How A Couple's Massage Can Help Strengthen Your Relationship

Massages are a splendid way to unwind and relax while relieving your body of pent-up stress and pain. They provide physical and emotional benefits, and even help your body fight viruses and bacteria by making your lymphocytes more active.

But if you think getting a massage on your own is great, just wait until you try a couple's massage. There's something extra special about sharing the experience with your partner, and knowing they're also enjoying the pampering and relaxation can add a new level of pleasure and intimacy to the experience. A couple's massage can also help break down barriers and inhibitions that may exist as you both explore new aspects of your relationship.

A couple's massage isn't just a way to relax and unwind together — it can also be a powerful tool for strengthening your relationship. Sharing a private massage with your partner creates space for connected intimacy and opens the door to so much more.

During massages, your body releases more feel-good hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These hormones make it easier to communicate openly and honestly because they affect how you feel, lowering your tension. It's easier to feel more affectionate and connected to your partner when relaxed. A couple's massage can also make it easier for you and your partner to let go of daily worries and focus on each other.

A 2009 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience shows that massages stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which restores the body and reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Enjoying this with your partner is a fantastic way to spend valuable time together while caring for your body. Think of it like a gym date, with all the health benefits and zero strain.

Couple's massages are also a great way to handle mismatched libidos with your partner. In men, massages have been found to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which improves blood flow to the genital area, leading to stronger erections. For women, massages are perfect for alleviating stress and allowing your body to relax, improving your libido and making it easier to become aroused.

Couples' massages aren't just great in the short term; they have long-term benefits too. Frequent massages prevent the build-up of tension, which eliminates arguments that can happen when one or both parties are in a bad mood. Remember that self-care can change your relationship for the better. When you are routinely relaxed and stress-free, it's a lot easier to communicate without impatience.

Some other long-term benefits stem from the secretion of feel-good hormones. Oxytocin, in particular, is released during physical touch, such as massages. Massages also encourage you to touch your partner, which secretes even more oxytocin. This hormone promotes honest and positive interactions in couples, especially if both parties try to communicate. Regular massages with your partner help create a relaxed and open atmosphere for difficult conversations, allowing for more effective communication and problem-solving.

Considering a massage with your partner? A couple-friendly technique to try out is the hot stone massage, famed for its deeply soothing and relaxing benefits to the body. The hot stones are heated to 130 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and placed at specific points to relieve muscle tension and tautness. This technique involves minimal skin-to-skin contact and can relieve stress without kneading or touch. If hot stones appeal to you, check out what you should know before getting a hot stone massage. Alternatively, try the Swedish full-body massage that uses gentle kneading and long strokes to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation for you and your partner.