A daily massage sounds nice. If you want to relieve stress and anxiety, which is something most people deal with, get a massage.

But how much of a good thing is too much? How often should you get a massage?

We're going to explore:

• How much massage is too much – if any
• Types of massages
• Benefits of massages

How Often Should You Get a Massage? What Studies Have to Say

Many studies exist on the benefits of massage, but few examine the frequency of massage and if it’s potentially detrimental to your health. What we do have are two studies that do shed “some” light on the topic:

2014 Study: Adverse Events of Massage Therapy in Pain-Related Conditions: A Systematic Review

Adverse events were the main focus of this study, which wanted to identify whether massage may have adverse effects when used for pain-related benefits. The study examined over 40 reports over a period of 11 years and found that:

• There were few serious adverse side effects
• Primary side effects were associated with spinal manipulation, but it’s very uncommon

If you’re going to a massage therapist, the researchers behind the review recommend that you ensure the practitioner has adequate training to minimize risks.

2012 Study: A Preliminary Study of the Effects of Repeated Massage on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal and Immune Function in Healthy Individuals: A Study of Mechanisms of Action and Dosage

Weekly or daily massage is often performed for very specific reasons, such as supporting immune function. This study compared Swedish massage over a 5-week period to identify markers in the participants and analyze them, such as:

• Oxytocin
• Cortisol
• Cytokines
• Many others

Participants underwent 45-minute massage sessions, with one group having a weekly massage and the other a bi-weekly massage. Interestingly, the study was inconclusive because it found that the once-a-week group experienced:

• Minimal HPA function effects
• A decrease in cytokine production
• An increase in certain phenotypic lymphocyte markers

Neuroendocrine differences were noted in the twice-a-week group. What the researchers suggest is that “dosage,” or in this case, frequency, must be examined further to find the right amount of massage for your unique needs.

Benefits of Certain Types of Massage and Frequency Recommendations

If you use massage for pain, your usage may differ from that of someone who wants to experience lymphatic drainage benefits. For example, you’ll want to adjust your massage frequency based on massage type.

What does this mean?

A general recommendation for how often to get a massage is listed below:

• Deep tissue: A common option for people in pain is to have a deep tissue massage performed. These massages will perform slow, powerful strokes to target muscles, tissue and other “deeper” areas where pain may exist. If you have injuries, this may be a good massage for you. Daily massage on low intensity may work best, but you can lower the frequency to weekly or bi-weekly for maintenance.
• Lymphatic: Lymph node drainage is common for certain medical conditions or after a person has surgery. Frequency may start at daily recommendations and taper off to two times per week.
• Full body: Swedish massages or full body massages are best when necessary or every week or two. Often, you won’t need an intense full-body massage unless you’re recovering from injuries or trying to decrease recovery time as an athlete or bodybuilder.
• Pain: If you have pain, massage frequency is often daily or every other day. You want to be very cautious of the intensity of the massage and listen to your body. If the massage increases pain, lower frequency and intensity.

Massage is known for helping people reduce pain and stress, relieve muscle tension and lower high blood pressure. If you add in heat therapy (many of our chairs have heat settings), the benefits may be even more prominent.

Note: If you suffer from any medical conditions or are pregnant, be sure to consult with your doctor before getting a massage.

How Often Should You Use a Massage Chair?

You can use your massage chair daily, but we recommend that you keep the intensity low. High-intensity massage may not be the best option for daily use. Start at the lowest intensity and find what works for you.

For most people, a massage once or twice a week will more than suffice.

One study found that 20 minutes in a massage chair is sufficient.

If you don’t have a massage chair yet, we have quite a few models that are perfect for you:

• Super Novo X Massage Chair: Our newest chair, the Super Novo X, has teardrop doors for easy entry, foot and calf massage functions, S- and L-track systems and 39 unique programs to provide you with a one-of-a-kind massage. Acupressure and a built-in fully-body stretch will make you feel like you’re lying on a cloud during the entire massage.
• Super Novo 2.0 Massage Chair: The Super Novo 2.0 offers dual-lumbar heat, memory settings, 3D and 4D massage power and 38 auto-wellness programs that take the guesswork out of your massage.
• Gravis ZG Chair: Our ZG model offers a sleek look that makes it perfect in any office space or high-end home. You’ll enjoy the chair’s multiple heat zones, targeted massages and adjustable features.

