With March celebrating Women’s History Month, we want to pay homage to the wives, mothers, sisters, and all female-identifying persons by discussing the benefits of massage for women’s health. 

 

As a women-owned and operated business, it’s our top priority to educate our current and future clients on the benefits of massage therapy for their physical and mental well-being. 

 

Female bodies undergo changes from girlhood to elder—menstruation, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, and menopause. Besides physiological challenges, women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression due to extreme societal pressures. 

 

Let’s dive into why massage therapy can benefit women’s health! 

Top 7 Benefits of Massage Therapy for Women’s Health

You’ve likely heard that massage boosts blood flow, relaxes muscles, improves posture, and alleviates stress. But massage therapy has positive and immediate benefits for women and people with menstrual cycles. 

Massage Eases PMS Symptoms

PMS – premenstrual syndrome – refers to the disruptive symptoms that often happen a week or two before menstruation. 

 

During this phase of our monthly cycle, our changing hormone levels lead to a range of health-related issues.

 

PMS symptoms include: 

  • Increased anxiety and depression
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Cramps 
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia and fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Bloating and digestive upset

 

While the symptom list is long, and women experience this on a sliding scale of severity, massage therapy can help. How? By increasing mood-boosting brain chemicals (e.g., endorphins), relieving stress and anxiety, and reducing cramps and other pains.

Massage Therapy Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Every human feels stress, but according to the American Psychological Association, women experience stress at much higher rates than men. We’re more likely to experience the physical symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression too. 

 

Massage reduces stress by calming our fight-or-flight response (aka our sympathetic nervous system) through the therapeutic touch. Massage can even lower heart rate, calm breathing, decrease stress hormones, and temporarily reduce blood pressure which are common physiological symptoms of stress. 

Massage Therapy Relieves Period Cramps

Over 80% of women experience period pain, and nearly 10% experience menstrual pain so strong that it affects their daily life. 

 

One study found that massage therapy reduces menstrual pain, especially for those with endometriosis. This study also found that massage can be more beneficial than over-the-counter painkillers.

Massage Therapy Improves Well-Being During Pregnancy

For those experiencing pregnancy, creating an entire human can be hard on your body. For this reason, some women choose to get regular prenatal massages to boost their health. 

 

Prenatal massages help:

  • Decrease back and leg pain
  • Improve mood
  • Ease depression
  • Combat insomnia

 

When booking a prenatal massage, ensure your massage therapist is trained to work with pregnant clients. Using the correct techniques, they will know how to provide a soothing and safe experience. 

Massage Therapy Supports Postpartum Health

So much of a mother’s time is spent caring for their newborn baby, but it’s also vital to incorporate self-care during those first several months. Be sure to get cleared by your OBGYN – typically, three months postpartum is okay – before getting a massage.

 

Postpartum massage offers plenty of health benefits to new mothers: 

  • Reduces stress while adjusting to recent life changes
  • Supports healthy circulation
  • Reduces swelling after birth
  • Alleviates muscle tension
  • Enhances emotional well-being

Massage Therapy Boosts Well-Being for Older Women

Women begin transitioning into the menopausal stage between the ages of 45 and 55. This stage can last between 7 and 14 years and affects our bodies in many ways and with varying severity. 

 

Menopause causes hot flashes, aches and pains, mood changes, and sleep problems. Massage therapy, especially aromatherapy massage, can help women find some relief from menopause symptoms. 

Massage Therapy Improves Sleep

Women are more likely to suffer from insomnia than men due to higher stress levels and hormonal changes. Massage wards off insomnia by increasing serotonin production (the hormone in our brains that produces melatonin), allowing you to fall and stay asleep easier.

Massage Now is Here for Women

At Massage Now, we’re dedicated to showing women that self-care is essential and necessary at all stages of life. Let us know how we can help you – call or schedule an appointment online today!