A Quick Massage Works Wonders

I'm pretty convinced that receiving a nice massage regularly will lengthen anyone's life span.  How can something so relaxing not be good for your health?!

It turns out that giving a massage to your spouse, or receiving one, is pretty good for your marriage as well.

I love getting massages from April.  Period.  They are awesome.


I've actually never been to a spa and received a "real," massage.  That's because, among the many roles April and I play, one of them is being each others' "personal massage therapist."  I think we've both gotten pretty good at it.  Should I put that on my LinkedIn profile?

Physical touch is an amazing thing - especially when it comes from someone you love so much, and who loves you in return.  I don't know of a better way to unwind after a long day!  Giving or receiving a massage can be a great way to ease tension, relieve stress, build unity, show appreciation, express love, and serve your spouse.  On top of all that - it can often lead to much... much more!

There are many studies out there promoting the health benefits of a simple massage.  The wide range of benefits actually might surprise you.  

• Ease pain (an obvious one)
• Improve sleep
• Manage depression and anxiety
• Boost white blood cell count (indicating a strengthened immune system)
• Help reduce PMS symptoms
• Raise alertness (this is awesome - one study performed by the Touch Research Institute found that adults completed a series of math questions faster and more accurately after receiving a 15-minute chair massage!)
• Reduce the number and intensity of headaches

Are you convinced yet?

---

Aside from all these obvious (and not-so-obvious) health benefits, massages are a GREAT way to show your spouse that you care about them, that you love them, and that you want to serve them.  Just remember, your spouse will appreciate a massage a whole lot more if you aren't expecting something in return.  Do it because you love them!

It's true, April and I love receiving (and giving) massages so much that we're constantly placing bets on random things.  The pay out?  A 10-30 minute massage!  It's a fun game to play on a regular basis.  If I win the bet, I get a nice massage; but, even if I lose the bet, I still feel like I won because I get to give a nice massage - to my BEAUTIFUL wife!  A bet where I win either way... I'll take that any day!

So, do your spouse a favor - grab them by the hand, lead them to a comfy chair or bed, and give them a nice massage!  It will work wonders for both you and your spouse.  In serving your spouse, you will feel close to them.  In receiving a massage, your spouse will either A. be asleep or B. feel amazingly calm and relaxed.  Oh, and that simple massage may just lead to a little loving.  Need I say more?  Just try it, and then sit back to see how a simple massage can nurture your marriage. 

---

We would love for you to join the Nurturing Marriage community.  Subscribe here.