6 Untold Therapeutic Benefits of the Rocking Chair

The rocking chair is often seen as a symbol of relaxation and comfort. The concept of rocking has been used since the 16th century as a technique to calm babies and put them to sleep.

But did you know that this simple piece of furniture can also have therapeutic benefits?

Rocking chairs have been shown to provide relief from a number of conditions, including anxiety, stress, insomnia, and pain. The gentle back-and-forth motion of rocking can help to calm the mind and body, promoting relaxation and peace.

If you are looking for a way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being, consider buying a rocking chair. 

In this article, we will explore the therapeutic benefits of the rocking chair and how it can help you achieve a more peaceful state of mind.

Therapeutic benefits of the Rocking Chair

1. Benefits for Pregnant Women & Child

Rocking chairs have been used for centuries to soothe babies. The gentle back-and-forth motion is relaxing and can help to ease pain and discomfort. Rocking chairs are also a great way to improve circulation and reduce stress.

Pregnant women can especially benefit from rocking chairs. The rocking motion can help to ease morning sickness, relax the muscles, and provide some relief from back pain. 

Rocking chairs are also a great way to bond with your baby. Sitting in a rocking chair and talking or singing to your baby can help to create a strong connection between the baby and the mother.

For pregnant women looking for a way to relax and bond with their babies, a rocking chair may be the perfect solution.

Prenatal Benefits:

Rhythmic rocking promotes the healthy growth of the fetal nervous system. Anna Jean Ayres an occupational therapist and psychologist studied the effect of rocking on the prenatal’s nervous system.

She concluded in her study that 5-10 minutes of rocking each day after the 10th Week of pregnancy promotes the growth of the fetal nervous system.

Calming effect on Prenatals and Infants:

A study was conducted by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hua Chiew Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand on “The Effects of Prenatal Tactile and Vestibular Enrichment on Human Development”. The objective of their study was to make a correlation between a gentle rocking motion and slow tapping on fetus movement and infants’ behavior.

They found out that prenatal showed a significant response to rhythmic patting and rocking movement. Infants stopped crying after the rhythmic rocking motion was applied for 5-10 minutes continuously.

So they concluded that the rocking chair has soothing or calming effects on infants and prenatal which induced sleep.

Obstetricians and physicians recommend pregnant mothers rock on a daily basis which acts as a calming effect on babies even after birth. This rocking practice can be used as prenatal care which helps build positive emotional growth in infants and for a cry-less and quieter sleep.

Better Mother-Child Bonding:

The study also experimented on mother and child bonding by dividing the sample into two groups. The group practiced rhythmic patting and rocking on a daily basis showing better mother and child bonding afterward. The bonding with husbands also improved.

Improved Motor Skills:

Daily gentle rocking motion on a rocking chair for 10-15 minutes, while the baby is in the womb, helps improve motor skills in infants. They crawled, sit and stand earlier than other children.

2. Relief From Back Pain

Rocking chairs have long been used as a means of relieving back pain. The gentle rocking motion helps to release tension in the muscles and spine, which can often lead to relief from pain.

If you suffer from back pain, you may want to consider using a rocking chair as a means of relief. Be sure to talk to your doctor first, as rocking chairs may not be suitable for all forms of back pain. But if your doctor gives you the green light, a rocking chair could be just what you need to find relief from your pain.

3. Post-Operative Recovery and Healing:

Regular use of rocking chairs by patients has helped them immensely recover faster and more effectively.

The studies conducted by Kinetic Therapy Clinic concluded that patients with surgeries and post-trauma-like heart attacks recovered faster and healed faster than usual because those patients were using a rocking chair during the time.

Rocking chairs have helped patients recover from heart attacks, knee surgeries, joint surgeries, and cesarian section surgeries.

It also helps pediatric patients suffering from different diseases to heal and recover sooner.

4. Treats Kids With ADD( Now ADHD)

ADD is Attention Deficit Disorder which can be found in kids and teens. They easily get distracted and sidetracked from the main topic. They can not get engaged in their studies, especially homework. Some kids become hyperactive relative to their age,

ADHD is Attention deficiency HyperActive Disorder which has replaced the term ADD.

Different studies conducted at Special schools have revealed to introduce a calming effect on children and teens. Children were asked to sit in a rocking chair in a quiet spot at home and in facilities. It was observed that they became a lot quieter and more focused than they used to be.

5. Helps Relieve Patients with Arthritis

Rocking chairs have a soothing effect on joints, especially knees. Arthritis patients have developed remarkable progress from their knee pain by using the rocking chairs for hours. Patients with arthritis are advised to use a rocking chair while watching movies, reading, or just relaxing.

Thai rocking motion has been termed Kinetic therapy improves the strength, vitality, and flexibility of joints thus relieving pain.

6. Relief From Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The rocking motion helps release endorphins, a hormone that elevates moods. Endorphine is also called Happy Hormone, it helps improve the mood and relieves pain. Patients

A study conducted by the University of Rochester School of Nursing has revealed that the middle stage of dementia shows the maximum aggressive behavior. Patients with such conditions have shown positive signs of calmness by introducing to rocking chairs. The soothing effect of the rocking chair has helped them calm down and improve their moods.

The rocking chair also helps patients suffering from Alzheimer’s as it improves our nervous system by keeping the mood and state of mind happy.

Do You Burn Calories Rocking In A Chair?

The number of calories burned while sitting in a chair will depend on various factors, including the person’s weight, metabolism, and how much they are moving while sitting.

However, any motion in place can help a body burn calories, and simply rocking on the rocking chair is one of them. Though rocking in a chair is not an effective way to lose weight or burn calories.

Are Rocking Chairs Safe For the Elderly?

The rocking motion helps to relieve pain and improve circulation. Studies have revealed that rocking chairs can help to improve blood circulation and relieves back pain. It also helps improve conditions in some old age diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Does Rocking Lower Blood Pressure?

Rocking has been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind, and some research suggests that it may also help to lower blood pressure.

A small study published in 2013 found that people who rocked for 30 minutes a day had lower blood pressure and heart rate than those who didn’t rock.

It is possible that rocking may help to lower blood pressure by decreasing stress and promoting relaxation. If you’re looking for a natural way to lower your blood pressure, rocking may be worth a try.