Don't know what to look for in a massage chair or want to explore more options? Be sure to visit our massage chair page for more options.

Are massages good for you?

They can be. If you listen to your body, a daily massage may be exactly what you need to feel your best.

You can try a massage once or twice a week and increase or decrease your frequency to find the right frequency for you. If you find that you’re especially sore or the massage isn’t providing the benefits you had hoped for, experiment to find your sweet spot.

Are you in need of some relaxation and self-care? A massage may be the answer. In fact, research shows that massage therapy can help reduce anxiety and depression. But which type of massage should you choose?

Most people are familiar with Swedish, deep tissue and shiatsu massage, but what is a therapeutic massage? Let’s take a closer look at this unique therapy style and its benefits.

What is a Therapeutic Massage?

Most types of massage therapy focus on relaxation. Therapeutic massage takes a different approach. The aim is to target problem areas to alleviate pain and help promote healing.

In other words, this type of massage aims to achieve a therapeutic benefit in the body.

By manipulating your muscles, tendons, fascia and other soft tissue, massage can help alleviate tension and even pain in specific areas of the body.

Therapeutic massage can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Muscle tension
• Headaches

It’s often combined with other treatments to maximize the results. A variety of massage techniques may be used to achieve results.

How Do You Know That Therapeutic Massage is Right for You?

If you're considering massage therapy, your first step should be to speak with your doctor to ensure it’s a safe choice for you.

Once you have the green light, consider the following to determine whether this type of massage is right for you:

• Your goals: What do you want to achieve with massage therapy? Do you have specific areas of the body that have tension or pain? Or do you simply want to relax? Knowing your goals will help you make your decision.
• Your physical condition: Do you have any existing injuries or health conditions that may benefit specifically from massage therapy? If you have chronic pain, for example, you may find that therapeutic massage is ideal.
• Your personal preferences: Do you have an issue with pressure intensity? Therapeutic massage can be more intense than other forms.

With these points in mind, you can determine whether therapeutic massage will be a good fit for you and your needs.

But the bigger question is: what can therapeutic massage help you achieve?

What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?

A therapeutic massage offers a number of benefits compared to other forms of massage therapy, including:

Targeted Relief

One of the primary benefits of a therapeutic massage is that it offers targeted relief. For example, if you’re struggling with tension or pain in your neck and shoulders, therapeutic massage can focus solely on these key areas to bring you some relief.

Although full-body relaxation is a nice perk of traditional massage therapy, targeted relief can help you feel better faster because you’re addressing the root cause of your discomfort.

Therapeutic massage uses a variety of techniques and applies just the right amount of pressure to promote healing and relaxation.

Improved Mobility and Pain Relief

Living with chronic pain can be debilitating, and, in some cases, can even restrict your mobility.

Therapeutic massage may help.

In fact, studies have found that massage can help reduce pain in people with chronic lower back pain.

The combination of releasing muscle tension, targeting trigger points and promoting better circulation can help alleviate pain and even improve your mobility.

When you live with chronic pain on a daily basis, these kinds of results can immediately improve the quality of your life.

Help with Anxiety and Depression

Any form of massage therapy can help improve anxiety and depression. More than 40 million adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder, and many more undiagnosed individuals battle with anxiety and depression on a regular basis.

Massage may help.

One recent study found that massage therapy can ease stress by boosting the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls your body’s ability to relax.

In some cases, anxiety and depression can also be attributed to medical conditions that cause chronic pain and discomfort. When massage is able to ease pain and tension, anxiety and depression may decrease along with it.

What Is the Difference Between a Therapeutic Massage and a Swedish Massage?

Therapeutic massage and Swedish massage are similar in many ways, but there are some notable differences that will impact the outcome of your massage.

Swedish massage is known for its gentle, flowing strokes. It often incorporates soothing music and essential oils to create a multi-sensory experience aimed at relaxing your entire body.

A variety of techniques are used with Swedish massage, including:

• Petrissage (kneading)
• Effleurage (gliding strokes)
• Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)

These techniques can help improve circulation and ease tension, which is why it helps you feel so relaxed.

As you can see, Swedish massage takes a different approach to massage than therapeutic. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two techniques:

• Swedish massage promotes deep relaxation and stress relief, while therapeutic massage provides targeted relief and aids in injury recovery.
• Swedish massage helps improve blood circulation and ease muscle tension, while therapeutic massage aims to improve mobility and ease inflammation.

