Want to celebrate your best friend? Your sister’s birthday?  Make Mother’s Day that much more special? Massage, massage, and massage, right?  It’s a no-brainer.  And for Father’s Day?  You’ve got that protocol down as well – a barbecue utensil, maybe some cologne, and handmade cards from the little ones. The truth is, even if you didn’t get him anything, he probably wouldn’t raise a fuss. However, considering that this is the guy who probably taught you a thing or two about throwing a ball, riding a bike, and James Bond movie appreciation, you want to make sure his day is a special one.

Because he took care of you for all of those years, why not make sure he’s taken care of, physically and mentally, also? What? You’ve never considered treating Dad to a Father’s Day massage? We think it’s just the thing for Dad. (Hint-hint: great idea for your hubby as well! We’re guessing he wouldn’t complain about a couple of hours away from the kids’ “endless love.”)

Here are the top 5 reasons that a massage is THE gift for the dad in your life:

1. His mood.  Kick his feel-good hormones up a notch, while helping his stress levels to recede. Massage does that. It has been proven to raise serotonin and oxytocin (his “all-is-right-with-the-world” hormones) and lower cortisol (stress) hormones, that are linked to weight gain.
2. His athletic prowess. Or, at least, his athletic ambitions.  Massage can improve range of motion and flexibility as the therapist works on muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. For true therapeutic relief, receiving several massages on a regular basis will be even more helpful. Not only that, but massage can help muscles recover faster. This means that even with all that time throwing little ones in the air and playing tag, or playing golf and doing hard work, your weekend warrior can have a little shorter “oh my aching back” recovery time. A big win for him AND you.
3. His pressure. Blood pressure, that is. If his tends toward the too-high levels, massage may help. Studies have shown that those who receive massage can experience a decrease in blood pressure readings. A pill-free hypertension aid?  Yes, please.
4. His posture. Whether due to age or too much hunched-over screen time, he can start to lose his straight spine and shoulders. If not corrected, improper posture can lead to strains and injuries in other muscle groups, feet, and permanent posture damage. Massage helps to elongate muscles to allow proper posture. Bonus: standing up straight helps us to feel more confident, have increased feelings of dominance, and feel more self-assured. An Ohio State University found that participants standing upright felt more confident, while slumped-over felt more unsure of themselves.
5. His health. Massage increases circulation, improves the immune system, and can even reduce depression. As far as already-present health issues, massage can help many of those, too. Many folks with health conditions such as carpal tunnel, arthritis, and fibromyalgia can feel relief from the painful, irritating side effects of these health issues when they seek out regular massage.

While the cologne, travel coffee mug, and homemade “I.O.U.” coupons are great gifts, and surely treasured, doesn’t it make more sense to give him the gift of physical wellness and emotional health? You’ll both be glad you did.

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