Massage Tips
Hippocrates said that every day should begin with an aromatic massage (one of the best massage-tips ever!) Most of us can’t experience massage on a daily basis, but regular massage has been shown to reduce stress and prevent many injuries and illnesses. It has also been said that without stress there is no DIS ease. Massage is a very effective way of dealing with stress as it soothes and nourishes the “whole” person, helping to release long pent up emotions as well as tensions held in muscles (sometimes unnoticed over long periods of time).
Massage nourishes the mind, body and soul in a loving yet non-intrusive way. Often times the person providing the massage experiences as much relaxation and healing energy as the person receiving one. In addition, since we all live in a toxic environment, lymph drainage – promoted by massage - is a very important way to help our overloaded bodies move toxins through our system.
Massage is best done using a lotion or oil, which can be blended with pure essential oils. Essential oils provide therapeutic, emotional and spiritual qualities that enhance any massage, and add to the ambiance of the moment as well. It is a good idea to do your research on the use of aromatherapy and essential oils.
As a professional aromatherapist I have done countless massages for people, and have taught the art of massage as well. I always “get” something back from the massages I do, and of course I love to receive them as well. The bottom line is that the feeling you take to your massage is as important as the technique. So much is communicated through motion, hands, music and essential oils. You have the power to offer love, support, comfort, healing, nourishment and emotional release. What a lovely gift for anyone.
There are many books with detailed pictures and instructions for ancient, modern and sensual massage techniques. The actual techniques for romantic massage are less important than following some simple massage-tips and guidelines:
1. Background music is very effective for creating the right mood. For massage it is good to play music with a slow tempo, whatever your musical tastes, because you tend to keep rhythm.
2. Don’t overdo the lotion/oil that you use and remember that they can stain sheets. It’s a good idea to use old sheets with towels underneath.
3. Begin with your partner face down on a massage table, couch, bed or floor mat. Massage the back, neck and shoulders first moving slowly down towards the feet. When you have finished the back have your partner turn over and, beginning at the feet, working your way towards the head.
4. Never move quickly during massage, the slower the movement the more loving it feels. Use long strokes whenever possible and try to maintain a steady rhythm.
5. Warming the lotion/oil is also nice and can be done by placing it in a glass of hot water for a while before use.
6. A firm touch is usually preferred but it’s good to check the pressure with your partner.
7. Be sensitive to “ticklish” places, more pressure on those areas is often helpful.
8. Don’t forget the hands and feet. It feels very nice to gently but firmly pull on the toes and fingers and slowly release. Reflexology books can give you some good tips for fingers and toes as well.
9. When massaging the stomach it is important to use clockwise motions that promote digestive processes.
10. Most people carry tension in their neck and shoulders. It’s a good idea to massage both when your partner is face down and again when they are face up.
11. Scalp massage is also very relaxing. However, not everyone likes getting oil/lotion in their hair…personally, I would have to say that it’s worth it.
12. One of the most sensitive areas of the body is the ears. Often forgotten during massage, take a few minutes in closing to gently massage and pull the ears.
13. If your massage includes sensitive personal areas, don’t forget that many essential oils should not be used here. Peppermint Romance oil is an exception…make sure to check any other oils you may be using, and do patch tests if you aren’t sure.
14. Finally, never massage areas below varicose veins. If your partner has varicose veins behind the knees, for instance, do not massage anything from the knee down.
N.B. I believe that the benefits of massage for pregnant women are three fold; the baby benefits from the effects of touch and relaxation, as does mom and also dad. I would encourage dad’s to learn about and practice this very effective way of communicating with mom and also with baby. These dads may find that their touch is “familiar” and comforting to the baby after birth due to the experience before they are born. Many essential oils are contra-indicated for pregnancy, make sure to check before using them.
Whether you share massage with your partner, a friend, or a family member the benefits are many. Just the act of making time for someone else has it’s rewards.
Through massage, we dedicate ourselves to the promotion of respect and human kindness: A simple goal that takes a lifetime to accomplish.
Massage nourishes the mind, body and soul in a loving yet non-intrusive way. Often times the person providing the massage experiences as much relaxation and healing energy as the person receiving one. In addition, since we all live in a toxic environment, lymph drainage – promoted by massage - is a very important way to help our overloaded bodies move toxins through our system.
Massage is best done using a lotion or oil, which can be blended with pure essential oils. Essential oils provide therapeutic, emotional and spiritual qualities that enhance any massage, and add to the ambiance of the moment as well. It is a good idea to do your research on the use of aromatherapy and essential oils.
As a professional aromatherapist I have done countless massages for people, and have taught the art of massage as well. I always “get” something back from the massages I do, and of course I love to receive them as well. The bottom line is that the feeling you take to your massage is as important as the technique. So much is communicated through motion, hands, music and essential oils. You have the power to offer love, support, comfort, healing, nourishment and emotional release. What a lovely gift for anyone.
There are many books with detailed pictures and instructions for ancient, modern and sensual massage techniques. The actual techniques for romantic massage are less important than following some simple massage-tips and guidelines:
1. Background music is very effective for creating the right mood. For massage it is good to play music with a slow tempo, whatever your musical tastes, because you tend to keep rhythm.
2. Don’t overdo the lotion/oil that you use and remember that they can stain sheets. It’s a good idea to use old sheets with towels underneath.
3. Begin with your partner face down on a massage table, couch, bed or floor mat. Massage the back, neck and shoulders first moving slowly down towards the feet. When you have finished the back have your partner turn over and, beginning at the feet, working your way towards the head.
4. Never move quickly during massage, the slower the movement the more loving it feels. Use long strokes whenever possible and try to maintain a steady rhythm.
5. Warming the lotion/oil is also nice and can be done by placing it in a glass of hot water for a while before use.
6. A firm touch is usually preferred but it’s good to check the pressure with your partner.
7. Be sensitive to “ticklish” places, more pressure on those areas is often helpful.
8. Don’t forget the hands and feet. It feels very nice to gently but firmly pull on the toes and fingers and slowly release. Reflexology books can give you some good tips for fingers and toes as well.
9. When massaging the stomach it is important to use clockwise motions that promote digestive processes.
10. Most people carry tension in their neck and shoulders. It’s a good idea to massage both when your partner is face down and again when they are face up.
11. Scalp massage is also very relaxing. However, not everyone likes getting oil/lotion in their hair…personally, I would have to say that it’s worth it.
12. One of the most sensitive areas of the body is the ears. Often forgotten during massage, take a few minutes in closing to gently massage and pull the ears.
13. If your massage includes sensitive personal areas, don’t forget that many essential oils should not be used here. Peppermint Romance oil is an exception…make sure to check any other oils you may be using, and do patch tests if you aren’t sure.
14. Finally, never massage areas below varicose veins. If your partner has varicose veins behind the knees, for instance, do not massage anything from the knee down.
N.B. I believe that the benefits of massage for pregnant women are three fold; the baby benefits from the effects of touch and relaxation, as does mom and also dad. I would encourage dad’s to learn about and practice this very effective way of communicating with mom and also with baby. These dads may find that their touch is “familiar” and comforting to the baby after birth due to the experience before they are born. Many essential oils are contra-indicated for pregnancy, make sure to check before using them.
Whether you share massage with your partner, a friend, or a family member the benefits are many. Just the act of making time for someone else has it’s rewards.
Through massage, we dedicate ourselves to the promotion of respect and human kindness: A simple goal that takes a lifetime to accomplish.