Benefits of a Massage In The Winter

A good-quality massage isn’t just a luxury, or even a treatment for those with chronic pain or noticeably tense shoulders; it’s also a holistic tool that can boost both your physical and mental health when you need it most. In the UK, consumers spent over £4.6 thousand on self-care in 2023. This underscores the social recognition that tending to your own needs is necessary for maintaining a healthy and balanced life. This article outlines just how great massage can be and how the wintertime can be a particularly good period to reap the benefits of a massage spa treatment. 

Main benefits of a winter massage 

Winter can be hard on the body, as people tend to move less and spend more time indoors, where the air is drier. A massage directly addresses the physical and emotional downsides of this and it has some surprising extra benefits, too. 

Physical health

The physical benefits of massage are the main reason people seek massage, as it promotes:

• Better circulation. Cold temperatures make your blood vessels constrict in order to conserve core heat. This can leave extremities feeling cold and reduce blood flow to muscles and joints. Massage therapy uses systematic pressure and friction to encourage blood flow back into these restricted areas manually. This improved circulation delivers essential oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles, leaving you feeling more energised.
• Joint relief. Cold weather can worsen conditions like arthritis and cause general aches. Massage warms the muscles surrounding the joints, increasing the production of synovial fluid, which can result in an improvement in your range of motion. 
• Benefits for drying skin. Colder air, both indoors (from central heating) and outdoors, is notoriously dry, stripping the skin of its natural moisture barrier. Many massages use massage oil and lotion. Equally, the massage itself helps the treatments go deeper into the skin. This deep moisturising combats winter dryness.

Mental health

Reduced sunlight and outdoor activity can cause a common mental illness – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Massage is a great non-pharmacological way to support people during this time, providing:

• Tension relief. People often report improved well-being after massage therapy. Studies indicate that massage can induce positive physical changes, including reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. By reducing the primary stress hormone, cortisol, and simultaneously boosting mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, massage helps to calm the nervous system, lower heart rate and decrease muscle tension often held in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
• Physical touch. Touch releases oxytocin, which promotes feelings of attachment, well-being and social bonding. This is particularly important when cold weather or holidays might lead to feelings of isolation.
• Routine. Committing to regular self-care, like a monthly massage appointment, adds a sense of structure and predictability, which can be especially nice during the busy Christmas period. 

What’s the best massage to get?

While any massage will offer benefits, certain types are particularly suited to addressing winter-specific issues. Targeting the shoulder, back and legs is often the best route. The shoulders and back are common areas of tension caused by stress and hunching in the cold, while the legs benefit from improved circulation after periods of reduced activity.

Recommended massage styles

Deep Tissue Massage

• Breaks up knots that build up over the winter.

Thai massage

• Involves stretching and yoga poses that can improve flexibility and counter joint stiffness.

Reflexology

• Focuses on pressure points in the feet and hands, believed to stimulate nerve function and circulation throughout the body, making it a warming treatment for cold extremities.

Best places to get a winter massage

There is a growing demand for hotels to have spas, indicating a desire to combine wellness treatments with a getaway.

Here are some cities across the UK that have well-rated spa hotel options:

• Lake District
• Cornwall
• Edinburgh
• Cardiff

Get a winter massage

Go for it and get a winter massage to get some much-needed relief – both physical and mental!