You don't have to be a professional massage therapist to give an effective massage. Neither do you need any special equipment. All it takes is a confident touch and the intent to create a relaxing experience. The following massage sequence focuses on the hands, feet, neck and shoulders--all areas prone to stress. All of the massages in this sequence require no oil and can be done on a fully clothed person in a seated position. For this sequence, use a straight-back chair and have your partner straddle the chair, facing the back, with a pillow or cushion for support.
Massaging the Hands
Step 1
Sit facing your partner and hold one of his hands, palm down, with both of yours. Place your thumbs on top of his hand and wrap your fingers around each side. Gently squeeze his hand and press your thumbs into the back of his hand, gently kneading out the tension.
Step 2
Place the heel of one of your hands against his palm and the heel of the other hand on the back of his hand and gently roll his hand between yours.
Step 3
Thread your fingers between his, press on his knuckles and gently extend his fingers backward. Then, unthread your fingers and bend his fingers inward.
Step 4
Gently roll each of his fingers between your thumb and index finger. Then squeeze each finger at the large knuckle and pull.
Step 5
Roll the wrist between the palms of your hands, then gently squeeze each forearm, moving toward the elbow and back.
Step 6
Repeat this sequence with the other hand.
Massaging the Feet
Step 1
Kneel in front of your partner. Place one of her feet on your knee. Wrap each hand around her foot with your thumbs on the top of her foot and your fingers wrapped around the sole. Gently knead her foot, pressing your thumbs into the top of her foot.
Step 2
Place the palm of one hand against the sole of her foot and the other on top and gently roll her foot between your hands.
Step 3
Knead the ball of her foot with your thumbs, then gently bend her toes backward and forward. Then support her calf with one hand and rotate her foot clockwise and counter clockwise with the other hand.
Step 4
Gently massage her ankle and calf with light squeezing motions, moving toward the knee and back.
Step 5
Repeat this sequence with the other foot.
Massaging the Neck and Shoulders
Step 1
Use the wet wipes to clean your hands after working on your partner's feet.
Step 2
Stand behind your partner and place one hand on each of his shoulders. Press the heel of your hands into his shoulders where the neck and shoulder meet. Alternate hands, like a cat "making bread."
Step 3
Turn one of your palms upward, place the thumb and index finger on either side of neck, and cradle the base of his skull in the palm of your hand. Press down on his shoulder with your free hand while gently pulling the head upward and in the opposite direction of the shoulder you are pressing. Hold for five to 10 seconds, then switch to the other side.
Step 4
Place your fingers flat on either side of his neck and knead in a circular motion from the base of the skull to the shoulders. Then work your way back up. Press your forearms into the meaty part of the shoulder and roll your arms back and forth like rolling pins.
Step 5
Form one hand into a loose fist and place the fist in the space between his shoulder blade and spine. With your free hand, gently pull back on the shoulder on that side. Hold for five to 10 seconds, then switch to the other side.
Tips and Warnings
- Speed is essential in relaxation massage. Work slowly with long fluid motions. Do not rub but press gently, stretching the muscles and tendons. There is no one way to do a massage, and the sequence above is more of a guideline than a rule. Feel free to improvise and experiment with different hand motions. Always listen to your partner and pay attention to any verbal or physical cues signaling pain or discomfort.
Things You'll Need
- Wet wipes
- Straight-backed chair
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