Swedish massage tends to be gentler than therapeutic massage and is better suited for people who want to prioritize relaxation.

Can a Massage Chair Deliver a Therapeutic Massage?

If therapeutic massage aims to target specific trouble areas, is this form of massage something that can be done by a massage chair?

Yes! In fact, a massage chair is ideal for delivering a therapeutic massage because you can use it whenever you want without having to leave the comfort of your home.

• Our Super Novo X massage chair, for example, has 39 wellness programs, cloud touch acupressure and calf and food massagers that help you target trouble areas with ease.
• Our Gravis ZG chair allows you to select three targeted head zones – back, seat and leg areas – to achieve more targeted relief.

These are just two options in our lineup of massage chairs that can help you enjoy the benefits of therapeutic massage.

Massage therapy is a centuries-old practice, but throughout history, it has evolved to include a variety of techniques. There are so many types of massage today, but one type that has been getting a lot of attention is hydro massage.

What is a hydro massage? What benefits does it offer, and does it really work to alleviate tension and pain? Let's explore this form of massage therapy, which dates back to ancient Rome.

What is a Hydro Massage?

As you may have guessed, hydro massage incorporates water into the massage process. This therapeutic technique uses water and pressurized jets to massage muscles.

You may also see this type of massage go by other names:

• Aqua massage
• Aqua therapy
• Water therapy
• Hydrotherapy

Hydro massage can be performed in a few different ways. Traditionally, this type of massage is performed in a pool equipped with special jets that can be adjusted to your preference.

But there’s also another option called dry hydro massage, which is the more popular choice. A dry hydro massage can be performed on a table, or you can also find massage chairs with this function.

Rather than being immersed in water, you lay or sit on a water-filled mattress. Strategically placed jets apply gentle heat and pressure to your muscles to help alleviate tension.

Dry hydro massage tables and chairs also have built-in:

• Thermostats that allow you to control the temperature to your liking
• Controls that allow you to direct the jets to specific parts of your body
• Options for adjusting the intensity and speed of the water

The idea of hydro massage is appealing, but does it actually work?

Do Hydro Massages Work?

Because hydro massage uses water and jets – not conventional massage techniques – you may be wondering whether it really works.

The answer is clear: yes.

Water therapy does work. The gentle pressure and heat applied by the water jets help relax your body and melt away tension.

Although hydro massage is an unconventional option for massage therapy, it does offer many of the same benefits as methods you’re familiar with, like deep tissue, Swedish and hot stone massage.

Hydro Massage Benefits

Hydro massage has been shown to alleviate pain and soreness associated with vigorous exercise and certain medical conditions. In fact, this type of massage offers many of the same benefits as traditional massage, including:

Stress Relief and Elevated Mood

One of the most well-known and biggest benefits of massage therapy is stress relief. A full body massage can help you slip into a more relaxed state.

But it can also help lift your mood. Studies have found that hydro massage can help ease pain and improve mood for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Not surprisingly, this benefit can also be found with acupressure massage, a feature found on our newest Super Novo X massage chair and many other models in our massage chair line-up.

Pain Relief

We’ve already seen that hydro massage can help ease pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but this condition isn’t the only one that can benefit from this type of massage therapy.

In general, hydro massage is effective at alleviating pain. A 2019 study found that massage therapy can help ease lower back pain.

Improved Circulation

Like other forms of massage therapy, hydro massage can help improve circulation. Improved circulation supports heart health and exercise performance and helps your body deliver nutrients more effectively.

According to Aetna, dry hydrotherapy has been shown to improve circulatory and lymphatic systems. Other studies have shown that traditional cold water hydro massage can increase blood flow.

Improved Exercise Recovery

Exercise is crucial to maintaining your physical and mental health, but recovery can be uncomfortable or downright painful.

After a workout, lactic acid builds up in your muscles. That build-up causes soreness and pain.

Hydro massage can help ease that pain and support the recovery process.

It's no wonder gyms across the world offer hydro massage chairs and tables to help members alleviate post-workout aches and pains.

Immune Health Support

Hydro massage may even help support your immune health. One clinical study found that cold-water therapy helped reduce instances of lower respiratory tract infections in young children.

A cold hydro massage may offer the same benefits.

