Partner massage involves one person giving the other a
full-body massage, typically using long strokes and kneading motions with their
hands. Massage has been shown to have many healing benefits, including reducing
stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving circulation. By practicing
partner massage, individuals can experience these benefits while also
establishing a sense of trust and closeness with their partner.
Massage is a therapeutic technique used to relieve stress
and muscle pain. It involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body using
a combination of touch, pressure, and movement. Partner massage, also known as
couples massage, is a type of massage that involves two people massaging each
other. It is a form of human touch that can enhance intimacy, trust, and
communication between partners.
Human touch is essential for our physical, emotional, and
mental well-being. Studies show that touch releases oxytocin, a hormone that
promotes bonding and reduces stress. Partner massage provides an opportunity
for couples to connect physically and emotionally in a safe and supportive
environment. By touching each other, partners can deepen their sense of closeness
and intimacy, which can improve the quality of their relationship.
Partner massage can also have a positive impact on our
physical health. It can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and
promote relaxation. Regular massage can also boost the immune system and reduce
the risk of chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and arthritis. By
practicing partner massage, couples can reap the benefits of massage therapy
without having to pay for a professional massage.
Partner massage is also an excellent way to improve
communication skills. During a massage, partners must communicate their needs
and preferences clearly to avoid discomfort or pain. By communicating
effectively, partners can build trust, respect, and empathy for each other.
Being able to communicate verbally and non-verbally is crucial for any healthy
relationship, and partner massage provides a platform for honing these skills.
So, partner massage is much more than just a relaxing
activity. It can deepen intimacy, reduce stress, improve physical health, and
develop communication skills. In today's fast-paced world, it is important to
prioritize human touch and nurture our relationships. Partner massage is a
simple and effective way to do so, and couples of all ages can benefit from
this practice. By incorporating partner massage into their routine, partners
can create a safe and supportive space that promotes well-being and strengthens
their bond.
5 Types of Partner Massage
1.
The first type of partner massage is Swedish
massage, which is commonly practiced in spas and wellness centers. A Swedish
massage typically involves using long strokes, kneading, and circular movements
to help relieve muscle tension and increase blood flow to the muscles,
promoting relaxation and stress relief. Using this type of massage on your
partner can help them relax, loosen up tight muscles, and reduce stress.
2.
Another type of partner massage is deep tissue
massage, which is more intense than Swedish massage. The goal of deep tissue
massage is to target deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia to release
chronic muscle tension that can be caused by injury or stress. The pressure
used during deep tissue massage can be quite firm, and it is not always
comfortable. That being said, it can significantly help your partner's body
feel more agile and relaxed.
3.
A Thai massage is a partner massage that is
different from most other massages where the recipient lies down on a massage
table. It is performed while the recipient lies on the floor, allowing the
masseuse to use gravity to apply pressure to the body more effectively. The
main focus of a Thai massage is on stretching and manipulating the body's
pressure points, resulting in a deeper relaxation and inner emotional balance
that lasts long. Thai massage can help improve joint flexibility and range of
motion, making it excellent for athletes and anyone who spends a lot of time
exercising.
4.
Another kind of partner massage is the hot stone
massage type. This type involves using heated, smooth stones to massage your
partner. At first, your partner is asked to lie down on a warm and comfortable
surface. The therapist then places stones of different sizes on the back, in
the hands, or between toes, which releases tension and increases blood flow.
The heat from the stones can help increase circulation, soothe sore muscles,
and provide an overall relaxing effect.
5.
Finally, Shiatsu massage is also a popular
partner massage technique that originated from Japan. This type of massage
utilizes finger pressure on specific points on the body to help relieve tension
and pain. A Shiatsu massage is often performed without oil, and it is a great
way to help your partner relax and unwind.
5 Basic Techniques
Prepare your massage space
o Cover
your bed with an old towel or blanket that you don’t mind getting oily.
Have one or two pillows on hand to make your partner more comfortable. If you’d
like warm oil, you can fill a large bowl with hot water and place the oil
bottle in it. Have an extra towel on hand to clean up any messes.
o Your
partner may be more comfortable lying face down with a pillow under their
chest, then they can turn their head to one side. Have your partner put
their arms along their side, with palms up.
o When
your partner turns face up, they may want a pillow under their knees or head.
o Use
your whole hand while massaging, palm and underside of fingers will be touching
your partner’s skin.
o Keep
your back straight while massaging and use the weight of your body to put
pressure, rather than just your hands.
o Before
you start, place your hands on your partner’s back, and take several deep
breaths together. Set an intention to be the giver, and honor the gift
you are about to give your partner.
