High-powered touch - Vital signs: news and trends for your well-being

Natural Health, April, 2004

Ay, there's the rub. In the world of handy gadgets, it's now possible to get a soothing, all-over massage without hopping onto a practitioner's table. Electronic massagers can stimulate blood flow, which supplies muscles with nutrients, carries away toxins, eases tension and relieves pain temporarily, says Maureen Moon, a Colorado-based massage therapist and past president of the American Massage Therapy Association.

But machines can't replace hands entirely. "What's missing is the energetic connection that happens with human touch." says Moon. That connection may be the key to what recent research identifies as one of massage therapy's most important effects: the relief of anxiety and depression. In analyzing 37 studies, a Psychological Bulletin review found that massage therapy treatments reduced anxiety and depression as effectively as psychotherapy.

"We don't know how or why massage therapy helps," says lead author Christopher Mover "but we propose that the benefits mainly come from the client feeling valued and the therapist providing empathy and good communication. An electronic device can't provide that."

From $60 handheld devices to $2,700 thermal furniture, here's a quick Stride to what's hot on the massage-machine market.

iJoy Turbo Robotic Massage Chair with Human Touch Technology

The Sharper Image ($700; 800-344-5555 or sharperimage.com)

How it works: Four rollers replicate knead, tap, roll and compression movements--techniques used by massage therapists and chiropractors.

Expert opinion: "One advantage of massage chairs is that they get you in a relaxed position," says Moon. "This chair should deliver a good vibration and kneading effect."

Thermal Massage Bed

Migun ($2,700; 888-060-5948 or migunusa.com)

How it works: Jade massage heads apply pressure to acupressure points near the spine, while infrared lamps provide topical heating.

Expert opinion: "Infrared heating is excellent for relieving aches and pains and can be particularly useful to people with arthritis," says Moon. "Lying down is perfect for relaxation, but you have to make sure not to exceed the recommended time limit with a heating massager."

Programmable Percussion Massager with Heat

Homedics ($60; 800-466-3342 or homedics.com)

How it works: Adjustable massage heads deliver percussion massage in three speeds. The set includes a detachable head for heated massage.

Expert opinion: "Percussion massagers have a tapping effect, which is more stimulating than relaxing," says Moon. "When using handheld massagers like this, stay away from bony areas, especially around your spine, to avoid bruising."

TheraSpa Hot/Cold Massager

Brookstone ($69; 866-576-7337 or brookstone.com)

How it works: A multi-node surface converts to hot or cold. The removable cold head can he chilled in your freezer, while a second head generates more than 100 degrees of heat.

Expert opinion: "Alternating cold and heat is often recommended, especially for people with chronic pain," says Moon. "Many people only use heat, but over a long time it can overstimulate muscles."