Medical research studies have shown physical and emotional benefits from the kinetic activity of rocking. For years there has been documentation that rocking infants and children has a calming, relaxing effect. Recently, the University of Rochester School of Nursing found that nursing home residents who have dementia could literally rock away anxiety and depression. According to researcher, Nancy Watson, use of the rocking chairs had a dramatic effect on patients. Researchers have also found patients requested less pain medication, if they were given access to rocking chairs. Blood pressure being measurably lowered has also been documented.

The calming and stress reducing effects of rocking have convinced airport officials (Philadelphia International and Charlotte/Douglas International to name a few) to provide rocking chairs for harried travelers. Also, city officials in Orlando, Florida, and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, have provided up to 30 rockers outside city halls or in public squares for their busy citizens.

The artistic manner in which the rocking chairs are created provides a feeling of “removal from the illness.” When rockers are painted with colorful, cheerful and whimsical touches, the patient is distracted from the visual sterility of the setting.

Florence Seelig, Coordinator for the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, wrote “The beautiful rocking chair treats the soul as well as the body.” We can’t think of a better reason to buy a Chairitable Works rocking chair!