A massage chair can't replace a human masseuse in some important ways. For example, human contact releases endorphins that help relieve stress, which is why people enjoy hugging their partners. You and your masseuse can have a pleasant human interaction or conversation, and a friendly chat and smile can go a long way in reducing stress. Of course, it can be more expensive depending on where you live and the type of massage you receive.
On the other hand, a massage chair is always available, even when you need minor repairs. Nowadays, many massage chairs offer a body scan that maps your back to detect your height, shape and pressure points (if they use advanced technology) before automatically adjusting their rollers to offer you a personalized massage. The effort required to visit the massage chair could be as small as going to the next room. Austin-based consultant and author have even managed to sneak in a break at the spa, thanks to one of the store's iconic jumbo massage chairs.
Meanwhile, a masseuse uses her experience to determine what techniques to use, when and with what pressure to apply, constantly adjusting as she receives feedback from her client. These are massages anytime you want with a chair or massages with a professional several times a month. If you want to focus on a specific area of your body, you can choose which area (depending on the model), intensity, speed and massage technique in manual mode. Being able to receive a massage in the comfort of your home, alone and anytime you want is one of the best advantages of having a massage chair.
For example, lying down in a massage chair can help align your spine and reduce pressure on your nerves. Massage chairs will have a manufacturer's warranty to protect your investment in case something goes wrong. However, the introduction of air massage technology has greatly changed the areas that massage chairs can treat. According to the Institute for Touch Research at the University of Miami School of Medicine, touch - like what you receive during massage therapy - has been shown to have many positive benefits that extend to all stages of life.
A massage therapist's coverage is not limited, as they can massage the front and back of the body from head to toe. And perhaps the only truly negative aspect of a real massage is the possibility of getting a masseur or masseuse with little experience.
