5 brilliant benefits of massage during winter months

Beat winter blues

Anxiety and low mood can be particularly difficult to deal with during winter months. Even if you don’t usually struggle with anxiety or depression, feelings of excessive worry, lack of motivation, mood swings and general sadness can all manifest more often as the seasons change. Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SAD) which occurs between Autumn and Spring affects around two million of us each year. Darker days and nights, cold weather and lack of sunlight can all contribute to lower levels of ‘happy hormones’ and chemicals in the brain.

Massage can help to lift mood in a number of ways – the number one benefit of course being as a stress reliever. Some studies have shown that massage increases the secretion of essential endorphins including dopamine and serotonin, whilst reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. Through massage we can also relieve tightness and tension in muscles and digestive discomfort brought about by emotional stress.

Support circulation

Many of my clients report feeling the cold most in their extremities – cold hands, feet and face. This can be really unpleasant and often leads to a feeling of cold throughout the whole body – causing muscle tension and widespread aches and pains.

Massage helps to stimulate circulation by helping to increase blood flow when applying pressure in certain areas in flowing movements, supporting the elimination of congestion and releasing stagnant areas in the body. This can help circulation to flow more easily, relieving symptoms of conditions such as chilblains, Raynaud’s and swelling in the legs and feet.

Boost immunity

During a massage we work with the body’s own natural waste disposal system, the lymph system. This helps to flush out toxins and increase blood flow as well as stimulating white blood cell activity, helping our immune system to fight off seasonal offenders such as colds and flu as well as regulating stress response.

Increase energy levels

Although it can be difficult to carve out time for ourselves and ensure we get adequate rest, it’s especially important during winter to do so. Massage may not increase our energy levels directly – but it does help to fight fatigue and other common symptoms many people experience during winter. The harsh contrast of warm indoor and cold outdoor environments with dark days and low levels of sunlight can make us feel lethargic and listless. But with regular massage blood flow and circulation can improve to increase the amount of oxygen in our cells, in turn supporting a healthier and more sustainable amount of energy during the day. Taking time out for relaxation also supports your vitality and focus when your energy reserves are running low.

Get cosy

If you haven’t heard of it already, the Scandinavian art of hygge is well worth looking into if you struggle during the colder seasons. Winter is traditionally a restorative time of year when we hibernate, cocoon and stay warm and cosy ready to emerge refreshed in the spring. Hygge can help with this – supporting you to embrace winter and really make the most of the good things it has to offer. Some favourite hygge tips include lighting candles, burning essential oils, enjoying hot drinks and comfort foods. Self-care is also high on the hygge list – so a cosy massage is the perfect way to indulge. Warm bamboo massage is especially comforting during the winter months to calm and energise body and mind. I also use a nourishing blend of natural butters and oils which rejuvenate, soothe and soften parched winter skin.