A sexy massage, when performed with intention and care, can be an incredible way to enhance both physical and emotional intimacy with your partner. It's about creating a sensual experience that leaves both of you feeling relaxed, connected, and aroused. Think of it as a romantic spa day for couples, right in the comfort of your own home.
Setting the Stage for Sensuality
Before you even lay a hand on your partner, take the time to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. This is where you set the mood and prepare the senses for what's to come.
The Perfect Relaxation Space
"The perfect relaxation space will be one free from distractions, whether that's phone notifications or family members knocking on the door," says therapist Zoe Webb. According to Hathaway, creating a relaxing space can really boost the soothing effects of the massage itself, "It's about creating a space that makes both you and your partner feel cozy," she says.
- Choose a peaceful room: Find the most serene space you can, and have your partner lie on a flat, soft surface such as a bed or yoga mat. If you plan on making regular massages a part of your and your partner's routine, Jaiya recommends investing in an actual massage table. Be sure to have soft sheets and a bolster on hand to support your partner's knees (when they are on their back) and ankles (when they’re lying face down). Jaiya explains, "You want them to feel safe to surrender and let their body go".
- Invest in massage lotion or oil: Look for a natural massage lotion and warm it before applying it to your partner's skin. Jaiya also recommends natural oils, like coconut or sesame, and if your partner's a fan of essential oils, try spritzing the sheets with their favorite scent.
- Add some mood lighting or music: Dim the lights or illuminate the room with candles (electronic versions in smaller spaces for safety and convenience). Pick slower-paced songs, as fast-paced tunes may make it harder for your partner to relax. Avoid songs with lyrics, since they can be distracting.
- Incorporate toys: Vibrators or vibrating massage devices can make massages more erotic, Cooper points out. These tools' vibrations can help further relax your partner's muscles and can come in handy if sex is on the table.
Communication is Key
Like with any physically or emotionally intimate activity, communication is key. Therapist Zoe Webb says to first ask your partner if you can massage them and find out which parts of their body they'd like you to work on-and avoid. Jaiya, sexologist and creator of The Erotic Blueprint Breakthrough, suggests discussing which type of touch your partner prefers, such as intense muscular kneading or light, feathery strokes. Spend some time experimenting and encourage them to be vocal about what they like best.
Basic Massage Techniques for Couples
Learning how to give a massage doesn't have to be intimidating. As psychologist and sex therapist Carol Rinkleib Ellison, Ph.D. points out: "Massage is not so much about technique as attention… By giving the massage your full attention and staying clued into your partner's needs and comfort, you can knead away their muscles while improving your communication and physical and emotional connection. Here are some basic massage techniques to help take your touch to the next level.
Read also: Summit Chiropractic: Holistic wellness solutions.
- Pay attention to your hands: Steal this basic massage technique from professional masseurs: Always keep two hands on their body. Sexologist Charla Hathaway, Ph.D. further counsels to make sure your hands and fingers are soft and relaxed. There's no need to be nervous-and you don't want to pass along any tension to your partner.
- Use flowing movements: Allow one touch to flow into another, rather than jumping from area to area, instructs Jaiya. Jerky movements will startle, rather than relax, your partner.
- Adapt your strokes: Pay attention to when your partner's body relaxes versus when it tenses. This way, you can adapt your touch to their needs, says Jaiya.
- Focus on your breath: Try to coordinate your massage with their breathing, suggests Hathaway. To sync up with your partner, you could even gently sit on or straddle them if you're both comfortable with that position.
- Check-in: Throughout the massage, occasionally ask your partner whether you need to make any adjustments, suggests Webb. Otherwise, they might feel too shy to speak up.
Essential Massage Techniques for Couples
Effleurage (Gliding Strokes): The cornerstone of any great massage. This technique involves long, sweeping strokes that help warm up the muscles and relax the body. Start at the neck and shoulders, gently gliding your hands down your partner’s back or arms. This is an excellent way to begin a relaxing back massage couple session, as it eases tension and sets a soothing rhythm.
- How to Do It: Apply a small amount of warmed oil to your hands. Use smooth, flowing strokes, keeping your palms flat and fingers relaxed. Move from the shoulders down to the lower back or arms, maintaining a steady pace.
Kneading Massage Technique: Kneading is perfect for working out knots and stiffness, especially in areas like the shoulders, neck, or lower back. This technique mimics the motion of kneading dough and is ideal for a massage for girlfriend or massage for husband targeting tension-prone areas.
