Massage is well known for its physical and emotional benefits. The Mayo Clinic states that massage can take many forms, from Swedish massage to deep tissue body work, but all are relaxers that support immunity, loosen tense muscles and lower blood pressure. Chair massage is one of the quickest and most simple types. It has all the usual benefits, plus its flexibility gives it some unique attributes.
Definition
A chair massage is a type of body work performed while the subject is sitting in a special chair. It allows him to lean forward so his neck, back and shoulders are easy for the therapist to reach, as these are the areas of concentration. The Holistic Online website explains that chair massages are done while the person is fully clothed, and they don't use cream or oil.
Location
Traditional massages are usually done in a massage clinic, fitness club or spa. Chair massages can be done anywhere an appropriate chair can be placed. These are often done on site at various locations because of this flexibility.
The University of Pennsylvania Student Health Service notes that chair massages are often performed in offices where employees spend most of the day working on computers.
Massage providers often set up chair massages at festivals, health clubs, shopping malls and other high-traffic locations to make money or attract business for traditional body work. They may charge for the chair massages, or they may do brief treatments for free and hand out business cards to promote their full-length massages.
Time Frame
The University of Pennsylvania Student Health Services reports that a full chair massage can be done in as little as 15 minutes. Promotional samples can be done in just five minutes. This makes chair massages appropriate for office workers and others who have little time to spare and who cannot undress for a more comprehensive treatment. It also makes the massages easy to do in temporary, busy locations because one therapist can serve many people with quick massages.
Benefits
Chair massage has special benefits, according to David Palmer, founder of San Francisco's TouchPro Institute and co-developer of the first massage chair. It directly treats the neck, back, and shoulders, all areas adversely affected by office work.
The treated person can close her eyes, relieving strain caused by looking continually at a computer monitor. The chair massage improves circulation, relieves muscle tension and raises a person's energy levels. Palmer states that massages may also reduce repetitive strain injuries.
A 1996 study by the Touch Research Institute in Miami showed that regular 15-minute chair massages reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Alternatives
You may find chair massages too short, or you don't like getting body work completed in an open setting rather than in a private treatment room. You can get the same benefits through a traditional massage by asking the therapist to concentrate the treatment on your back, neck and shoulders. Hour-long massages performed in spas and clinics usually cover the whole body. However, the therapist will concentrate on whichever areas you request.
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