In the recent years, interest in alternative medicines has steadily grown, most impressively through the spread of massage therapy. This form of therapy provides numerous benefits for health, fitness, and mental well-being. Massage improves circulation, increasing blood and lymph flow throughout the body. It stimulates the nervous system, affects internal organs, and helps heal sore muscles. Almost all forms of massage therapy require a massage table.

A good massage table has to fulfill two criteria. It should be comfortable for the person lying on it and also be comfortable for the person giving the massage. Its height and design should allow the therapist access to the patient's entire body while keeping the patient comfortable in an ergonomically correct position. If the ergonomics of the table are not right, the patient may be left to lie in an uncomfortable position completely negating the benefits of the therapy and the therapist will also not be able to give the massage his or her best. Massage therapy administered correctly with the right equipment can relieve stress, pain and discomfort, and a good table is an important start.

Here are some tips that will help you to choose a massage table that is just right for you :

• One of the most important choices you'll make about your massage table is its size. The ideal table will be wide enough to comfortably accommodate the patient yet narrow enough (and at the appropriate height) to ensure good body mechanics and leverage for the therapist. Make sure you can step in close enough to direct your body weight through relaxed shoulders down through your hands.

• The upholstery should be comfortable, durable and easy to clean. Most massage tables are made with durable vinyl that is easy to clean, and they feature quality foam that does not break down after a few uses.  The texture of the upholstery will affect how slippery your table is. For best results, wash the table at the end of the day or when you are finished using it, and then rinse with clean water and dry.

• The face rest is a very integral part of your table. Since most massage therapies focus on massaging the back and spine, your patient will be spending a considerable amount of time with his face on the rest. An adjustable face rest is your best choice as it allows you to optimally position your clients head and also allows you to change the angle for better access to the neck muscles. You could also cut face holes into your face rest. This eliminates the need to make adjustments to the face rest.

• The most important factor for deciding on the type of table to buy will naturally be the form of massage therapy that you administer. Different disciplines of therapy require different types of massage tables. What may be right for shiatsu massage may not work for lomilomi massage.