- How to Do It: Warm up the area with effleurage first. Gently squeeze and lift the muscles with your fingers and thumbs, using a rhythmic motion. Focus on areas like the shoulders or thighs, adjusting pressure based on your partner’s comfort.
Friction: For deeper tension, friction techniques use short, firm strokes to target specific muscle groups. This is great for relieving tightness in the back, legs, or shoulders, making it a must-have in your massage techniques for couples toolkit.
- How to Do It: Use your thumbs or fingertips to apply firm, circular pressure to tense areas. Work slowly and check in with your partner to ensure the pressure is comfortable. Focus on knots or tight spots, like the upper back or calves.
Tapping (Tapotement): Tapping, or tapotement, is a rhythmic technique that stimulates circulation and energizes the muscles. It’s a fun way to end a massage, leaving your partner feeling refreshed.
- How to Do It: Use the edges of your hands or fingertips to lightly tap the muscles. Focus on larger areas like the back or thighs, keeping the rhythm light and steady. Avoid bony areas or sensitive spots to keep it comfortable.
Circular Motions: Circular motions are ideal for smaller, tension-prone areas like the neck, temples, or shoulders. This technique is perfect for a massage for partner after a long day of work or screen time.
Read also: Benefits of Foot Massage in Pleasanton
- How to Do It: Use your fingertips or palms to make gentle, circular motions. Focus on areas like the neck, temples, or upper shoulders. Keep the pressure light to avoid discomfort in sensitive areas.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Sensual Massage
- Start on the Stomach: Have your partner lie face down. Begin by massaging the lower back, using the flat of your hand to spread outwards from the center. Move onto massaging down the arms to the hands.
- Release Tension in the Head and Scalp: Have your partner roll onto their back. Release tension and give your partner tingles of pleasure by massaging their head and scalp.
- Upper Body Focus: Move down to massaging the front of the shoulders and upper arms. Move onto a sensual chest massage, starting with big circles and gently working inwards to the nipples.
- The Sexy Part: Now we are getting to the sexy part of the massage! Don’t forget to show the testicles and taint some love, if they enjoy it, of course!
- Finishing Touches: How you finish off the massage is entirely up to your preferences, but here are some ideas. Keep going with your hands, giving your partner a hand job or stimulating their clit and g-spot at the same time. Hint: It's about focused attention more than technique.
The Importance of Massage Oils
Massage oils help your hands glide over your partner’s skin and leave their skin feeling soft. But the right kind of massage oil for couples smooths everything out. Literally. Massage oils don’t just make things glide better; they hydrate your skin, set the mood with cozy scents, and can even offer some surprising aromatherapy benefits.
Choosing the Right Massage Oil
Choosing the right massage oil involves several factors like skin sensitivity, scent preferences, and desired effects.
- Skin Sensitivity and Allergies: First things first: safety. You'll want to consider any skin sensitivities or allergies either you or your partner might have. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to do a patch test before slathering on a new oil. For sensitive skin, opt for non-greasy massage oil like jojoba to avoid irritation.
- Type of Oil Base: Carrier oils, like coconut or almond oil, form the base of your massage oil. They're gentle on the skin and help "carry" the benefits of any essential oils for sore muscles or aromatherapy you might add. Essential oils, on the other hand, are concentrated plant extracts that provide aromatherapy massage benefits but need to be diluted before use.
- Scent and Aromatherapy Benefits: The scent of your massage oil can set the mood and even provide health benefits. Some people love the calming effect of lavender, while others might prefer the invigorating scent of citrus for a spa date for couples.
Top-Rated Massage Oils for Couples
- Lavender-Infused Massage Oil: Lavender is a classic choice for a reason. It's known for its calming properties, making it perfect for a relaxing couples massage date night.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is light, absorbs easily into the skin, and has a subtle, pleasant scent. Plus, it's packed with moisturizing properties that'll leave your skin feeling soft and supple.
- Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil is a favorite among massage therapists. It's light, non-greasy, and packed with vitamin E, which is great for your skin. It's also relatively odorless, making it a good choice if you're sensitive to strong scents.
- Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax that's very similar to our skin's natural sebum. This makes it an excellent choice for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It's also non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.
Crafting Your Own Sensual Oil Blend
Creating a sensual body oil blend is easier than you think. Combine a carrier oil like almond with essential oils such as ylang-ylang or sandalwood for an aroma sensual experience. A 2% dilution (about 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil) is safe and effective.
