Things You'll Need:
- Massage Oil, Lotion
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Step 1
Have your friend or loved one lie down. If you are not performing a full body massage, have them sit in a chair.
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Step 2
Leave it up to the one being massaged as to whether or not they should remove their clothing. Of course, it is easier and better to massage someone who is not clothed, but if they want to leave on underwear and drape themselves with a towel or blanket, that is okay. The point is for them to relax, so let them do what feels most comfortable.
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Step 3
Once they are lying down, kneel beside them. Rub your hands together so they are not cold. You can incorporate hand warming along with warming up the lotion or oil. No one wants cold oil or lotion squirted onto their body! Few enjoy cold hands, either. Put some oil on your palms and rub your hands together
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Step 4
Begin with the person's back and shoulders. From here, work down their arms and back. Begin slowly and increase pressure if your partner asks you to, or after you can feel that they have relaxed and are able to handle it. Never start with heavy pressure. That will only hurt your partner and make her tense up.
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Step 5
You can use various pressures and motions such as rubbing on the shoulders and rolling the skin on the back. Kneading is very useful, too. Sometimes using finger or thumb pressure on certain areas feels good. Listen to what your partner is saying and watch what they do. If they feel totally relaxed, you are on the right track. If their muscles are tight and tense, talk and see what is going on. Keep the pressure very gentle until they ask you to massage harder.
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Step 6
Continue for about 15-20 minutes. If massaging the entire body, work from head to toes. Never touch the buttocks without permission. Some people enjoy having their butts rubbed and for others, this is annoying. That also goes for breasts and genitals.
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Step 7
End the massage with light stroking on the back and little swirls of your fingers. These are not meant to tickle, but to signal that the massage is over. Let your partner lie there as long as he needs to. If he falls asleep, give yourself a big pat on the back for a job well done!
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Step 1
A massage can be performed on any part of the body: hands, feet, neck, head, shoulders, back, arms and legs. Most people do not like their abdomen rubbed or massaged, however. The thing to remember is that you must start with a relaxed partner and keep him that way.
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Step 2
Mood is crucial. If you are not ready to give a massage, say so. It is far better to say that you are not able or willing to give someone a massage than to commit to giving one and not doing it well. That also goes for your partner - make sure the tone is low key and that she is able to fully relax while being massaged. No interruptions!
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Step 3
Some people think they need to attend massage school in order to give a decent massage. Not true! As long as you have empathy and nice hands, you can feel your way around someone else's body. They will tell you, verbally or otherwise, what they like and don't. That said, if you have calloused hands, you may not be the person to give a massage.
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Step 4
Massage is more a state of mind than anything else. When you give a massage, you are channeling energy through your body and into someone else. Let the energy flow freely and if you relax as you are working, you will find that the massage gets you feeling very loose and free, too.
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Step 5
The most important thing to remember is that giving a massage is not about you. You might think that your wife's left shoulder is tight and needs work, but if this hurts or tickles her, it is time to move to another area or stop completely. If your partner cannot relax, you are contradicting everything that a massage is meant to be.
