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Sensual Massage

Sensual massage is an intimate and wonderful way for two people to communicate with each other through touch. Massage between two people is connecting and sharing, giving and taking. The feeling of well-being and of being cared for is made more sensual by keeping the massage strokes lighter and the contact longer.

Reasearch has shown that the art of massage and touch has therapeutic effects, both physically and emotionally. The skin is the largest organ in the body, feeding the brain with information on our external environment, and if it is caressed gently and lovingly, then the brain will also relax and unwind. After a stressful day, massaging your partner allows you some time to wind down and enjoy each other's company.

Being massaged in a brightly lit room with blaring rock music may appeal to some, but for true sensuality it is better to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Dim the lights or even use candles, prepare some aromatic oils and put some relaxing background music.

Have a warm, not hot, shower beforehand and make sure the room is warm enough. Both you and your partner must be really comfortable, so the bed or the floor are usually the best places for a massage. Massage in front of - but no too close to - an open fire is also extremely sensual, as the warmth and flickering light from the flames, combined with the soft crackle of burning wood, will help create a tender and loving atmosphere.

Basic Techniques

The secret to a really good massage is to maintain a constant confident touch, using flowing, unbroken strokes. Experiment with different pressures and speeds, exploring a range of different techniques and communicating with each other as to what feels most delightful.

To lubricate the areas that you intend to massage, pour some blended oil into your hands, rubbing them together to warm them up. Apply enough oil that your hands glide smoothly over the surface of your partner's body, but remember that a little goes a long way.

Circle Strokes

These stretch out the muscles, releasing the tension from the soft tissues. They are best applied to broad surfaces, such as the back, thighs, chest and belly. Place both hands flat on the body, side by side. Lead with your right hand and move both hands in a clockwise direction, using a constant fairly gentle pressure.

Fanning Strokes

These strokes also release tension from the soft tissues and are ideal on the back, as it is a large broad surface. To fan upwards, place both hands flat at the base of the spine on each side of the vertebrae. Glide them both up, concentrating pressure in your palm before fanning out to the sides of the body. From here, mould your hands around the side of your partner's body and drag them down to the base again.

Kneading Strokes

These are ideal for fleshy areas, such as the buttocks and thighs, and release tension from the larger muscles. Imagine that you are kneading dough by squeezing a portion of flesh in your fingers and then rolling it from one hand to the other and back again.

Percussion Strokes

Rapid strokes that create a vibrating sensation help to improve skin tone and circulation to nerve endings. Hacking involves a series of chopping movements, with alternate hands concentrating on the same area. The wrists must remain relaxed, so the action is bouncy rather than stiff. Take care not to use too much pressure.

At home, you can incorporate massage techniques into your lovemaking. A very good book for learning massage techniques at home is "The Art of Sensual Massage" (by Gordon Inkeles, Robert Foothorap), the world’s most popular massage book! Originally printed in 1972, this book has been revised and updated in 2000. Employing easy-to-learn techniques and award-winning photography, this book has the reader massaging in a single evening. More than 200 photographs and illustrations, hints on oils, scents, and techniques. Whether you practise sensual massage as an experience on it's own or as the way to extended foreplay, this book will add a profound dimension to your intimate relationships.

In preparing for a sensual massage endeavor, just follow the tips outlined below:

Take the telephone off the hook or put on the answering machine to limit interruptions.
Set the scene. Turn the lights down low or light a few candles instead, scented with jasmine or vanilla. Make sure that your room is warm - we would recommend a setting of close to 80 degrees.
Add some soft, relaxing music to the background. Choose something that won't distract from the desired mood.
Having a luxurious bubble bath or shower, prior to your sensual massage session is a perfect way to enhance the overall experience.
As far as what to wear, less is definitely more. Ideally anything loose, comfortable, soft and easily removable would be optimal. A basic sheet, towel, blanket, or robe would be simply perfect.
Make sure you have all the props and eqipment you will need. Since massage tables are not practical in most homes, a bed, couch, or even the floor are all acceptable locales...
Use massage oil scented with essential oils of lavender or chamomile for relaxation; musk, patchouli, or ylang-ylang to heighten ardor. But remember, a little oil goes a long way, so use only a light coat that will allow your hands to glide smoothly over the body without pulling on the skin.

Communicate during the massage, letting your partner know when the touch applied feels good or if it is too heavy. Strokes applied too deeply may cause pain and discomfort, but strokes applied too lightly may lead the massaged person to fall asleep. The key is to vary the intensity of the strokes to suit your partner's taste. It is ideal to switch roles from "giver" to "receiver" after about 30 minutes of indulging.

Sensual Massage Oils

The romantic pleasure of massage with your partner will be heightened when you lovingly apply the aphrodisiac essential oils.

Loving Embrace

* 5 drops Rose (or substitute Ylang Ylang)
* 10 drops Sandalwood (or substitute Rosewood)
* 5 drops Bergamot
* 50 ml carrier oil (eg. Sweet Almond, Apricot or Grapeseed)

Adoring Devotion

* 3 drops Jasmine
* 9 drops Sandalwood (or substitute Rosewood)
* 9 drops Bergamot
* 50 ml carrier oil (eg. Sweet Almond, Apricot or Grapeseed)

Fooling Around

* 5 drops Sandalwood (or substitute Rosewood)
* 2 - 3 drops Ylang Ylang
* 5 drops Patchouli
* 2 - 3 drops Clary Sage
* 50 ml carrier oil (eg. Sweet Almond, Apricot or Grapeseed)

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