Tips for a Successful Massage
- Warm the Oil Before Use: Nobody likes a cold shock when they're trying to relax! Warming the oil in your hands before applying it can make the massage for husband or massage for wife much more pleasant - and if you're feeling fancy, you could even invest in a massage oil warmer for your at-home spa date.
- Start with a Small Amount: When it comes to massage oil, less is often more. Start with a small amount - you can always add more if needed. This prevents the massage from becoming too slippery and helps avoid wasting oil.
- Communicate with Your Partner: Remember, the key to a great couples' massage is communication. Talk about pressure preferences, areas to focus on, and any sensitivities. This open dialogue can make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
Applying the Oil Like a Pro
- Prepare the Oil: Apply a small amount of massage oil to one hand and rub your hands together to warm it. This ensures a smooth, comfortable application.
- Start with Short Strokes: On dry skin, use short, gentle strokes to spread the oil evenly. For example, start at the shoulders and work toward the arms or lower back. This is especially important when learning how to give girlfriend massage or massage wife, as it creates a soothing base.
- Build a Base: Once the oil is evenly spread, you can use longer strokes. Glide your hands from the shoulders to the elbows or wrists, ensuring even coverage. If the oil feels too wet, spread it to other areas or add more to maintain consistency.
- Contour to Your Partner’s Body: Mold your hands to your partner’s curves, focusing on smooth, flowing movements. This isn’t about applying heavy pressure yet-just explore their body’s contours to create a relaxing rhythm.
- Check Consistency: Ensure the oil isn’t too slippery or too dry. If needed, return to the bottle and repeat the process on other areas, like the opposite shoulder or back.
The Mutual Benefits of Giving a Massage
The act of massaging your partner provides the opportunity for uninterrupted quality time with them. Additionally during the massage, their body will likely release "feel-good" hormones, like oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, that'll help you both relax and further connect, explains Jaiya. This form of TLC also allows you to learn more about your partner's body, including how they prefer to be touched-helpful information when it comes to sexual intimacy. Jaiya recommends preceding sex with a massage since the practice can improve relaxation, blood circulation and arousal. Just be sure to be transparent with your partner about your intentions if you want a massage to lead to sex, she counsels.
Self-Massage: Loving Your Own Body
Self-massage is a powerful way to reconnect with your body and show it some love. Connie Sobczak, author of Embody and Co-Founder of The Body Positive, shares her insights on self-massage: "I love touching my skin. And it loves me for doing so. I think often about the tens of trillions of cells that give me a body, with billions of them just making up my skin. I know my whole body is healthier when I treat each cell as something to be treasured."
Read also: Sports Massage for Two
Self-Massage Techniques
- Start with Your Hands: Slowly rub your hands together, focusing all of your attention on the sensation. Feel the temperature change as they heat up.
- Explore Your Hands and Arms: Take one hand and start exploring its counterpart. Squeeze and release each finger, then work your thumb into the pad below your other thumb. Move up to your wrist and forearm, using a squeeze and release technique.
- Shoulders and Neck: Use your middle finger to dig deep into the muscles between your shoulder tip and neck attachment. Explore the spaces above the collar bone to find areas of tension.
- Face and Skull: Rub your fingertips gently across your forehead, then circle your middle fingers into your temples. Press into your eye socket, circling your eye, and do the same across your eyebrows. Get both hands into your hair and give yourself a head massage.
- Ribcage and Belly: Get your fingertips into the spaces between your ribs, starting near your sternum and working your way out. Make light circles around your belly button in a clockwise direction, widening the circle to gently massage your intestines.
- Legs and Feet: Move down into your thighs, squeezing and feeling the flesh. Get your hands around your lower legs, massaging your calves and ankles. Wiggle your toes and get your fingers in between all of the amazing bones that make up your feet.
- Finishing Touch: Run your hands up your body from feet to the top of your head, taking a deep breath and noticing what came up for you during the practice.
Important Notes for Self-Massage
- Remember that these are just guidelines, so do this anyway that feels best to you.
- If it doesn’t feel good, or it triggers you in any way, especially if you have body trauma, please be kind to yourself and stop immediately.
- If you have parts of your body that are injured or damaged, please be thoughtful about what feels right for you.
- Don’t push yourself. The whole purpose of this activity is to feel pleasure.
tags: #sexy #massage #with #oil #techniques