5. Percussion: The dreaded “karate chop” should feel more like a gentle rain than a thunderstorm, according to Inkeles. Cushion your thumping stroke by striking your fisted hand onto your flat hand as it rests on your partner’s body. Or bend your hands into upside-down cups and pummel gently to create vibrations that awaken nerves and control stress.
Think of massage as a thoughtful exploration of your lover’s body, rather than a task that you must complete in order to get your turn. Generosity beats strength and skill. Repeating simple strokes and massaging for at least an hour will give more pleasure than attempting complicated movements.
“Most people don’t see massage on the menu of life. We tend to rush our pleasures,” adds Inkeles. “What could be more precious than having someone who is generous enough to focus on the needs of all your body parts?”
SEE ALSO: 5 little known facts about your period
Rules Of The Rub
Do:
- Turn off phones, remove distractions and play soft music.
- Make the environment warm (at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Light healthy soy candles such as Ergo or Suntouched, which melt into moisturizing massage oil.
- Oil everything except the scalp. Try Jurlique’s Romance Blend, a heady mix of orange, patchouli, and ylang ylang, or D.I.Y. with safflower oil with a few drops of lemon juice.
- Have towels handy.
- Repeat the same strokes over and over.
- Quietly disappear when the massage is over.
Discussion about this post