February is a great month to pay some attention to all matters of the heart – physical and emotional. Of course, we all know Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14. But, did you know that February is also National Heart Health Month? It is a reminder to make yourself and your loved one a priority; a time to focus on health and relationships. One of the best ways to do both is with a couple’s massage!
A couple’s massage offers an hour or more of time that is centered around you and your loved one. A couple’s massage provides both health and romantic benefits.
The daily tolls on life can be tough on relationships. It is often difficult to find the time, energy and money for couples to do the things they need and want to do to keep their relationships strong. Lack of focused time together can lead to stress, arguing, dissatisfaction and strain on the relationship. No one can argue the fact that couples need to spend quality time together to maintain a strong bond and loving relationship.
A recent study by the British Psychological Society looked at the effects of couple’s massage therapy. The research found that the couples in the study experienced improved overall sense of well-being, while stress levels were decreased and coping abilities were boosted. The couples also stated that they felt closer to each other physically and emotionally.
Of course, relaxation is an expected benefit of massage, as are other healthful results. But there are additional benefits to a couple’s massage that make the 60- or 90-minute session a real boost to the pair. Benefits of couple’s massage include:
Bonding: Massage causes the brain to release endorphins (such as oxytocin, also known as “the cuddle chemical”), which are hormones that stimulate positive feelings and promote affection.
(Re)connection: While counseling can provide valuable insight and increase communication, research shows massage therapy can help couples reconnect and even grow closer.
Less emotional tension: Strain between the partners, often the result of concerns about jobs, money, children, etc., can be decreased during a massage session. As each person relaxes, tensions dissipate, partners can put their problems into perspective and have more communication regarding these concerns.
Physical health: In addition to improved emotional health and a closer connection, each person often feels physically healthier after a session, which means more desire and energy for other activities.
An easy and affordable getaway: Busy schedules and the demands of work and home life can make getting away or going out for an evening nearly impossible, not to mention the costs of a getaway. But almost any couple can find 60 or 90 minutes for a massage. That makes massage one of the easiest ways to escape with your partner for some quality time.
Personalized time and couple time: One of the best things about a couple’s massage is the dual focus of the individual and the couple. Each massage is personalized to meet individual needs while the time together helps promote bonding and intimacy.
Be present and in the moment: Massage has a unique way of helping people focus on the moment, allowing everything else to be put on hold for a period of time. Being fully present and in the moment with your partner means quality time with benefits that last long after the massage has ended.
Break out of the rut: Getting a couple’s massage can brighten a relationship in the same way that going to a different restaurant or trying a new activity does. You and your partner will feel closer just for having tried something new together. QCBN
By Mark Love
Mark Love is the Franchisee of Massage Envy Spa – Prescott, located at 120 E. Sheldon St., by the Sprouts grocery store. For more information on the benefits of massage and to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist, visit MassageEnvy.com, call 928-778-ENVY (3689) and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/MassageEnvyPrescott. Schedule an appointment online – your time, your convenience, your massage.
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