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How To Give A Simple Loving Massage

Forget everything you think you know about massage. There is nothing you need to learn. Preparation and compassionate concentration are the only skills required.

Preparation

Think about the space you will be using. Can your partner lie down on the floor or bed? If you are using a chair, is there a table top for them to be leaning onto? How will you be maneuvering yourself around them? Gather any available pillows, blankets, towels you can use to support them into different positions.

Seated: place enough padding on a table top in front so that chest and arms can rest onto it and additional support like a rolled towel for the forehead to rest on. This is particularly useful for accessing back of neck, shoulders and area between shoulder blades.

Sidelying: Place a pillow the under head, between knees and in front of the chest for an arm to hug around. This is an excellent position for pregnancy, and any painful conditions that make lying on stomach difficult.

Supine: Place a pillow under the thighs, and have the recipient lying on their back.

Prone: Lying on the stomach can be tricky for the neck. To avoid twisting neck to the side, use a pillow under the stomach, one under the chest, and roll a towel into a half circle to make a face cradle.

A Note on Draping: body temperature drops as you relax. Keep your partner covered with a sheet, towel or blanket and only uncover the area you are working on. This can also contribute to your partner's feeling of security and being nurtured.

Creating a mood of cleanliness and warmth can foster relaxation. Candles, soft lighting, quiet music are excellent mood enhancers. Organize your props and your space before you begin the massage. Preparing your space will allow you to focus more completely on the experience of giving the massage.

Oils and Lotions: be aware of allergies-many people have including serious allergies to nuts and perfumes. Oil can definitely leave stains on linens and clothing so you must be wary of this concern. Try any blend of oils you fancy such as aromatherapy mixtures, or for something easy you can even use soya bean oil. Be sure to wash your hands and forearms well before and after a massage. Avoid touching open wounds, warts and rashes. Infections can be caused and some rashes and warts are contagious! When applying oil or lotion, pour it into your palm first, rub it into both hands, then slowly make contact. Keep your bottle handy throughout the session, ready to apply when needed. For a sensual massage oil like no other, we recommend the Kama Sutra Massage Therapy Kit.

Some basic principles of massage

There are a few general principles to keep in mind when massaging any area of the body. Keep in mind that blood circulation and muscle tension are the most obvious body systems affected by massage, and working with rather than against these systems can only enhance the relaxing effect of your massage. It is safest to work lightly at first, increasing your pressure just a bit at a time. As you become comfortable with massaging, increasing pressure will probably come naturally, especially as you learn to read the responses of the receiver. Ask questions openly and be prepared to change what you are doing. No ego is necessary- you are learning to listen with your hands and give from your heart.

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