We have all seen massage chairs and at some point or other in our lives, we have wanted them in our home. Yes, we are talking about the full-body massage chair that you must have seen either in a mall or a business lounge. Not only do they look super relaxing but they are also claimed to offer multiple health benefits when most of us are leading a sedentary lifestyle, thanks to the pandemic.
The latest buzz in the massage chair industry is zero-gravity massage chairs. Notably, the zero-gravity posture offered by these chairs is inspired by the 90-degree sitting posture of astronauts during take-off that reduces pressure on the spine and body. Contrary to general opinion, it's more than just a gimmick employed by top-rated premium massage chairs and has been proven to have health benefits.
The zero-gravity recline system leans back 90-degrees and elevates the knees of the user above the heart level. That doesn't only offer weightless comfort during the massage but also improves blood circulation in the body. The zero-gravity recline reduces stress on body areas that often carry the bulk of weight when sitting or lying down, such as the lower back, shoulder, and glutes.
If you have been on the fence to buy a zero gravity massage chair due to its high price, know that the health benefits provided are worth it in the long run. Here are some of the health and wellness benefits of zero gravity massage chairs that many are unaware of.
Sleep Quality Improvement
The shift of work culture to remote and work-from-home has brought about several major lifestyle changes. For starters, lack of sleep or interrupted sleep cycles are more commonplace these days than ever. Simply closing your eyes and lying down for a few hours is not considered to be good quality sleep.
A good quality sleep cycle involves several stages of non-REM sleep, which then moves on to REM sleep. It's during REM sleep that the body rests and begins to repair whatever injuries it has sustained. Also, your body strengthens the neurological connections in the brain. This combination of non-REM and REM sleep is what defines a good sleep cycle and is responsible for body maintenance.
With a good zero gravity massage chair, sleep-deprived people can get assistance in putting their bodies to a completely relaxed state. That in turn will help in falling asleep faster and more comfortably. With reduced muscle pain and a good rest, users are more likely to experience a truly refreshed feeling.
Moreover, most zero-gravity chairs that you see on websites like Wonder Massage Chairs come with a space-saving design. These can fit in any bedroom and makes transitioning from the chair to bed quite easy.
Posture Correction
Another bad side effect of the sedentary lifestyle and being seated for a large portion of a day is the bad posture. This causes chronic back pain and muscle tension in the lower back region up to the shoulder blades. If the habit is continued, it could result in permanent health issues due to the unnatural curvature of the spine and skeletal system.
This is a condition that anyone can develop regardless of what kind of job they do. Whether you are sitting in front of a monitor for hours or working in the field for long hours, as long as your back is under pressure for too long, your spine will deform over time. This can also be rectified using a good massage chair.
A premium massage chair not only provides a soothing massage but also releases muscle tension throughout the body. Additionally, a zero-gravity massage chair supports the body in such a position that encourages it to assume its natural position even hours after the session.
The S- and L-shaped massage tracks of these chairs perfectly contours with the spine to align it and help it stay that way by removing pressure from areas. Without removing this pressure the back cannot resume its natural position reflexively. Look for premium massage chairs with extensive spine and lower back support.
Mental Stress Reduction
Mental stress is a common outcome of the long working hours in the current remote working culture. The combination of physical and emotional stress causes the body to respond by altering the mental state of the person. Some of the common side effects of stress include constant general discomfort, malaise, and restlessness.
In the last couple of years, almost everyone has experienced stress at least once. Constant stress can lead to other mental issues if left unchecked. Therefore, people need to unwind and take care of mental health to avoid these issues. Zero-gravity massage chairs are extremely good for a person's mental state, thanks to the soothing and relaxing sensation they provide during a session. While it's not a treatment for stress, it's a great supplement for sure.
The consensus about massage chairs is that they do offer an array of physical and mental health benefits. The above-listed benefits are the most important ones. A premium zero-gravity massage chair maximizes these benefits, which makes it a long-term investment with immediate returns.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of sciencetimes.com