Contact-Free Massage

Although massage therapy offers many advantages, some people are uncomfortable having another person touch them. Dry hydro massage, like a good massage chair, offers a great alternative to a conventional massage performed by a therapist.

Hydro Massage May Not Be for Everyone

Although the benefits are clear, it’s important to note that hydro massage may not be a good fit for everyone.

Potential side effects can include:

• Bruises
• Nerve injuries (not common)
• Worsening skin rashes
• Burns if the water is too hot

If you find that hydro massage is not a good fit for you, there are many other types of massage and methods that can help support your health and wellness, including massage chairs that use air and heat to relax your muscles and ease pain.

Post massage care is often neglected because people assume that they just had an amazing massage and that’s all that they need to do. Your massage can promote sleep quality and even support anti-aging.

But you may make mistakes afterward that can impact your massage benefits.

We’re going to share some tips for improving your post massage care routine and ask some of the leading questions people have about massages.

4 Tips for Post Massage Care

Maximizing the results of your massage is something that we always recommend because it will make you feel better. You're dedicating time in your massage chair or going to a professional, so you might as well feel your best, too.

You can mix and match any of the tips below to find what works best for you:

1. Shut Off the Noise

If your goal for a massage is to relax and feel better, don’t jump right back into reality when you’re done. For example, if you turn on the news immediately when you’re done with a massage, you’re likely to come across something:

• Worrying
• Stressful
• Sad

Try to be silent for a while after the massage or listen to relaxing music, such as classical music that helps you stay calm.

2. Avoid Heavy Meals

A massage may make you feel relaxed and like your blood is really pumping, but it can also lead to you feeling bloated if you eat too much too fast. Eat a light meal or a snack if you’re hungry during the first hour after a massage.

3. Don’t Exercise Right Away

Your massage will make you feel like you can run a marathon, but that doesn’t mean that you should. Wait at least an hour after your massage is done to exercise, hike or do anything that is especially strenuous.

4. Ignore Any Stressors

Going along with our first point, you’ll also want to avoid any stressors that you may have, such as talking to someone who causes you stress, so you can just soak it all in.

And one last thing, don’t overdo your massages either. You want the experience to be relaxing, so don’t start a massage when you know it will cause you to be late or rush out of the door too quickly.

Schedule your “me time” when it allows you to melt away the stress and anxiety of the day without having to worry about it adding more stress in the process.

Why Is It Good to Drink Water After a Massage?

Mayo Clinic recommends drinking:

• 7 liters of fluid a day if you’re a woman
• 7 liters of fluid a day if you’re a man

However, you will receive around 20% of this intake from the foods that you eat, so you don’t need to drink 11.5 - 15.5 cups of just water per day.

With this in mind, should you drink water after a massage?

Yes.

Water will help:

• Eliminate any of the toxins in the body
• Boost your circulation even more

If you have a deep tissue massage or put your Super Novo X on a high-intensity setting, drinking water is even more important. Some people find that massages will dehydrate them because they’ll deplete the muscles of the water that fills them.

Drinking a glass or two of water before and after your massage is never a bad idea.

Plus, if you’re like most people, you could use a little more water to meet your daily intake recommendations.

Should I Shower After a Massage?

Showering before or after your massage is always a question that is top-of-mind for anyone serious about their wellness. A few trains of thought exist, and each has its own merits that you’ll need to consider for yourself.

• Shower before your massage. If your massage aims to help you get rid of the toxins in your body, you may want to shower beforehand. The idea is that you’ll be able to remove any pollutants that you have on your body to maximize its benefits. You certainly do not want to massage your perfumes or other chemicals deeper into your body. Right?
• Shower after a massage. If you like to use lotions or essential oils during a massage, you may or may not want to take a shower. Any lotions that are meant to help with dry skin or essential oils may be more potent if left on the skin rather than washed off.

Want to shower after your massage? A warm – not hot – shower is often best. If the shower is too hot, it may make you feel dizzy or impact your blood pressure.

If you follow our tips above, you’ll level up your post massage care and be confident in your routine.

Don't have a massage chair just yet? Browse through our massage chairs to find the perfect chair for your budget and personal massage goals.

A good massage can help release tension and stress, but did you know that it can also release toxins?

Toxin release is just one of the many benefits of getting a massage. The question is: what types of toxins are released after a massage? How does this happen, and can these toxins make you sick?

Let’s dive deeper into the world of massage and toxin release.

What Toxins are Released After a Massage?

