Mental benefits of massage: how it can boost your wellbeing

When you book a massage treatment, you might only think about the physical perks — like easing back pain, reducing tension, or improving mobility. But what often goes unnoticed are the mental benefits that come along with it.

From improved sleep to a boost in dopamine, here's how massage can help your mind unwind.

What is a massage for mental health?

Massages for mental health are becoming more popular, especially as stress and anxiety continue to rise in our fast-paced lives. You might start turning to massage as a way to calm your minds and relax during difficult times. It’s not just about soothing sore muscles anymore — massage is now recognised as a holistic tool for both body and mind.

5 psychological benefits of massage

Getting regular massages can give you a mental boost in five key ways:

1. Increases serotonin and dopamine levels

2. Lowers stress

3. Boosts feelings of connection and wellbeing

4. Increases energy

5. Improves sleep

Let’s break down how each benefit works:

1. Increases serotonin and dopamine levels

One major mental perk of massage is that it boosts your levels of serotonin and dopamine — often referred to as the "happy hormones." These are key to improving your mood.

When your pro works their magic with kneading techniques, it increases blood flow, which activates your autonomic nervous system. That’s what gets the endorphins flowing, including serotonin and dopamine. These endorphins give your brain a happiness boost, making you feel lighter and more joyful.

2. Lowers stress levels

If you’ve ever walked out of a massage feeling more relaxed than when you walked in, you’re not alone. Massages are known for their stress-relieving effects, thanks to:

• The peaceful environment (think calming music, soft lighting)

• The release of built-up tension in your body

• The opportunity to switch off and unwind for an hour or so

Sometimes, all we need is a chance to disconnect from our busy lives — and massage offers just that, stress-relief.

3. Promotes feelings of wellbeing and connection

Massage can also leave you feeling more connected and grounded. Whether it's chatting with your therapist or simply enjoying the calming touch, you’ll likely walk away feeling more connected to the present moment. Plus, a friendly conversation during your treatment can easily turn a rough day around.

4. Increases energy

Feeling sluggish? Massages can help with that too, increasing energy levels. While this might seem like a physical benefit, it also has a huge mental impact.

When stress and lack of sleep get you feeling down, it’s easy to feel drained. A massage can give you the energy boost you need by improving circulation, loosening tight muscles, and helping you feel more refreshed overall. That increase in energy can improve your mood and mental clarity, helping you tackle the day with a more positive outlook.

So next time you’re going through a difficult spell, consider booking a massage treatment to help bring you back up to speed.

5. Improves sleep

Struggling to sleep because of stress or anxiety? Bad mental health can really take its toll – but massage can help. By promoting relaxation and calming the mind, a massage makes it easier to let go of overthinking and get a good night's sleep. Over time, consistent, restful sleep can greatly improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.

Having more consistent sleep can really improve your mental health over time, so this is a super useful benefit of having regular massage treatments.

Explore our massage services

We offer a wide variety of at-home massage treatments – from sports massage to reflexology. Check out our massage options, and an experienced therapist could be at your door within the hour, ready to help you de-stress.