Reclining in Style & Health

Do you know that the first reclining chair was invented in the 1800s and was owned by Napoleon Bonaparte? Or that President F. Kennedy was prescribed the use of a rocking chair for his lingering back problems? When even famous people are turning to such chairs, you know that they are no simple inventions. In fact these chairs are not just comfy, they're good for your health too!  

Here are 5 reasons why they can do wonders for you:

  1. Rocking chairs are good for pregnant women and new mothers. With all the added weight they have to carry around, it's no wonder pregnant women frequently complain of back aches. Relaxing in a rocking chair like the Old English Rocker from The Rocking Chair Pte Ltd is beneficial as it allows mothers-to-be to put up their feet, thus reducing swelling. Studies have also shown that rocking can help new mothers to recover faster from their Caesarean sections AND lose weight, because it burns 150 calories per hour! In this case, you might want to consider the Rockabye from The Rocking Chair Pte Ltd as well. Price: $420 (Rockabye) & $480 (Old English Rocker)

Old English Rocker

Rockabye

  2. The semi-reclined position can help you sleep better. Back pain is caused by a number of factors. Sitting for prolonged periods of time, sports injuries, pregnancy or even walking can put stress on your spine—which in turn causes the back muscles to tighten and results in an aching back. One way to alleviate the pressure is to take the weight off your back by lying down or sitting in a recliner like the Colin Recliner and Riley High Leg Reclinerstrong by La-Z-Boy from Harvey Norman. Price for Colin Recliner: $1,699 (Fabric) & $2,499 (leather)

La-Z-Boy Collin Recliner

Riley High Leg Recliner (currently not available in Singapore, but please check with Harvey Norman for assistance on purchase)

  3. Recliners allow you to elevate your feet. Elevating your feet prevents blood from pooling in your lower legs and improves blood flow to the rest of your body. This is particularly helpful for medical conditions such as varicose veins and inflammation of heart muscles. A good height for leg elevation is ideally at or above heart level. This Nugget (in fabric) from Castilla™ comes with a foot rest that allows you to put up your legs in style. Price: available upon request

  4. The semi-reclined position can help you sleep better. If you find it difficult to fall asleep due to breathing problems, then the recliner may help you to sleep better or reduce the severity of sleep apnoea, where airflow through the nose and mouth ceases for at least 10 seconds. It can be potentially life-threatening and frequently results in snoring so a recliner like the Stressless® Voyager from Ekornes® may aid you in sleeping better. Price: $4,599 – $5,899 (Medium)

  5. The rocking motion of a rocking chair has a calming effect on crying babies. If you have a fussy baby, then the rocking chair such as the Rex Rocking Chair from Grafunkt is a must-have piece of furniture at home. This is because its rocking motion mimics the gentle movements that your baby experienced while they were still in the womb. It not only calms the baby, but also deepens the bond between parent and child during feeding times. Price: $728