Massage can help your muscles release certain substances, and while we use the word “toxins,” these substances aren’t all harmful to the body.

Which substances are released after a massage?

Lactic Acid

Have you ever felt sore and achy after an intense workout session? That discomfort you felt was caused by lactic acid.

Lactic acid builds up due to glucose breakdown when the body generates cellular energy. Too much lactic acid causes irritation and muscle soreness.

A gentle kneading of soft tissue can help remove that lactic acid, allowing you to enjoy a faster and more comfortable recovery.

Uric Acid

The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are a natural substance found in the body and certain foods.

High uric acid levels can occur if you have high blood pressure, kidney problems, psoriasis, obesity or other medical conditions.

Massage can help stimulate your lymphatic system, helping release substances like uric acid.

Creatine

Creatinine, a byproduct of muscle use, produces creatine. Creatine helps the body produce energy during physical activity.

As your massage helps improve and stimulate blood circulation, creatinine levels decline to help improve kidney function.

Cortisol

Known as the stress hormone, cortisol plays an important role in our fight-or-flight system. But when cortisol levels are chronically high, it can lead to increased anxiety and a sluggish immune system.

Massage therapy can help lower cortisol levels, helping you feel more relaxed and at ease.

As you can see, the “toxins” listed above aren’t necessarily toxins in the traditional sense, but massage can help stimulate their release to support your well-being.

How much of these substances are released? That depends on the type of massage and its intensity.

And you don’t necessarily need to work with a massage therapist to stimulate the release of these toxins. For example, our Super Novo 2.0 massage chair has dozens of wellness programs, including a deep tissue massage that can aid in toxin release.

Can a Massage Make You Sick?

With all this talk about toxin release, you may be wondering: can a massage make me sick?

Massage therapy is supposed to help you feel more relaxed and less stressed, but in some cases, it can also make you feel a little under the weather temporarily.

Let’s be clear here – it's not common to feel sick after a massage. But it can happen.

Often, symptoms arise after an intense massage and can include:

• Achiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Massages that use gentle strokes and pressure generally do not cause these side effects. They're more common after a deep tissue massage or other similar massage.

These symptoms may not necessarily be caused by the massage itself either. For example, you may experience some of these symptoms if:

• You're dehydrated. It’s important to drink water before and after a massage to avoid feeling dizzy or nauseous.
• You have an underlying health condition or injury. Massage can aggravate injuries and certain health conditions, which is why it’s important to consult with your doctor before you undergo massage therapy.
• Oils and scents were used. Typically, massage oil and aromatherapy have positive effects on clients – not negative. However, overexposure or sensitivity can cause headaches and nausea.

Most people feel great after a massage. Although it can happen, it’s not common for people to feel sick after a session with a massage therapist or their massage chair.

But if this does happen to you, make sure that you give yourself a little extra care to start feeling better faster.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible.
• Allow your body to rest.

How Does a Massage Release Toxins?

You know which toxins the body releases after a massage and how they may affect your body. But how does massage create this effect?

Massage supports toxin release through:

• Enhanced blood circulation
• Stimulation of the lymphatic system

Increasing the movement of the circulatory system and the lymphatic system helps the body dissolve or remove the substances we discussed earlier.

Massage doesn’t necessarily “squeeze” out toxins from the muscles, as some may have you believe. Rather, it supports the body’s natural detox and circulatory systems to optimize their performance.

Summary

Regular massages can help support your lymphatic system, helping your body rid itself of toxins naturally.

But if you’re concerned about potential side effects (remember – they're uncommon), you might consider a gentler alternative, like our Perfect Chair® PC-610, which uses heat to melt away stress and tension.

Choosing the best massage chair for you may not be easy. Consider the tips from men on how massage chairs have helped health & find a massage chair that fits your needs.

Are you trying to find ways to sleep better at night? It’s estimated that 10% of adults have some form of insomnia. Massage is one of the tips for better sleep that experts agree works. You don’t need to take sleeping pills or medication to feel well-rested in the morning.

Instead, all you need is a massage.

Before we go into how massage chairs can help you sleep better, let’s learn the root cause of insomnia and why it may be plaguing you.

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia can be short- or long-term. Some people have restless nights worrying about work or family issues, causing them to struggle sleeping. Stress can compound and lead to severe sleep deprivation.

