Massage therapy in the US used to be a luxury for the self-pampered or a part of a serious athlete's training regimen. But that's all changed.

Doctors are increasingly recommending it for stress relief and as part of treatment programs for chronic pain and other medical conditions.

And a recent study by the American Massage Therapy Association found the number of people getting professional massages has more than doubled in the last five years, with stress reduction being one of the primary drivers.

I've always been a huge believer in the stress reducing powers of massage. (In fact, it had a whole lot to do with how I got into this business in the first place...but that's another story.) A deep tissue massage physically releases the stress-induced lactic acid that knots your muscles. But even if it didn't, just having somebody rub your back helps you feel better.

One of the things I find most exciting about the whole subject is the increasing role technology is playing to bring the benefits of massage therapy to more people more frequently. But first, let's take a look at the benefits and origins of this art/science.

What are the key benefits of massage therapy?

Physical - Massage therapy is designed to stretch and loosen muscles, improve blood flow and the movement of lymph throughout the body, facilitate the removal of metabolic wastes resulting from exercise or inactivity, and increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissue. Beyond that, massage stimulates the release of endorphins -- the body’s natural painkiller and pleasure producer -- into the brain and nervous system. Love those endorphins.

Mental - Massage therapy provides a relaxed state of alertness, reduces mental stress and enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity.

Emotional - Massage therapy satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch, creates a feeling of well-being and reduces anxiety levels.

Where did therapeutic massage come from?

Therapeutic massage methods used today have both Eastern and Western origins. The first written records of massage date back 3,000 years to early Chinese folk medicine and ancient Ayurvedic medicine of India. Shiatsu, acupressure and reflexology spring from these Eastern sources, as do other contemporary methods.

Western civilizations were introduced to therapeutic massage by Greek and Roman physicians. Modern Western massage is credited primarily to Peter Henrik Ling, a 19th century Swedish athlete. His approach, which combines hands-on techniques with active and passive movements, became known as Swedish massage -- still one of the most commonly used methods in the Western world.

What keeps people from getting massages

There are three main reasons why people don't get massages on a regular basis. The first is the "I'm too busy" syndrome...ironically the same reason people give for not exercising regularly.

The second reason is the "open checkbook" syndrome. If the therapy is part of a prescribed medical treatment, insurance might cover it. But for stress relief? The insurance companies look the other way. Getting a weekly one-hour massage at $60 a pop starts to add up after a while.

The third reason is a highly personal one. Some people just don't feel comfortable disrobing.

New technology takes aim at all these inhibitors

While on the surface you'd think that "technology" and "massage therapy" are mutually exclusive, the reality is this: The state of the art in massage recliners has a lot of people sitting down and taking notice.

I remember the first time I ever sat in one a few years back...what a disappointment. After five minutes I had to turn it off. It was starting to bother me. Then I took a look at the price tag and nearly fell over dead!

Well, take it from this anti-stress crusader that the current crop of massage recliners is simply unbelievable. The quality of the massage itself is magnificent. Would a professional therapist do better? Of course. That will always be true.

But that said, these beautiful leather recliners get the endorphins flowing big-time. Turn on some soothing music, close your eyes and you can just feel the stress melt away.

Today's best massage recliners come in all styles and price ranges to fit your decor and budget. If you'd like more information about some of our best-selling models, click here.

Or call 1-877-696-3342 and let one of our experts help you select the recliner that's right for you.