Full Body Massage Techniques

Many couples looking to spice up their relationship should learn some full body massage techniques. Little things like giving full body massages are free and can really show your partner that you care. Not only is a full body massage a way to get close to your partner, it's relaxing.

Before you start giving your partner a full body massage, you'll need a couple of supplies:

• A comfortable room. Find a room that has enough room to properly move around to give the massage.
• Warm Massage Oil. Massage Oil will help your hands glide over your partners body. 
• Scented Candles. Choose some candles with a pleasing scent, for mood lighting and aroma therapy.
• Towels. It's suggested you have at least two large towels for covering up.
  
• Mood Music. Pick music that both your partner and you will enjoy listening to.

To prepare the supplies for giving your partner a full body massage, there are some quick ways to prep your area:

• Warm your massage oils. Heat your oil in the microwave, it's suggested you do not go over thirty seconds.
• Light the candles.
  
• Turn on the music.
  

One of the more popular ways of giving a full body massage is called the Swedish massage. It's great for improving circulation. It uses long kneading motions and long smooth strokes. When you move to different parts of the body, remember to keep reapplying your massage oils. Ask your partner to be verbal about any pain or discomfort with how much pressure you are using.

To properly give a Swedish massage there are some simple tasks to follow:

1. Ask your partner to undress and lay on whatever you will be performing the massage on.
   
2. Drape the towel over the lower part of their body.
3. Pour a quarter sized amount of massage oil in your hand.
4. Begin the massage with the neck.  Rub both sides of the neck, one side at a time,  using long strokes and the preferred amount of pressure.
5. Move up the neck and lightly stroke the temples.
6. Move back down to the neck. Repeat step number four.
7. Move down and out slowly to the shoulders.  Using the preferred amount of pressure,one shoulder at a time, rub the shoulders in a circular motion.
   
8. After words, move your hands down the spine. Move your hands in a circular motion as you move down the spine. Use as little pressure as possible in this area.
9. Move back up the back toward the armpits. Make a kneading motion. Make sure you get any parts you missed when you were rubbing the spine.
10. Begin massaging the arms.  Massage your partner's arms in a kneading motion. Pay extra attention to the triceps. 
11. Rub the palm and each finger in a light circular motion.
12. Now slide your hands down to your partner's lower back. On the lower back, rub up and out.
13. Now move down buttocks and hips. Use a kneading motion in this area.
14. Rub the legs and feet. Rub the thighs in a kneading motion, one at a time. Skim over the back of the knees and focus on the calves. In long strokes rub the calves. Then rub the feet upwards from heel to toe.
15. Ask your partner to turn over and drape the towel over their groin.
16. Rub their shins first. Use light strokes when rubbing the shins, then gently move over the knee.
17. Move up to their thighs. Rub their thighs with large circles in a sweeping motion.
18. When rubbing the abdomen use less pressure and rub in large circles. Start at the bottom of the pelvic bone and end at the bottom of the rib cage.
19. When rubbing the upper chest  rub from the middle to the outside of the pectoral muscles, start from the bottom of the ribs and end at the collarbone.
    
20. You should end at the neck. Knead very gently, and rub the jawbone with your thumb.

Your partner should be fully relaxed by the end of your massage. This stress reliever is a great way to get close to your partner and will probably be repeated a few times during your relationship.