Massaging in the Back
o Sit
at your partner’s head, preferably in a kneeling position. Sit on a
pillow for extra knee support. Rub a few squirts of oil between your
hands. Place your hands, palm down, at the base of your partner’s neck,
with the spine between your thumbs.
o Glide
your hands down your partner’s back, staying next to the spine. At the
top of the buttocks, glide your hands out to the top of your partner’s hips,
then slide your hands up their sides and onto their shoulder blades.
o Make
several circles with your whole palms over the shoulder blades.
o Starting
with hands-on their shoulder blades, glide your hands down their back with your
hands moving toward each other so they come together over the top of your
partner’s buttocks. Again, glide over the top of their hips, then slide
your hands back together over their low back.
o Slide
your hands up their back with the spine between your thumb edges.
o At
the top of the shoulders, slide your hands out over the tops of their shoulders
and then slide them back together to the base of your partner’s neck.
Repeat 3 – 5 times.
o Starting
at the base of the neck, slide your palms out over the tops of your partner’s
shoulders. Slide onto their very upper arm and then slide each palm all
the way down their arms, onto their hands and then slide off their hands with
your fingers going between theirs.
o Repeat
these strokes 3 – 5 times, varying direction and combining them as you
like. Use more oil as needed.
Massaging Back of Legs
o Sit
at the outside edge of your partner’s lower leg. Rub some oil into your
hands. Start with your hands, palm down, on either side of your partner’s
ankle.
o Glide
your hands up the sides of your partner’s leg, all the way to their hip and
inner thigh. Bring your hands together at the top of the thigh and slide
your hands all the way down to their heel. Repeat 3 – 5 times, applying more
oil as needed.
o Now
slide your way up the back of your partner’s leg making circles with each palm
in an alternating pattern. (right-hand circles over middle and side of leg,
left hand circles over the middle leg and inner calf/thigh, move up a few
inches and repeat). Go back down the leg with the same pattern,
alternating the direction of your circles.
o Repeat
on the second leg.
Massaging Neck and Arms
o Turn
your partner face up and sit above their head. Rub some oil on your
hands. Place your palms at the base of your partner’s neck, with fingers facing
your partner’s upper back and palms against the base of the neck where it meets
the shoulders. Glide your hands out to the tops of your partner’s arms,
then glide down over the outside of their arms down to the elbow. Slide your
hands under their arms and then glide back up under their arms, under their
upper back and up to the base of their skull. Repeat 3 – 5 times.
o With
your fingertips at the base of the skull, on either side of the spine, make
small circles, letting the fingers move the muscles slightly. Check-in
with your partner about pressure, the more you press your fingers up, the more
pressure they will feel. Continue making small circles on the neck muscles,
moving downward toward the upper back.
o Slide
your hands under your partner’s upper back, with your fingers on the muscles
between the shoulder blades and spine. Glide your hands up to the base of
the skull. Repeat 3 times.
o Sit
at your partner’s side near their hand. With oil on your hands, place one
hand on your partner’s wrist. Slide that hand up their arm to the
shoulder, followed immediately by your second hand. Slide one hand under
their shoulder and keep the other hand over the front of the upper arm.
Slide both hands down the arm to the hand while squeezing your hands slightly
to create pressure. Repeat 3 – 5 times.
o Repeat
on the second arm.
Massaging Legs and Feet
o Sit
at your partner’s side near their ankle. With oil on your hands, place
your palms and fingers on either side of your partner’s ankle. Slide your
hands up the sides of their leg to the upper thigh/outer hip.
o Bring
your thumb edges together at the middle of the upper thigh, with your palms and
other fingers resting on the sides of the upper thigh. Slide your hands
away from each other toward the sides of the leg. Move your hands down a few
inches and slide your hands away from each other again. Continue this
down the leg to the ankle, watching out not to press on the knee bone or the
shin bone.
o Repeat
these two steps 3 – 5 times, using more oil as needed.
o Place
hands on foot, with one palm on top of the foot and other on the bottom.
Slide your hands up and down your partner’s foot, from toes to heel/ankle,
pressing your hands toward each other. Repeat several times.
o Using
fingers, make circles around the ankle bones. Rub your palm in a circular
motion over the front of the ankle. Finish by rubbing your palm in a
circular motion over the bottom of the foot, from toes to heel and back
again. Use a loose fist to make circles if your partner wants more
pressure.
o Repeat
on the second leg and foot.
When you’ve finished massaging your partner, place your
palms on the bottom of their feet and take several deep breaths together.
Take some time to snuggle up with your partner and let them give you some
appreciation, in whatever form it comes. Enjoy the time you’ve spent together,
even if you stumbled through, and know that moments like these are
precious. And make sure to find a time when your partner can take a turn
as the giver too!
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.osmosis.com/blog/5-simple-steps-to-massage-your-partner-at-home/
https://www.themanual.com/grooming/how-to-give-a-romantic-massage/
https://www.ryanandalex.com/how-to-give-a-good-massage/
https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-give-a-massage
