A sensual massage is a way for lovers to get closer in their intimate relationship. It is a way to connect, not only physically but mentally by engaging all of the senses, in particular that of touch. To learn the basic techniques of this ancient practice, read on and then indulge
A sensual massage is a full body massage that helps release tension and stimulates the senses. Massage comes from Taoist traditions and in general is also recommended for overall optimum health. Massage helps relax muscles throughout the body, soothes headaches, improves the work of the immune system, helps increase circulation and is excellent for brain functioning. Not only that but massage is for improvements in the nervous and digestive systems.
The power of touch
A sensual massage (also called an erotic massage) is an excellent way for lovers to become closer in their intimate relationship with one another. The power of touch is a strong one that no one can deny. Both partners should learn the art of sensual massage so that they can take turns pleasing one another.
Preparation
Plan to engage in a sensual massage when you both have plenty of time. Remember this is a way to relax and release stress. Therefore, you cannot hurry it.
Before beginning a massage, it is a good idea to take a shower, or a bath (taking one together is even better!) as this helps start the relaxation process for the body (both physically and mentally) and also raises body temperature. You want to do all you can to facilitate a successful sensual awakening after all! Cast aside all of your worries and concerns and you will enable your senses the opportunity to gear up for an engaging, all over body experience.
The giver of the massage should assemble all necessary supplies, such as towels for clean up and massage oil or lotion nearby before he/she gets started. An interrupted massage is not encouraged.
Set the scene
It is necessary to set the stage when giving a massage. Ambience goes a long way in making everything flow smoothly. Put on some soft, calming “mood” music to get your senses attuned, dim the lights and add aromatherapy candles. Choose a light scent that appeals to the receiver of the massage. Since most sensual massages take place in the privacy of the home, improvise as far as location goes. Use a bed, a couch, a table or even the floor. Make sure the receiver has something comfy to lie on while you do the massage. It is also essential that you can reach your partner’s body from all sides and angles. Keep this in mind when you choose an appropriate spot. Open space and easy accessibility are both essential.
Warmth
Make sure the room is warm before you begin the massage as you don’t want the receiver to feel chilly as his/her body temperature drops (women’s tend to drop quicker than men’s). You cannot emphasise it enough, warmth and a good sensual massage go hand in hand. Warm towels in the dryer and then have your lover take his or her clothes off and lie face down. Now drape the warm towel over your lover’s behind.
Heating your massage oil in the microwave is a smart idea or else set it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to bring it to the desired temperature. Just make sure it is tepid or warm, not burn-your-skin hot! Ouch! If the giver is comfortable with the massage, he/she might want to remove their clothes as well. Skin-to-skin contact between the two individuals makes for an even better massaging experience.
Think strategy
Plan your massage moves before you lay your hands on the other person. It is considered a good rule of thumb to start with the back, then move to the shoulders, arms, hands, derriere, legs and then feet. Once the person is sufficiently relaxed and enjoying the sensualness of the experience, turn them over and begin with a gentle face and scalp rub, then move down to the front of the legs, the tops of the feet and finally the abdomen, chest, and genitals. You can change the order if you like, whatever is comfortable for both parties but don’t forget any body parts. Neglect nothing, as they all need your undivided attention!
To start
To start you need approximately a tablespoon of oil poured into your hands and then rubbed together to warm the oil further before you place your hands on the body of your lover. Use enough oil to cover your hands but not so much so that it is dripping all over the place.
Key points of massage
Keep these key points in mind when you begin to massage, First of all, don’t break contact with your lover’s body even to change position or to add more massage oil. Keep a consistent rhythm going as this creates a hypnotic, not to mention, erotic effect. And that is of course what you are aiming! Also repeat your strokes more than once (in other words go over and over each area, giving it as much TLC as possible). Learn to practice the art of symmetry. In other words, massage one arm then the other, one leg, then the other. Don’t forget any one part altogether, even the tiniest area.
Now it’s time to move on to some specific massage moves
Important to keep in mind
Keep your fingers close together. Do not spread them apart as you massage your partner. And use the entire flat of your hands to stroke. Use the pads of your fingers only to work tight (and hard to reach) spots on the body. Learn to lean into the massage as you do it with your entire body, in order so that as the giver, you don’t grow tired as quickly.
Basic sensual massage moves
To describe a few of the basic sensual massage moves or manoeuvres, we look at the full body stroke, hand moves and the derriere. To learn more about how to massage the more intimate and private parts of the body, please refer to the books and website references at the end of this article.
Full body stroke
The entire body stroke helps to get the massage off to a beautiful start. The giver should place his/her hands on their lover’s hands and with one long firm motion, stroke up the arms, take it across the shoulders, down the back, down the rear end (I like to refer to it as the derriere), the legs and finally down the feet, ending at the toes. Now you are going to do the reverse. Start at the toes and follow what you just did. When it is time to do your lover’s front, repeat this exact stroke on that side.
Hand Moves
Using your full hand is encouraged but experiment with what suits you best. Fingers, thumbs and palms can all be used to enhance the overall sensual experience. As an example, place your thumbs at the base of the receiver’s spine and slowly move up applying pressure that is both smooth but at the same time, firm. Then do the arms and legs the same way. Some sensual massage experts’ caution that direct pressure on the spine (and other bones) is not advisable, but it is okay to do so with muscles and surrounding tissues.
Derriere
When it comes to your lover’s derriere, place one hand on each cheek and move your hands in opposite directions. Another idea is to massage the inner thighs and pull up and out on either cheek. Both can be pleasurable ways to go.
Time required
You can use a sensual massage as foreplay or not. As far as time goes, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Generally, novice masseuses take longer to get the desired results in their lovers than do more seasoned pros. But remember, no matter how long it takes, don’t be in a rush! You should both relax and enjoy the erotic experience to the fullest extent.
Ideally, it is a good idea to keep the massage to around 30 minutes and then trade off. Both lovers need their turn to be massaged by the other.
One last point
One last, closing point to make about sensual massages. Pay close attention to the cues that your partner is giving off. You probably won’t have to ask if your lover is enjoying the massage or not, (although you can) as you will more than likely be able to tell by the person’s verbal sounds and body language (i.e. you will feel his/her body relaxing and giving themselves up to the experience).
The giver should try to put him/herself in the place of the receiver, figuratively speaking to know what feels right to the senses and the skin. If you enjoy the touch in a certain way, your lover probably will too.
Now that you have some basics of sensual massage, what are you waiting? Go indulge yourself and your special someone.
Note- Two of the best books written on the subject is “The Art of Sensual Massage” by Gordon Inkeles and Robert Foothorap (Simon & Schuster) and “The Art of Erotic Massage” by Andrew Yorke (Javelin Books).