What is a couples massage? It’s a massage experience for two that has real benefits, for physical, mental, and relationship health. Ultimately, a couples massage is a shared experience – a massage for two people, at the same time, in the same private room, but on two separate massage tables and performed by two massage therapists. The massage therapists will start at the same time and coordinate the treatment for the couple.
A couples massage can be a great way to enhance the mental and physical benefits of the massage experience. While it’s common to choose a couples massage as part of a day of romance – let’s say, with a spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend – it’s also normal to opt for this treatment with a friend or other loved one.
Getting a couples massage is an increasingly popular way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, or the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend. At Zeel (that’s us), we offer an additional special twist on the couples massage. Instead of trying to make reservations for a spa experience at a time that works for both of you, Zeel allows you to bring the massage experience home, or to a hotel room – just the two of you, in your own personal space. And while you can certainly book ahead up to 30 days in advance, you can actually get a same-day booking for a couples massage from Zeel, in as little as an hour in advance. Even better, the tip is included in the price, so there’s no need to disrupt the post-massage bonding bliss by looking for your wallet.
So why choose a couples massage?
Bonding
When you get a great massage, your body releases oxytocin, the “love hormone” that creates a sense of affection and love. When you get a couples massage, that means love is literally in the air (and the bloodstream). Increased affection is one of the biggest benefits of a couples massage.
Avoid unhealthy food
Going out to eat on Valentine’s Day, for example, typically includes making reservations weeks in advance (or risking a walk-in), a prix-fixe menu (at a higher price for the holiday), and a few glasses of champagne or something else carbonated. If that works for you, that’s wonderful – but if you’re concerned about staying on a special diet (are you doing that intermittent fasting thing too?) traveling after three glasses of said champagne, or overpaying to eat something in a crowded restaurant, you might want to choose a couples massage instead. And as a matter of fact, massage is good for you — so you can enjoy and celebrate your special day with peace of mind. .
Decluttering
Perhaps you’re a Marie Kondo advocate – or maybe you, like many others, prefer the value of choosing activities and experiences to material objects, where the inconvenience outweights the price. Getting a couples massage is a great way to avoid the clutter and environmental impact of one.more.thing.
Tips for creating a great couples massage experience at home
So let’s say you’re planning your romantic Valentine’s Day at home. And you’ve decided on a couples massage. What should you do to make the most of your experience?
Get food and drink delivered
A massage is an incredible way to relax, reduce stress, and, in a couples massage, bond. Complete your private haven by either stocking up on delicious treats and beverages beforehand, or having a Valentine’s Day meal delivered to you. (If you’re not on an unlimited budget, home delivery will help you save on price as well.) If you’re wondering whether you should eat and drink before or after your couples massage, most therapists recommend you indulge in the food and (especially) drinks after your massage.
Choose the right space
Choose a private room that has room for both the massage tables (with Zeel, massage therapists bring tables and massage supplies unless you have them at home) as well as enough room for the therapists to move. A space of about 10 by 12 feet should be more than sufficient.
As you will be lightly dressed during your massage, if you have control over the room heat, you may wish to raise the temperature a few degrees. Close windows as necessary.
Set the mood
You will have your eyes closed for most of the massage, but having a bright overhead light can still be disruptive. Turn off overhead lights – if you have dimmers, dim the light in the room about halfway.
Therapists typically bring their own music to the massage, but you may certainly play your own if you wish. It’s useful to let the therapists know where outlets are, if necessary.
Some scents can help you relax, like lavender and vanilla. If you have a scented candle or diffuser you’ve been wanting to try out, now is the chance.
Check out some other pamper – friendly tips for creating a home spa experience with your massages from Zeel.
Marcy is the SVP of People and Communications at Zeel. In addition to overseeing the humans of Zeel, Marcy has written about workplace topics for more than 20 years both at Zeel and as VP of Content for Vault.com, a career information web site and publisher.