From a Swedish massage to shiatsu body massage: we’ve known for decades that a rub down can help you relax, but now a growing body of scientific research suggests that massage is even better for your health than you thought. Time to book yourself in for a mobile massage session, stat.

1. It boosts mood

Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol and boosts the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are lowest in those suffering from depression. Translation: you’ll feel happier and your blood pressure will go down too.

2. It eases pain

According to research, massage helps people who are in pain to feel better and function more effectively compared to those who didn’t have a session. The benefits were reported to be as strong as medication, acupuncture and exercise. Impressive.

3. It promotes sleep

Ever dozed off on a massage table as the masseuse chatted about what they had for tea? Guilty as charged. Studies have examined this link, and it seems that massage encourages delta waves within the brain – the type that are connected to deep sleep. Book a massage near you – or even a massage at home – to help you doze off if you’re struggling.

4. It bolsters immunity

Some good news as cold and flu season descends:research has linked massage to improved function of the immune system by increasing your white blood cell levels.

5. It reduces PMS

PMSing all over the place? No problem. Massage can ease symptoms like mood swings and bloating – period. What better reason to book an outcall massage in London?

6. It nixes headaches

Listen up headache sufferers! Research has discovered that a 30-minute massage can decrease pain for people with tension headaches – as well as their frequency.

8. It fixes your focus

Need help concentrating? A 15-minute chair massage was discovered to help study participants complete a maths test more quickly and accurately than before. That adds up.

7. It can help cancer sufferers

Because of it’s multiple benefits, massage is helpful in the fight against cancer symptoms such as fatigue, pain and depression.