Step by Step Guide to Giving the Best Back Massage
Get that massage oil!
Who doesn’t love a slow, deep, sensuous massage? It relieves stress, releases tensions in the muscles, lowers our cortisol levels and increases endorphins. It also improves circulation and helps the lymphatic system drain!
Massaging your partner can be a great way to share an intimate moment together even in the midst of the chaos of our day to day lives. If you want to treat your partner to the best back massage they’ve ever had, here’s everything you need to know.
Before the Massage
1. Set the location
A desk chair or recliner is not optimal. Ask your partner to lay on the floor or the bed so you’re able to maneuver around them. You may also want to lay a towel or blanket down to contain the massage oil.
2. Set the mood
Massages should be relaxing, and there’s a reason masseuses set the mood in their office with low lighting and candles. So turn off that overhead light, plug in the mood lighting, light some candles or incense and play soft music in the background.
3. Use massage lotion or oil
Picking the right massage oil is the secret to unlocking an incredible experience. Massage oil reduces the friction between your skin and your partner's skin so you don’t accidentally pull on baby hairs.
Plain lotion doesn’t always have enough glide but you also don’t want an oil so slick it leaves you both feeling greasy. Unscented coconut oil is a safe bet every time, and you can add a few drops of essential oil to really set the tone.
Pro tip: warm your oil ahead of time for a truly sensual experience.
During the Massage
1. Start with their back
Have your partner lay on their stomach. They may want a pillow under their chest for comfort or to rotate their head from side to side. Start with a little oil and warm it in your hands.
Place your hands on their shoulders first, and then spread the oil down their back, the spinal muscles (no pressure on the spine) and to the base of their spine. Spread your hands around the hips and waist to spread the oil. Don’t get too grabby too quickly! You’re setting the tone for a relaxing massage, which needs a slow, even pace.
2. Be confident
Be confident in your ability and enjoy what you’re doing. Ask your partner for gentle direction and feedback if you’ve never massaged them before until you understand how much pressure they like and where.
3. Use your whole hands
You can’t massage anything with just your fingertips! A truly luxurious massage takes the whole hand, with the palm bearing the most pressure. Once your hands reach their waist, bring your hands together again and move up the spine. Bring your hands apart so you’re forming a circular motion as you massage the muscles of the spine gently away. Bring your hands back together and repeat as you climb their back.
4. Massage, don’t pinch
It’s important to be mindful of how you’re moving and pulling your partner’s skin, especially once you reach their shoulders. Don’t go for crab claws, pinching their shoulder muscles in your hand. Slow, deep movements that release tension in the muscle are the goal. Again, communicate! Ask your partner where the tension lays most heavily.
Video Tutorial
Still need more guidance? Check out this video for step-by-step instructions. Or listen to Joe describe exactly how he'll oil you.
