Chair massage has become popular in the last few years for a number of reasons. If you're not familiar with this "alternative" form of massage, or if you've just been putting off getting one, here are a few reasons why you should try it:
- It's fast. A chair massage can be as short as five minutes or as long as a half hour. This is a perfect arrangement for someone who doesn't have much time.
- It's convenient. Chair massage is often available at places people go to in the course of their day, for example, coffee shops and markets (particularly natural food markets). Or, it may be offered at a massage business or day spa located in the same shopping center where you run errands. And it's always possible to set up chair massage sessions in the workplace; just call a local therapist or massage center.
- It's easy on the budget. Chair massages are all timed and the charge is based on the length of the massage. So if you don't want to spend a lot of money, it's a good way to try massage.
- It's specific. A lot of people don't want, or feel they don't need, what is traditionally called a "full body massage" (a table massage). Chair massage was designed to make it easy to treat the back, neck and shoulders - areas that carry a lot of stress in most people. (But it's also possible to massage the arms, hands and head this way. The only parts of the body that are hard to access in a massage chair are the extreme lower back, the legs and the feet.)
- It's less threatening. For some people, the idea of removing all their clothes and then having someone they don't know, or don't know well, give them a massage is enough to keep them away from the massage table permanently. During a chair massage the client keeps their clothes on. Nudity is not only not required, it's not allowed!
- It can be just as effective as a longer table massage. Sometimes it's the frequency - not the length - of a treatment that matters. People who can't afford, or don't have the time for, regular table massages may not get them very often, or on a regular basis. But if they can manage a shorter (and therefore lower-priced) chair massage more often than they would get a table massage, they may find that the benefits - the relaxation and stress relief - last longer. Also, it's possible that when they do get stressed, their reaction is not as severe or as long-lasting. Because their muscles have been getting more frequent reminders of how to handle stress, they are better equipped to deal with it when it does arrive.
And here's one last thought:
Chair massage is a great way to show people you appreciate them. It has been used for employee appreciation programs, Christmas and other holiday parties and home parties where the hostess or host offers a related product or service (like skin care products). If you've been to one of these events and had a chair massage, you know how much more valued you feel by the person or organization hosting the event. If you happen to be an employer or small business owner, you might also want to consider offering chair massage at your next event. People will really appreciate it!
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Massage | |
