You're feeling it, the dread of returning to the office after a nice long weekend. Back to the stress of the workplace, the boss, the co-workers. Surely there's some sort of relief from all of this (short of a two-week vacation to Bermuda!) These days, some offices are allowing everything from on-site child-care, in-house pharmacies to naps. Now, guess what's becoming commonplace - chair massage. It is a relative low-cost way to help get through the day, and is far less expensive than other employee benefits.

Have you ever had a massage? Do you think this is something new? No, it is not a new medical breakthrough, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.

Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. There are so, so many versions of this massage therapy, over 250 to be precise. They include tapping, kneading, vibration, rocking, applying pressure to muscles, stroking and compression.

In the early 1800's, massage therapy became very popular and this increased until the 1930's and 40's. As modern medicine developed, the benefits of massage therapy were discounted. It was used less and less. In the 1960's and 1970's nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. Again, its popularity grew until finally in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. It's good enough for the Olympics, how about you?

There are therapists who will come to a company, either to help employees relax, or a reward for employee performance. They will come at any time, morning or evening, weekday or weekend. There are many benefits to both the employee and business. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to, boosting the immune system, which leads to fewer absences, a decrease in stress, it improves circulation, as well as relieving that muscle pain that can come from poring over a computer all day. It can relieve headaches, lower blood pressure and improve thinking skills. Yes, these are all scientifically proven advantages!

Productivity decreases when the pain is up. We all dream of ergonomically designed offices, but that is not always the case. Muscles tighten up as we sit in our cubicles. This causes stress and impedes blood and lymph flow through the system. Employers benefit from chair massage as there is a decrease in workers compensation complaints, as well as fewer absentees.

If we keep our workers pain free and relaxed, we will get increased productivity. Maybe if offices provide chair massages, our American workers would be better off. As a mother of 3, surely this can help me too!