While massage won’t directly cause you to lose weight, it can aid your weight loss efforts by supporting workout recovery, decreasing stress, and improving your sleep.

Losing weight can be a daunting task — and you’re not alone if the thought of extra hours in the gym makes you want to grab a pint of your favorite ice cream and settle onto the couch.

You can make weight loss easier and more fun with self-care techniques like massage.

While massage won’t cause you to lose weight, it can help in a number of ways. For example, massage can decrease your muscle pain and increase your flexibility, so you get the most out of your workouts.

Learn more about the different types of massage.

Massage alone won’t shift the pounds, but scientists have found several ways that it may aid your weight loss efforts.

Improved post-workout recovery

One way massage can assist weight loss is by supporting your recovery after workouts. If you haven’t been exercising frequently or are increasing the intensity of your workouts, you may experience soreness or muscle pain after workouts.

Massage can reduce pain and decrease muscle fatigue, helping you stay on track with your exercise plan and goals.

Getting the most out of your workouts (and day)

Massage can also potentially increase your range of motion and flexibility, allowing you to get more out of your workouts.

As an added bonus, massage releases endorphins. This can feel invigorating, improving your mindset and helping you get off the couch or out of bed. You might find yourself moving your body more even if you don’t head to the gym.

Better digestion

Massage may help your digestion, too.

Abdominal massage can decrease bloating, gas, and pain. This can affect how your tummy looks, and it can also help you feel more confident in your appearance.

Research indicates that abdominal massage may decrease abdominal circumference. This is likely a result of reduced bloating and water retention.

However, studies also showed that abdominal massage didn’t cause people to eat less. You’ll still need willpower and other tools to help with that!

Quality sleep

Massage can relax your body and improve your sleep. Poor sleep is linked to a higher likelihood of obesity.

More research is still needed to understand all of the connections between weight and sleep, but by helping you get better rest, massage can definitely help you have more energy for exercising.

Some potential benefits of massage include:

  • improved blood circulation
  • reduced stress, depression, and anxiety
  • increased flexibility and range of motion
  • improved digestion
  • reduced blood pressure
  • reduced in pain
  • improved sleep quality

Depending on your goals and comfort levels, there are a variety of different massage types you may be interested in trying. Some types of massage include:

It’s important to remember that massage by itself won’t cause weight loss.

There is also a chance that massage may cause injuries, blood clots, or nerve and muscle pain. Avoid massage if you have:

  • signs of infection like a fever
  • consumed alcohol
  • open wounds
  • burns
  • bleeding disorders like severe hemophilia

If you are pregnant, not all types of massage are safe options. Always let your massage therapist know if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant beforehand.

Even if you are not pregnant, let your massage therapist know about any other health conditions you may have and medications you are taking.

Massage can be used to support your body in losing weight. It offers a variety of potential benefits, from an improved mood to increased flexibility and quicker recovery from workouts.

However, it won’t cause you to lose pounds in the same way exercise and dietary changes can.

It’s important to talk with your doctor about any significant dietary or exercise changes you may be considering.

They can advise you if massage might support these changes and help you to reach your health and fitness goals.