For some individuals, they fall into bad habits and routines, too. Perhaps you take naps during the day, or you tend to drink caffeine before bed. In this case, a change in your overall routine will help you sleep better, especially if you use a massage chair.

How Can Massage Chairs Help with Insomnia?

Relaxation is one of the best ways to sleep better, and that’s exactly what a massage chair is designed to do: help you relax. When you have tight muscles, aches and pains, a single program can help you relieve all of the tension you have.

One review found that self-reported sleep quality scores improve after massage therapy.

Massage is also known for:

• Stimulating serotonin production
• Relieving stress
• Relaxing tight muscles
• Easing pain
• So much more

One of the most common tips for better sleep is to increase serotonin production. You can improve this production in a few ways, but one of the most natural methods is to receive a massage.

Massage will increase serotonin production and allow you to sleep better.

When the body produces serotonin, it will use it to produce melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is responsible for your sleep. The hormone is what causes your body to slow when you lay your head down on the pillow.

If you feel wide awake at night and notice yourself turning and tossing, an uptick in melatonin can cause you to finally nod off.

Let's not forget that if you have chronic aches and pains, massage can alleviate them, too. Many people stay awake at night because they experience discomfort. If you’re one of these individuals, try a massage and see if it helps. Many people agree that a massage is one of the ways to sleep better at night.

Expert Guide on How to Use Massage Chairs and Forget About Insomnia

Massage chairs help you receive a professional-level massage whenever you want. A major problem for people with insomnia is that they can’t get a professional massage daily. It's a major expense, and it’s not convenient to go to a massage parlor daily.

Massage chairs break these restrictions, allowing a person to:

• Sit in the massage chair before bed every night
• Save money by not going to a massage therapist
• Choose from a variety of wellness programs

You want to find a massage chair that has numerous intensity settings.

Why?

It's often best to begin your journey into massage on the lowest setting. You don’t know if your muscles will be sore from an intense massage, so start on the lowest level the first day and then move it up daily until you find a comfortable setting.

Once you find the intensity that works best, feel free to adjust the type of massage.

Auto-wellness programs will make it easy to find an option that works for you. Instead of adjusting between manual settings, programs take all of the hard work out of your hands. If the chair has lumbar heat, put it on.

Lumbar heat will begin to relax tight muscles and promote sleep.

If you have aches, pains or general discomfort when you lay down at night, putting on the heat will help you relax faster. You can go in the chair daily and then try every other day to see if it helps you beat insomnia in the long term.

A few chairs to try from the Human Touch massage chairs collection include:

Quies Massage Chair

The Quies massage chair is a high-performance model with an L-track to work on your neck down to your glutes. Stress melts away thanks to the nine auto-wellness programs that will stretch your muscles, help you recover and perform a full-body massage. Relax back into zero gravity, put on the lumbar heat and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Click here to view the Quies Massage Chair.

Gravis ZG Chair

The Human Touch perfect chair for offices and professional settings is the ZG chair. Sleek and well-built, the ZG provides a gentle massage that will help you sleep better at night. Open the app to control the chair, adjust multiple heat zones, adjust the backrest and footrest and more in just seconds.

Click here to view the Gravis ZG Chair.

Final Thought

When you’re struggling to get a good night of sleep, the tips for better sleep above will help you finally sleep well at night. Massage is one of the all-natural ways to sleep better that experts agree works for people of all ages.

Main photo by Ben Blennerhassett on Unsplash 

An estimated 3 million people in the U.S. and 65 million people worldwide have chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS. It’s a condition that causes sufferers to feel severe fatigue regardless of how many hours they’ve slept.

Symptoms of CFS can often worsen after mental or physical activity. The condition can come on suddenly and last for years. Many people with CFS struggle to carry out daily activities and enjoy the things they once loved doing.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for CFS. However, massage can help bring some relief and ease symptoms.

Benefits of Using Massage Chairs for Chronic Fatigue

Having a massage chair in your home is like having your own personal massage therapist that’s always on call. There are many benefits of massage chairs, from muscle pain relief to less stress. The effects of massage can benefit those with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some of the top benefits of massage chairs for CFS include:

Improved Energy Levels

People with CFS often feel tired no matter how much rest they receive. One of the biggest benefits of massage chairs for CFS is that they can help improve energy levels.

Massage doesn’t directly boost energy levels, but rather, it addresses underlying issues that contribute to feelings of fatigue.

