The recliner chair has a long and interesting history. They were actually first designed in the late 17^th century, allowing the body to rest in the highly comfortable recumbent position, without making the individual have to retire to bed. Interestingly, they were also a statement of power and position.

They have continued to modernize in terms of functionality since, but comfort remains a defining feature. Today they are a feature of most homes, coming in a huge range of styles with a number of different functions, too.

Here we’ll look at the why recliner chairs have stood the test of time, plus go through the surprising health benefits relaxation through reclining.

What are the health benefits of recliners?

Improves blood circulation

A recliner chair is like a magic genie when it comes to your health.

Anyone who works for long hours knows that sitting at a desk all day isn’t good for you. It not only impacts blood flow in a negative way, it also leaves you tired and sluggish. Unfortunately, being on your feet all day isn’t ideal either, as it reduces blood flow to the brain, which can lead feelings of faintness and other health complications.

The good news is, a recliner chair not only serves as pain and stress reliever but also improves your blood circulation because it allows the user to rest both their back and their feet.

View: the best recliner chairs on sale.

Alleviates pain and stiffness of the joints

If you have stiff joints or aching joints, you should consider investing in a recliner. If you get a recliner with massaging functionality, it will also stimulate endorphin secretion which will help with pain relief and make you feel happy.

Why? Well, endorphins are hormones secreted by the brain and the nervous system to perform specific psychological functions to the human body. These hormones are the ones responsible for pain reception and stress levels that the human body feels. A massage reclining chair enhances secretion of hormones that reduce the amount of pain perception and also the level of stress in the body. Genius.

Ease your breathing

Falling asleep on the couch can leave you waking feeling achy and groggy. But sleeping on a recliner is actually beneficial. Your diaphragm opens up and breathing flows more naturally, meaning snoring issues like sleep apnea, plus issues like heartburn, can actually improve. This does not mean you can skip sleeping on the bed though; once is a day or a short nap is on the recliner is the limit.

Relieve back pain in pregnancy

With the discomforts you may go through during pregnancy, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be one of the toughest. The weight of the baby makes it difficult to sit and stand comfortably, but a recliner chair can both improve sleep and relaxation and relieve back pain which is so prominent in pregnancy.

Improve your posture

Upholding a good posture is very important for good health. But most of us spend our days slumped over our laptops or mobiles, which can have negative effects on our backs and promote bad posture. Recliners help in avoiding this as they provide lumbar support, elevate your feet above heart level and keep your whole body relaxed rather than tensed up.

Release stress and tension

A hectic office routine comes with a lot of discomfort. Most of us carry this stress and tension in our neck, back or shoulders, and are continuously tensed up. Sitting in a recliner chair frees your body for a few hours which is necessary for good physical and mental health. Sitting in an almost flat position ensures your full body relaxation, and functions like rocking will also help send you into a peaceful state.

So, there you have it: the surprising health benefits of recliners. Of course, how the Blackwood chairs looks and fits in your home is important, but the good news is, recliners chairs come in a huge range of styles and sizes and are the perfect alternative to a larger couch