Imagine One In Every Home!

Up Level Your Self-Care

Is it possible to overstate the importance of self-care? In the world we live in, I don’t think it is! That’s why I am so glad to find you here, with me, turning the page to yet another topic that can help us support our vitality.

With busy schedules and the emotions that arise from constant busy-ness, finding ways to unwind and relax has become crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

Clearly, I’m a fan of massage therapy. In fact, I would go so far to say that if I were Secretary of Education, ‘health class’ would get a major overhaul and would look a lot like massage school.

Haven’t been? Well, while it might seem simple to apply lotion to the public, massage school is packed full of useful information about how the body works paired with hands on instruction to develop muscle memory to apply the techniques with ease.

And, yes, there are books in massage school, but the most important equipment to buy to set you up as a successful student is…

A MASSAGE TABLE.

And I humbly propose a house isn’t a home without one!

There’s a Reason Why a Massage on a Bed Lasts Two Minutes

Mattresses are not designed to give massage! They are too squishy and generally not the right height. They are also too wide to be able to reach all areas of the body.

And while professional massages are undoubtedly rejuvenating, I assert that an amateur massage will elevate your self-care routine to a whole new level.

Let's delve into why investing in a personal massage table is a fantastic idea for everyone, along with tips on selecting the perfect one.

The Convenience Factor

Perhaps the most obvious advantage of owning a massage table at home is the convenience it offers.

You no longer need to schedule appointments or venture out in the weather to a spa or clinic. Whenever it suits you, and your trade partner is available, the table is mere moments from being fetched from the closet, set up, and ready for duty.

Whether it's a quick session before bed or a leisurely weekend indulgence, having a massage table is necessary to assure relaxation is always within reach.

Privacy and Comfort

For many people, the thought of dressing down for a massage can be a deterrent. (Though I must note that a great massage can happen with clothes on!)

With a personal massage table, you can stay in your own environment and only be seen by a trusted trade partner.

Cost-Effectiveness

I hate to think of professional massages as a treat when the average person in the US spends over $6K per year on “health insurance.” I would prefer to live in a world where we valued services that support good health as much as we value protecting ourselves from infections and injuries.

But given the predominant mindset today, it’s simply difficult for most people to invest in maintenance bodywork.

What do I mean by maintenance bodywork?

Once you’ve had enough sessions to eliminate pain, most people need a massage weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly to keep feeling that way. And that kind of cadence begins to add up financially.

Investing in a massage table upfront allows you to enjoy unlimited massages without the recurring expense.

Here’s the secret: there is no reason to buy a brand new table. There are almost always used tables available for purchase on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. How do I know? I end up buying one on almost every trip I take!

For less than the cost of a professional session, you can have a table at the ready at home.

Bespoke Experience

When you own a massage table, you're in control of the entire experience. You can experiment with different massage techniques, pressures, and styles until you find what works best for you. Whether you prefer deep tissue, Swedish, or clothes-on compressions, you have the freedom to customize every aspect to suit your preferences.

What most people do not know about massage is so simple, I might be sharing a trade secret.

When the table is set at the correct height for you to work - meaning your knuckles graze the table once it’s set up - the key is to lean into the person on the table.

Think of an a-frame, with your body as one side of the ‘A’ and the arm or arms you make contact with as the other side.

Instead of standing up straight and pushing into their body, you simply lean into it. Whether it’s compressions with clothes or while applying massage oil, this is the secret to making the person on the table feel relaxed as well as being able to deliver the amount of pressure that will melt their muscles.

Tips for Choosing the Right Massage Table

Now that we've explored the benefits of owning a massage table, let's discuss what to consider when selecting the perfect one for your needs.

There are not that many differences in the tables you will come across.

For one, you definitely do not need a heavy hydraulic table. Those do not fold up and go into the closet!

Second, it’s ok to get one made in China. I had a Master Massage table in school and it was perfectly fine. This is a brand you will see for sale often. Sierra is also a frequent find.

To learn the nuances among tables, let’s talk weight and the width.

Weight: No matter where they are made, most portable tables have wooden legs and are pretty heavy. But you are not launching a mobile massage business so it doesn’t matter!

A light table is really only necessary for the pros, but if you happen to see a good deal on a Pisces Pro or and Astralight, these are made with aluminum legs and can be as light as 22 pounds. With aluminum legs, just make sure to note the maximum weight as it is a little lower with these tables.

Earthlite is one of the biggest brands and they make great tables. Oakworks and Custom Craftworks are also made in the USA and a great choice. Robert Hunter tables are rare find.

Width: The standard table width is 30 inches. This is the width I work on most often.

If you or your partner are a heavy person, you might appreciate a wider table. Some tables come with pieces you can insert into the sides to expand the width just for the arms and I occasionally see this feature available on tables out in the wild for sale. Length extenders exist, too, but unfortunately I have not see these in the wild.

Don’t Forget

Make sure to adjust the legs so the table is the correct height for you.

Put sheets on the table. If you don’t want to buy special face cradle covers, a pillow case folded in half longwise can be draped up on side, folded across the forehead portion, and folded once more down the other side.

Play some music - there are lots of extra long selections on YouTube. I prefer healing frequency music or sounds of the ocean.

We talked about candles last year. They are a ‘no’ for particulates. Try those cute battery operated ones instead.

Remember, lean into the person.

In conclusion, owning a massage table at home is a fantastic idea for anyone looking to prioritize relaxation. With the convenience, privacy, and cost-effectiveness it offers, a personal massage table can revolutionize your self-care routine.