Massage Chair vs. Massage Therapist
There's no doubt about it. Human touch is nearly impossible to duplicate. However, some companies have come pretty close with the manufacturing of top-notch massage chairs that relax and rejuvenate the mind and body.
So why purchase a massaging chair over making an appointment at a local spa? There are many advantages.
- Convenience - let's face it. Spas today are slamming with business. Sometimes a therapist you are comfortable with may not have an opening on a day and/or time that is convenient for you. Have a massage chair at home is like having a therapist on call, every hour of every day.
- Cost- while the price of a massage chair may seem outrageous at first glance-think about it. Why do we spend thousands of dollars on home gym equipment? Because it pays off in the long run, that's why. Rates for a nationally certified massage therapist can range from $40 to over $100 per hour depending on training, location and any added service. Coupled with all the other advantages a massage chair in the home offers, price should not even be a factor.
- Privacy - not everyone feels comfortable in the intimate environment of a massage therapist's quarters. The undressing and draping and touch of a stranger sometimes do not allow one to relax like they should when getting a massage. Being in the privacy of one's own home and space can create the relaxing environment one may require to, well, relax.
- On-Demand - going along with the convenience factor, having a chair at home allows for an on-demand massage. If one moves some furniture, does a big once-over on the house, spends the day gardening or some other chore that takes a toll on the body, they can't just instantly walk into a spa for an appointment. Instead, one can just relax in his or her chair, whenever pain or tension arises.
- Quality, Advanced Technology - Today's massage chairs are equipped with high quality and top of the line mechanisms that mimic the shiatsu method of massage therapy. And, not only do these chairs, most often recliners, take care of the back, but can also massage the arms, legs, shoulder and neck. Of course functions will vary by brand and price range you are looking, but the advanced designs of these chairs are astonishing.
- Dual Function - most new massage chairs are designed to fit many styles and decor, meaning the massage chair can double as not just a functional massage chair with health benefits, but also as a new piece to a living room or den. When not being used as a massager, it can just serve as a comfortable place to sit.
- Predictability - ever get a bad massage? Sometimes booking an appointment somewhere you end up getting a new therapist, someone who makes you uncomfortable or someone who is either too soft or too hard on you? Having a massage chair you are comfortable with means you will get the same results all the time. No worries!
While there are many advantages to owning a massaging chair, there are some things to keep in mind. The first is that the chair will be in your home, which means it may not always be peaceful and quiet like a private room at a spa or practitioner's office. Also, if there is chronic pain, certain trigger points or anything of that nature another type of massage remedy may be better suited at that time. However, having a chair at home doesn't mean you can't ever make an appointment for a person-to-person rubdown!