At Home Massage Tips for Couples + Partners!
by Catie Morgan |
October 17, 2020
At Home Massage Tips for Couples. A creative guide to staying connected using healthy touch.
- Things you’ll need
- A yoga or floor mat for clothed massage. If practicing unclothed, use a massage table or a bed with linens.
- A pillow and blanket.
- Music, such as a favorite shared playlist for relaxation.
- Consent, self awareness, and communication.
- Bonus props (not required): extra pillows, bolsters, hand and/or foot cream, massage oil, essential oils, and heated flax packs. Some items are for sale at Amara.
- Pro tip: avoid jojoba or grapeseed oils for massage, as they may stain linens and clothing.
- Decide who will give and who will receive the massage. Set special time aside to connect. Trade back at some point so both partners can give and receive, as both have special benefits.
- Discuss boundaries and preferences. Partners should talk about where the massage will take place (a yoga or massage mat, massage table, a bed, or a comfy chair, which is great for foot massage), which body areas, if any, are off limits, whether it will be clothed or unclothed, and what pressure is preferred.
- Practice safely and offer feedback. Use safe body mechanics when giving and receiving. Check in with each other throughout, and if something is uncomfortable for either person, stop. Deep pressure is not necessary for relaxation benefits. Start with a 10 to 15 minute massage and see how you both feel, then extend sessions as you build stamina.
- Watch online massage videos and try the three basic massage moves: light compression, motion palpation (gentle rocking), and kneading (petrissage). Subscribe to the Amara Massage YouTube channel to watch the accompanying demo video of techniques.