Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress

Inclusion Criteria: Biological females aged 18 years or older. Currently working in an office job with at least 75% of the working day spent sitting (sedentary work). Must report a regular menstrual cycle (cycle length 21-35 days) for at least the past 6 months. Able to attend all scheduled intervention sessions (8 sessions over 4 weeks). Able to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Use of hormonal contraceptives or other hormone-containing therapies (e.g., Intrauterine Device (IUDs), patches, birth control pills). Pregnancy, current breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study period. Menopause (natural or surgically induced). Diagnosis of a severe chronic disease (e.g., heart failure, insulin-dependent diabetes, diagnosed neurological disorder). Active cancer or history of cancer within the last 5 years. Current diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder). Current use of psychotropic medications that could significantly affect Heart Rate Variability (HRV) (e.g., certain beta-blockers, anti-depressants). History of recent surgery (within the last 3 months) in the neck or upper extremities. Participation in another clinical trial simultaneously.