You can provide a full-body massage a romantic or thoughtful service for someone that you love. A massage by a registered massage therapist can be expensive, and if you don't have the money to spend on excessive pampering for a loved one, offering a massage can be just as relaxing. With some basic tips and techniques, a massage can be a source of relaxation, help reduce depression and even help recover from injury or surgery, says Dale Healey, dean of the School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University.
Step 1
Ask your subject about some of her problem areas before you begin. She can let you know where she's been experiencing pain or tension, usually in the back, neck or shoulders. Make a mental note to spend a little more time on those areas so she feels a better sense of well-being immediately following the massage.
Step 2
Ask your subject to undress and give him a robe or towel to cover up. Set the mood with a few candles, the sound of running water or soothing music. A massage table or other firm surface should be provided; soft surfaces such as couches can obstruct your ability to reach all of your subject's surfaces, so a table, bed or futon is best. Cover his body with a couple of towels.
Step 3
Mix the massage oil for the job. Wait until your subject is ready for the massage before you mix it, because she will be able to tell you how she feels and what she hopes to accomplish through the massage. Mix a tablespoon of carrier oil, like almond or olive oil, and introduce a few drops of an essential oil that promotes relaxation, such as lavender. Mint is energizing, and grapefruit promotes feelings of happiness, notes AromaWeb.com. Drop in whatever oil will suit your subject's needs the best.
Step 4
Reveal only the body part you plan on working on first. It's a good idea to start from the feet, kneading the toes and soles, before moving to the calves. When you're done with a body part, cover it and reveal the next. Remember to spend more time than you think you need on each part; a full body massage is supposed to be long and relaxing. Take your time and make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Step 5
Work your way up to the thighs, then the buttocks, the back, the shoulders, the arms and hands, and finally the face and head. The University of California Santa Barbara cautions that you avoid the areas like the knees, elbows, the sternum and neck which are delicate and could be injured by rough handling. Finish with a light scalp massage and invite your subject to stay on the massage table until he is ready to get up.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Massage table
- Carrier oil
- Essential oil
- Music
- Candles
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