For example, regular massages can help support:

• Restful sleep
• Digestion
• Happy moods

When these three things are in balance, you naturally feel more energized.

Additionally, massage chairs apply pressure and movement that helps promote circulation. Improved circulation means that your organs receive more nutrients and oxygen. Waste can also be flushed out more easily, helping you to feel reinvigorated and ready to take on the day.

Relaxation

One of the most well-known benefits of massage is relaxation. Massage chairs come equipped with advanced massage systems that help alleviate muscle tension and help you feel more relaxed.

Massage can also trigger the release of endorphins – your body’s feel-good chemicals. Endorphins can promote a sense of wellbeing and melt away stress.

Many people with CFS suffer from muscle tension and stress. Lack of adequate rest can make it difficult for your body to relax and unwind. Regular massages can help combat these issues, providing some much-needed relief.

Help With Stress, Depression and Anxiety

Massage chairs can help you relax, and that relaxation can, in turn, help combat anxiety, depression and stress.

Those endorphins we just talked about can also help lift your mood and reduce anxiety.

Massage helps reduce cortisol levels, too. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. It boosts your energy levels in high-stress situations, increases blood sugar, reduces inflammation, affects how your body uses carbohydrates and even affects your sleep/wake cycle.

Cortisol certainly has its benefits – when it’s needed. However, chronically high levels of this hormone can have negative effects on your health.

Regular massages can reduce cortisol levels back down to normal, giving the body a chance to recover.

Massage can also help increase serotonin and dopamine levels while reducing norepinephrine, another stress hormone.

Less Pain and Tension

Pain and tension can contribute to CFS, or they can be a side effect of the condition. Massage chairs help with these issues by:

• Closing the pain gate by affecting nerve signals to the brain
• Relaxing muscle tension
• Reducing anxiety and stress

The release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin can also help with pain relief and allow the body to slip into a more relaxed state.

Massage is one of the top mental health activities you can engage in if you’re stressed, suffering from muscle tension or need to take a break to recharge.

How to Choose the Right Massage Chair for Your Needs

Wellbeing massage chairs can deliver a stress relief massage that can be just as effective as one delivered by a masseuse.

But finding the best massage chairs recliners isn’t always an easy process. There are several factors that need to be considered.

Here's what to consider when choosing a massage chair:

Types of Chairs

There are a few different types of massage chairs on the market today. Understanding the differences between them can help you find the right chair for your needs.

The most popular types of massage chairs include:

• 2D: These chairs have massage rollers that move up and down and side to side.
• 3D: With these chairs, massage rollers move up and down, side to side and in and out. They deliver a more intense massage and can help with deep muscle tension.
• 4D: With a 4D massage chair, the rollers have all of the same movements as 2D and 3D chairs. But they also add variable speed into the mix to better mimic the natural movement of a massage therapist’s hands.
• S- and L-track: Chairs with S- and L-tracks target the entire back down to the backs of the thighs for a more thorough massage.

With a better understanding of the types of massage chairs, you can find one that will meet your needs.

Some chairs have all of these features combined into one, like the Super Novo 2.0 massage chair from Human Touch. These chairs will give you the best of all worlds, allowing you to maximize the benefits of massage.

Built-in Programs

Another thing to consider is the chair’s built-in programs. Modern massage chairs typically come equipped with automatic programs that can address specific issues.

These programs can include:

• Stretch
• Full-body massage
• Recovery

Some chairs also have acupressure systems and body mapping systems that help make these programs even more effective.

Your Lifestyle and Home

Two other important considerations are your lifestyle and home. For example, if you’re limited in space and want a massage chair that can move into the zero gravity position, you’ll need to look for models that require zero or minimal clearance.

If you have CFS and also lead an active lifestyle, you may want a chair that has a recovery program to help you better recover from workouts.

In addition, you should consider your symptoms and what you want to address so that you can find a chair that has the features you need.

Final Thoughts

There’s no easy way to get rid of chronic fatigue, but a massage chair can help bring you some relief. Over time and with regular massage sessions, you may find that your symptoms improve, and you can start enjoying more of the things you love in life.

Alex Williams, owner of Holistic Hyperbarics and Human Touch Wellness Council member, shares how hyperbaric therapy supports anti-aging.

Are you a swimmer looking for a way to enhance your training routine? Learn more about the benefits of massage chairs for swimmers.