Taking advantage of the benefits of massage therapy is one of the best ways to fully relax—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Touch is a powerful force—one that is often lacking in America’s “hands-off” culture.

The problem is that in today’s economy, there’s not much extra cash lying around to splurge on a one-hour massage therapy session. However, there are ways to make massage more affordable. Here’s a few ideas to get you started. Each idea is rated by its cheapness. One dollar sign ($) is the cheapest. Four dollar signs ($$$$) is the least cheap. Prices stated are average estimates.

The Cheapness Factor:

$$$$ = Cheap Massage

$$$ = Cheaper Massage

$$ = Cheapest Massage

$ = Free Massage

$$$$ Discounts

Many massage therapists offer first-time discounts, referral discounts, and package deals. Take advantage of those when you can. Some therapists also offer a sliding fee scale upon request. Granted, even with a discount, these options can still be fairly expensive. Let’s look at some cheaper options!

Price: First-time discount: $10-$15 off for one hour massage. Other discounts vary.

$$ Chair Massage

The very nature of chair massage makes it more affordable. The session length can be as short as 5 minutes, and the therapist focuses on problem areas or the back, neck, and head areas. This way you can get focused relief on the tightest muscles without paying for a full body massage. Most therapists charge a dollar a minute for chair massage, which means that a 15-minute massage will cost you only $15.00.

Price: $1 per minute

$ Skills Trade

Bartering is alive and well in the massage therapy field. Think of what skills you can offer your massage therapist in return for a massage. Can you design websites, teach piano lessons to her kids, give her a haircut or perm, or give her office a new coat of paint? Put your expertise to work in exchange for the bodywork that you’re craving. Your massage therapist may be more open to the idea than you think…as long as you can offer her something she needs in exchange.

Price: Free + your expertise

$$$ Student Clinics

Are there any massage schools in your area? Chances are that you can get a discounted rate at the student clinic. The massage students are supervised by licensed instructors who ensure the quality of care that you will receive. By the time students work in the clinic, they have already had many hours of practice.

Price: $20-$40 per hour

$$ Electronic Massage Products

There are plenty of electronic massage products out on the market: shiatsu, handheld, back, and foot massagers, to name a few. For the best price, shop the overstock sales, wholesale e-commerce stores, and the after-Christmas clearance racks.

Price: $20 and up

$$$ Home Massage Table

If you’re really ambitious, you can even buy a massage table and learn massage in the comfort of your own home. The recent expansion of the massage table industry means that you can easily find a massage table for under $200. As long as you have a willing partner, you can give and receive massage for free in your own home. The more you take advantage of massage at home, the sooner your table will pay for itself.

Price: Massage Table: $150-$200; Massage Sessions: Free

Do you have more ideas for getting a cheap massage? Let us know in the comments!