subject: Chair Massage: Ease Aches Faster [print this page] Any American these days knows the stress of working in the office - its the dread of Monday. Sure, its great to have a job in this economy, but who needs the aches and pains that go with it. While its no 2 week vacation in some tropical place, some offices actually offer in-office chair massages. This is the latest in stress management, next to in-office day care, naps and pharmacies. This helps some employees get through the day while being productive and is relatively inexpensive compared to other benefits.
If you are new to massage, here's something you should know. It is not a great new cure, no, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. So, how is this cure practiced? Well, there are a variety of methods, over 250 to be precise. Some include tapping, kneading, vibration, rocking, applying pressure to muscles, stroking and compression! Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being.
In the early 1800s, massage therapy became very popular and this increased until the 1930s and 40s. As modern medicine developed, the benefits of massage therapy were discounted. It was used less and less. In the 1960s and 1970s nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. Again, its popularity grew until finally in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. Its good enough for the Olympics, how about you?
A company can hire therapists to come to their business. They will come at any time of day, weekdays or weekends. These can be offered to employees to help them relax, or can be offered as an incentive for performance. There are many benefits such as a boost to the immune system which leads to fewer absences, a decrease in stress, while improving blood circulation, as well as relieving that muscle pain that can come from sitting at a desk while being on a computer all day. It can relieve headaches, lower blood pressure and improve thinking skills. And these advantages are scientifically proven!
Most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day, especially at a work station that is not ergonomically designed, can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Chair massage can also benefit employer. When the employee is relaxed and pain free, his/her productivity increases, stress level is lowered. Employees are absent fewer days, workers compensation is decreased. Happy workers are productive workers! If your office doesn't offer this, maybe you can find a local massage salon that provides this service. I know its something I could definitely use. And I'm not even in an office for 8 hours a day. However, as a mother of 3 girls 9 and under, I'm certainly due some sort of relief!
