Couples Massages Really Do Relieve Stress

The benefits of massages are well documented: they provide stress relief, relax stiff muscles, and deliver soothing self-care. But a new study shows that couples who skip the pro and instead massage each other can score those same rewards—and may strengthen their relationship. The small new study, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, was recently presented at the British Psychological Society’s annual conference in Brighton, England.