High-Tech Massage: Good for the Body & Soul

By Dr. Michael Nathanson

A single massage may be a soothing and delightful experience, but it's the cumulative effects of regular massage that offer the most benefit. Owning your own robotic massage chair is a convenient and cost-effective way to experience the lifelong health benefits of daily massage.

Anyone who's ever received a massage will tell you its curative, restorative powers are a balm to both body and soul. By easing the rigors of daily stress, improving circulation and releasing endorphins and enkephalins, both of which occur naturally in the brain and produce pain-relieving effects similar to opiates, massage is a physical remedy that provides instant relief to people of all ages.

 A number of studies have shown that massage therapy is an ideal non-invasive, drug-free method of encouraging the body's natural ability to heal itself while relieving many symptoms of a variety of health conditions. In fact, massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including lower back pain, joint pain, arthritis, stress and tension, muscle atrophy and spinal cord disorders. Here are a few statistics regarding the popularity and effectiveness of massage:

• 39 million Americans received a massage in 2006 - that's more than one of every six people.
  


• 75 percent of the U.S. general population experiences stress on a daily basis; 37 percent experiences high stress.
  


• An estimated 75 percent to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems.
  


• During periods of stress, the effectiveness of the body's immune system is reduced; massage boosts the body's overall immunity.
  


• Massage can help increase blood circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce fatigue, increase sleep restfulness, boost one's sense of well-being and elevate mood.
  


• Massage therapy enhances worker morale and productivity, and decreases sick time.
  


• 30 percent of adult Americans prefer to receive a massage at home.