When things become too overwhelming, it becomes necessary to find ways in which you and your spouse can again connect on a meaningful level. Many of you may be wondering, is couples massage worth it? And the answer lies here.
At Mali Healing Spa NYC, we have seen many couples rediscover their bond in a therapeutic touch experience with us. Our skilled practitioners incorporate researched methods with an atmosphere conducive to intimacy wellness. It doesn’t matter if you are commemorating an anniversary or simply need to unwind with your loved one; our couples spa in NYC provides you with so much more than relaxation.
Key Takeaways
- It stimulates the secretion of oxytocin, which promotes an emotional tie between the couple getting the massage
- Mutual experience of relaxation decreases levels of cortisol and enhances communication.
- Massage therapy makes physical intimacy more enjoyable in a relationship
- Breathing and relaxation in sync establishes long-lasting positive relationship patterns
- Professional couples massage is where couples find intimacy without judgment at couples massage therapy.

Understanding the Science of Relationship Bonding Through Touch
Touch is also a highly important part of relationship-building, which means that therapeutic massage extends these processes to help amplify these bonding mechanisms. When couples are part of a relationship-bonding massage, their brains release a series of beneficial chemicals.
A study published in the journal of “Psychoneuroendocrinology” has found that massage therapy can release oxytocin by 30%. The hormone oxytocin has been referred to as the “bonding hormone” because it creates emotions of trust and bonding within relationships. It can be noted that the experience of having massages at the same time will enable the couple to relax. This process has also been referred to as “co-regulation.”
How Oxytocin Massage Changes the Dynamics of the Relationship
It turns out the oxytocin massage effect extends beyond the massage table. If both partners experience an increase in oxytocin at the same time, they are creating a shared physiological state in which:
- Emotional Vulnerability: Partners can feel a lot safer to open up about their feelings and concerns.
- Empathy: Capability of understanding and acknowledging the experiences of each other.
- Conflict Resolution: Lower stress hormones pave the way for difficult conversations to be more productive.
According to Dr. Sue Johnson, a relationship therapist and founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy, experiences that promote oxytocin release help a couple break negative cycles of interaction. The intimacy wellness benefits from a couples massage create what she calls “bonding moments”—instances where partners feel truly seen and valued.
After Relaxation: Functionalist Benefits
Many people ask, “Is couples massage worth it?” The answer is yes, as the benefits of the practice are many, and some of these include:
Better Communication Patterns
Through massage, couples are trained to be with each other in silence without talking, which actually improves communication when they are talking. Couples often find they communicate more effectively in the hours and days following their session.
Managing Stress as a Team
Contemporary relationships are subjected to unprecedently high levels of stress, including work-related demands as well as distractions from technology. Scheduling a couples spa in NYC treatment provides an opportunity for both parties to “time out” from these stresses at the same time.
Making Positive Rituals
Relationship coaches also state that shared rituals play a significant role in preserving relationships over time. Couples massage can soon become events that partners look forward to and talk about afterwards with anticipation and pleasure.
What Therapists Say About Couples Massage
Marriage and family therapists increasingly recommend relationship bonding massage as a part of comprehensive relationship care. According to Dr. John Gottman, clinical psychologist whose research in couples began over four decades ago, successful relationships depend upon consistent “deposits” into the emotional bank account.
Couples massage can be considered a significant deposit because it:
- Shows investment in the relationship
- Creates shared positive memories
- Provides physical intimacy non-sexual
- Provides a break for parenting or work roles
Making the Most of Your Experience
In order to derive maximum benefits from this routine:
- Arrive early: Give yourself enough time to transition from stress to relaxation mode.
- Preferences: It may also include the manner by which the massage therapist conveys their preferences.
- Be in the moment: Try not to plan or problem-solve during your time.
- Extend the experience: Spend quiet time later to extend the relaxed state together.
- Schedule often: Monthly sessions provide cumulative benefits for relationship health.
An Improving Relation Link
So, is couples massage worth it? Indeed, it is, according to both psychological research and practical expertise, not to mention feedback from many couples. Simply put, combining the oxytocin rush, stress-relieving aspect, and purposeful togetherness leads to life-altering improvements in relationship dynamics.
At Mali Healing Spa NYC, we are experts at designing transformative couples spa experiences that transcend mere relaxation. At our spa, our experienced therapists know all about the science of touch and the art of designing a sacred space for bonding through relationship bonding massage. We encourage you to explore with us how touch therapy can revive love for you.
Do we need to talk during the massage?
Not really, most couples find silence really helps with relaxation. Communication is available with the therapists, but communication with your partner isn’t required.
How often should couples book massage sessions?
Monthly sessions will give long-term advantages, although quarterly or occasional sessions will be beneficial for relation maintenance.
Is couples massage appropriate for new relationships?
Oh, absolutely. It’s a low-pressure way to share a good experience and can really expedite bonding in a new relationship.
Can couples massage help with relationship problems?
Although it is not a therapeutic tool per se, it decreases stress hormones and boosts hormones for bonding, making it easier for one to be emotionally available for issue resolution.
