Massage for most of you is probably no more than an occasional treat you get to enjoy when someone gets you a gift certificate or when your muscles are so knotted up you just can’t take it anymore. But it is starting to be recognized as a true medicinal therapy, and because of that, I want all of my *f.a.t. (Fit After Thirty) sisters to start thinking of regular massage as a prescription for your health, rather than as a luxury. 

Regular massage is truly one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to stay Fit After Thirty! Besides, if you incorporate it into your relationship with your partner, it can serve as great foreplay, and will go a long way toward keeping the romance alive! After all, what woman doesn’t appreciate a man who pampers her, and what man doesn’t love a happy ending? Granted, there is nothing like a professional massage therapist to really work out the kinks, but a novice with a pair of strong hands can go a long way toward helping achieve some of the following major health benefits of massage:

1.It can prevent PMS! Now, that alone should be reason enough to go get one!

2. It reduces the stress hormone, cortisol (which causes inflammation in the body resulting in disease and premature aging), while increasing the feel good hormones, serotonin and dopamine.

3. It blocks the nervous system’s pain receptors. 

4. It slows your heart rate.

5. It reduces blood pressure.

6. It eases insomonia.

7. It boosts immunity.

8. It increases blood flow to muscles, which can help them heal.

9. It eases the pain of fibromyalgia, cancer, labor pain, and migraine.

10. It increases brain wave activity that is linked to improved attention.

Bonus Reason:

11. Happy Endings - they aren’t just for men anymore! (Grab your man and have a sensuous massage at home!)

To find out which type of massage might be best for you, check out these explanations from Health.com.