disease.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage may help fight seasonal colds and the flu. When the body is in a deep state of relaxation, the number of natural killer (NK) cells increases. NK cells are white blood cells that rapidly respond to viral-infected cells.
Massage can also help the body get over a cold in other ways. The increased blood flow and fluid movement nourish the body while helping remove waste or germs.
Adding massage therapy to your preventative care routine can help strengthen your immune system, reducing the risk of illness. Having a massage chair in your home makes it easy and convenient to enjoy the benefits of massage, regularly.
Reduced Stress
Massage is an effective tool for alleviating stress, a silent killer. Studies have shown that a 10-15-minute massage can lower blood pressure, oxygen consumption and salivary cortisol levels.
Stress affects all areas of the body:
Musculoskeletal: Chronic stress can leave the muscles in a constant state of tension, which can trigger tension headaches and even lower back pain.
Respiratory: Rapid, shallow breathing and shortness of breath are both common responses to stress. For people with respiratory disease, stress can make breathing problems even worse.
Cardiovascular: When we’re under stress, our hearts beat faster and stronger. The body also releases the stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. With chronic stress, these effects are ongoing and may increase the risk of heart attack, hypertension or stroke.
Gastrointestinal: Stress can affect the entire digestive system, causing acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, bloating and even decreased nutrient absorption.
Endocrine: Chronic, high levels of cortisol can impair communication with the immune system, which can lead to the development of metabolic disorders, chronic fatigue, depression and other mental health conditions.
Studies have found that stress-relieving therapies, like massage, can improve or prevent these effects.
With a massage chair, you can enjoy daily stress-relieving massages right from the comfort of your home.
Neck and Back Pain Relief
Back pain is the leading cause of missed workdays and work limitations, and neck pain isn’t too far behind. Back and neck pain can cause a host of problems, even on a fundamental level, as it can cause difficulty bending over, lifting objects, and even just sitting in an upright position at a desk where compression on the spine can make normal seating unbearable.
Massage has been shown to be an effective pain reliever, and massage chairs are especially effective for alleviating neck and back pain, because the massager rollers are strategically placed to target these areas.
The Human Touch® Super Novo massage chair offers unique L-track and S-track massage systems that cover 60% more of the back than competing massage chairs. This unibody track delivers a soothing massage that extends from your neck and shoulders down to your thighs, while the dual-lumbar heat feature helps to loosen tight back muscles and further alleviate pain.
Better Sleep
Sleep is crucial to your overall health and well-being, but an estimated 50-70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders that affect their health.
Poor sleep can affect:
Brain function, including your ability to make decisions, solve problems, cope with change, and control your emotions.
Physical health. Sleep deficiency can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions.
Productivity. Lack of sleep makes it difficult to stay focused and productive at work.
We know that massage helps alleviate stress, and that alone can help you enjoy a better night of sleep. However, a study on back pain found that in addition to pain relief, regular massages can increase serotonin levels.
Serotonin is a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that prepares your body for sleep and regulates your sleep cycle. At night, the body produces more melatonin, alerting the body that it’s time to go to bed. During the day, melatonin production decreases to let the body know it’s time to wake up.
Many people who suffer from sleep disorders have low melatonin levels. Massage may help increase serotonin levels, which ultimately increases melatonin levels. With a massage chair in your home, you can relax your way to a good night’s sleep.
Having a massage chair at home can be an excellent preventative self-care tool. With the touch of a button, you can melt away stress, alleviate pain and enjoy a better night of sleep.