We all live busy lives, and it can be difficult to find time to relax. But a massage can help!
It can relieve stress, ease pain, and even boost moods. In addition, it can be a fun and intimate way to connect with your partner. Here are some tips to help you give a relaxing at-home massage: 1. Wash your hands and have unscented personal lubricant handy.
1. Prepare the Space
Massage is an intimate activity, one that helps couples bond and strengthen their connection. It’s also a great way to relax and release tension, whether you’re giving or receiving a massage at home. A good massage requires more than just your hands, however, so it’s important to prepare the environment for a stress-relieving experience.
A massage room should be quiet and comfortable. If possible, it should be isolated from other rooms in the house and away from any distractions like televisions and loud music. The room should be a relaxing temperature and free of clutter. It should also be spacious to ensure that the recipient can move easily while you’re working on them.
Decorate the room in a style that’s soothing and tasteful to complement your partner. Incorporate some personal touches, such as tasteful art pieces and massage certificates, to show your partner how committed you are to the process. If you’re adventurous, venture into themed decor to create a more immersive experience. For instance, a nature-themed massage room complete with soothing green plants and calming waterfall sounds could be the perfect setting to relax and unwind.
Finally, don’t forget to prepare a few clean towels in case of spills or excess lotion. You may also want to consider lighting some candles or using a few drops of essential oils to enhance the atmosphere and promote relaxation. Once the space is ready, invite your partner to sit or lie down on the bed, floor, or massage table and help them get comfortable. Then, put on a relaxing playlist that features your favourite soothing tunes. It’s best to choose calming instrumental music without lyrics, so your partner can focus solely on the relaxing effects of the massage.
2. Set the Mood
Creating the right atmosphere is crucial when giving a massage. The space needs to be quiet, comfortable and ideally private for both you and your partner. You want to turn off the overhead lights and if possible, close the windows. Dim lighting helps create a relaxing mood and you can use candles to add to the effect. You also want to choose soothing music that is calming and not too distracting. Some studies have shown that certain shades of color can influence one’s mood, so keep this in mind when choosing a room for the session.
Before beginning the massage, make sure the recipient has removed any clothing that may be uncomfortable or restricting. Then, have them lie down on the massage table or on a soft couch or bed. If you’re using a sofa or your bed, you can add pillows for extra support and comfort.
Choose a massage oil or lotion that is suitable for your partner’s skin type and any allergies they might have. You can also add a sensual fragrance to the oil if desired. Warm the oil in your hands before applying it to the recipient’s body. This can help to soothe the skin and increase the feeling of euphoria.
The most important thing to remember is to focus on the experience of the massage itself. You can learn some tips and tricks about massage technique online or from video tutorials, but most of the time, it’s all about connecting with your partner in a deep and meaningful way. This can bring long-term satisfaction to your relationship. So forget about dinner and a movie or chocolates and flowers for Valentine’s Day—try giving your partner a massage instead!
3. Ask Your Partner
A massage is a wonderful way to relax and reconnect with your spouse. It’s also a great opportunity to build intimacy, as it increases the level of oxytocin in your body—the hormone that promotes feelings of love and bonding.
It’s important to communicate with your partner before giving them a massage to make sure that they are comfortable and open to it. Therapist Zoe Webb suggests asking them if there are any areas that they would prefer you to avoid or focus on, as well as whether they have a particular style that they enjoy (such as intense kneading or light, feathery strokes).
You may also want to ask your partner what type of pressure they like—or don’t—to experience during the massage. If they are uncomfortable, you should stop or slow down your motions.
Lastly, it’s always good to let your partner know that they can ask you questions at any point. This will help prevent them from feeling intimidated and apprehensive about what you are doing.
Once you’ve gotten the go-ahead from your partner, turn down the lights, light some candles, and put on some relaxing music. This will create a spa-like environment that will set the mood for a relaxing massage.
If you’re new to massaging, start with your partner’s back. Use long, slow strokes to work your way down their back and then move on to their legs and arms, then to their feet and hands. Don’t forget to give your partner a head and neck massage, as well. This is a great area to massage because it’s a part of the body that’s often neglected and can be incredibly soothing.
4. Put on Music
When it comes to massage, music can be a great help. It can distract the mind from tension and stress, and it can also be soothing for the soul. So, before you start massaging your partner, turn on some relaxing, instrumental music to create a peaceful environment in which you can both enjoy the experience. It’s also helpful to use soothing fragrances, such as essential oils or candles, to add to the calming atmosphere.
However, make sure that the volume is not too loud. You want the music to help you get into a meditative state, but you don’t want to be distracted by the music itself. It’s also important to choose instrumental music without lyrics so that your focus can remain on the work at hand.
Try to avoid using any music that is too fast, as it may be a distraction for both you and your partner. You also don’t want to choose any music that is too slow, as it might make the massage feel like a chore and cause boredom.
After the massage, it is helpful to do a few gentle stretches to help lengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. This can also be a good opportunity to hydrate, as the muscles will have been worked out and will need water to recover.
It’s normal to feel emotional or teary after a massage, but this is a good sign that the emotions are being released. It’s important to allow these feelings to pass through, as they can help you feel that much better after the massage is over. You may also feel elated, on cloud nine, or full of energy; this is another sign that the massage was successful.
5. Start Massaging
After a few minutes of getting comfortable, rub some oil on your hands and then slowly glide them up the back of your partner. Start in the center of their back, where the largest group of muscles are located, and work your way around to the sides of their neck, shoulders, and arms.
Be sure to keep the pressure gentle, especially on sensitive areas like the chest and abdomen, and avoid pinching or pulling. Your partner’s body will likely release feel-good hormones, including oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin, which will help them relax and further deepen your connection, says Jaiya. During the massage, pay attention to your partner and when they become relaxed or tense, and make adjustments.
Avoid jerky movements, which can be distracting and may cause your partner to tense up, suggests sexologist Charla Hathaway. Instead, allow one stroke to flow into another. “This allows for more control and a softer touch, allowing you to adapt your movements based on your partner’s responses,” she notes.
If you’re unsure of what to do next, try using slower, broader strokes, which are more calming than quick ones and also help reduce stress. Then, once you’re feeling confident, experiment with a variety of techniques, and don’t forget to include the erogenous zones! You can even add a little fantasy and try things like kissing their head or running your fingers through their hair. Bringing massage into your home can be a fun, romantic way to connect with your partner and give them the TLC they deserve. Plus, it will be a great reminder of how much you love and care for them. So go ahead, light some candles, turn on that relaxing music and get to massaging!