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This Three
Page article is picture intensive and demonstrates a
variety of massage strokes and techniques. If you
are on a dial-up modem, please be patient. Click on
the pictures to see each full size.
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Couples' Massage,
A How To
By
Annette Blanchard
& Jason Cheng,
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Massage is an element of sexual intimacy, and
wonderful gift to another. For couples the experience
can be a soothing and spiritual sharing in both
pleasing and the receiving pleasure. There are three
basic types of massage: 1) Therapeutic 2) Sensual 3)
Erotic.
Therapeutic massage is designed to deliver
health benefits.
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Massage can be the ultimate expression of love and
caring between two people.
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This is
the type of massage used to aid in recovery from accidents
and injuries, combat stress and induce relaxation. When
you visit a physical therapist or a massage therapist, you
receive a therapeutic massage.
Sensual massage is more personal and includes
many of the same strokes as therapeutic but its purpose is
to arouse, cherish and pamper without leading to
intercourse. Sensual massage concentrates on the
non-genital erogenous zones and the pleasure of touch
without the focus on therapy. Each stroke and sequence
follows a pre-determined sequence.
Erotic massage is foreplay and includes
elements of therapeutic and sensual massage but also
delves into the genitals with the sole purpose of leading
to intercourse. Unlike therapeutic or sensual massage,
erotic massage has no rules or specific sequences.
This article covers therapeutic
massage.
Many people shy
away from giving their lover a massage because in the past
hands have cramped up, backs have become sore or it just
seems like too much work. Who wants to give pleasure if it
causes pain? If this is your past experience, we have good
news for you. You were doing it wrong! You don’t need to
dread massages anymore because this article will show you
how to do it right. When done correctly massage doesn’t
hurt, cramp your hands or cause back pain. When done
correctly, your lover will become putty in your hands,
literally. Give him or her a full massage, and then ask
the big questions or favors. You’ll be surprised how
receptive he or she becomes. Well we can’t promise that,
but it can’t hurt!
To get you off on the right foot, let
us start with a few pointers and insider tips.
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A. Position &
Pressure
1. Body position: Use your body weight to apply
pressure, not your arms or hands. Hunching over will give you
a backache. On a bed or the floor, adopt a kneeling/crouching
position—legs bent with your butt tucked under. This position
forces you to utilize your upper body to work on your lover’s
upper body, not your back. If standing, make sure your
partner is at waist or counter height so you are not bending
over.
2. Hand Position: As you optimize the weight of your
upper body for pressure, remember to keep your wrists and hand
locked so that the weight of your upper body is distributed
evenly and not into your joints. Too much weight unevenly
distributed through your joints will lead to unnecessary
carpal tunnel or arthritic pain. Remember, the majority of
the pressure is created from your weight and gravity, not your
strength.
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Pour the
oil into your hands, not on your partner |
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3. Hand strengthening exercises: In order to
keep the hands from cramping by all the work you’ve
put them through, getting your hands on a
Thera-squeeze® stress ball
(like our
Purple Passion Stress Ball)
or the Chinese metal meditation balls are great
physical exercises that strengthen and develop
coordination. Your hands will develop increased
sensitivity with each massage. Exercises will give you
the magic hands your partner will treasure. |
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Creating an
environment conducive to relaxation is a primary factor in
successful massage experience. If you have children, make
sure they are asleep or with friends. Put the animals
outside, unplug the phone, draw the shades and turn off
any appliances before starting. If you have a humidifier,
this can help make the room more comfortable. You want to
create a sanctuary where the outside world cannot
penetrate for the next hour.
The following are
additional tips for creating a soothing relaxing space for
massage:
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1. Oils: an essential part of the massage experience.
Warmed, they enable a smooth, frictionless glide, making
stoking easier and more soothing to the one receiving the
massage. Essential oils can also be used in conjunction
with potpourri strained like tea and added to the oil.
It’s helpful to warm a bottle of oil under hot water, or
in a bucket of hot water.
2. Aromatherapy:
This is the art and science of the use of a plant’s
essence. Combined with the oils mentioned above, these
botanicals have been used throughout the ages for its
calming, balancing, and rejuvenating qualities. Herbs
frequently used include lavender, chamomile, lemongrass,
peppermint or jasmine.
3. Lighting:
Candles, rather than fluorescent lighting, work best for a
romantic soothing atmosphere.
4. Music:
Choose music you consider relaxing. Soft jazz, new age and
light classical are great choices. Keep the volume low. |
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5. Props: These can include a massage table (if you have
one), pillows to put under the ankle or hip, a warm dry l to
wrap into a “donut” for your head placement or massage aids
like rollers and balls. NEXT
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Warm the oil
between your hands before applying |
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Health Home |
About Annette Blanchard
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Annette Blanchard is a
nationally certified therapeutic body worker and licensed
holistic health practitioner with over 20 years of
professional experience in health and fitness. As the
owner of Holistic Sports Spa & Wellness Center, she
specializes in sports and injury rehabilitation, stress
reduction and natural skin care for rejuvenation and
anti-aging. |
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Annette Blanchard |
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Since 1981, she began at the University of
Calgary where she studied Sports Medicine, kinesiology and
anatomy. As an athletic trainer, lifeguard and anatomy
professor, her experience integrating clinical science
with skilled bodywork has enabled professionals, athletes,
and all those seeking better health to benefit from her
knowledge and healing hands.
Annette is also host of one of Orange
County's leading radio program, "Healthy Talk Radio",
where she is known as one of "Orange County's Voice for
Alternative Medicine", a program that includes interviews
with leading health educators and authors.
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