Rules for Giving Massage

Giving a massage should be relaxing and enjoyable for both the person giving the massage and the person receiving it. The following rules help you make every massage a pleasant one. Review them before you begin giving a massage:

• Do no harm: This is the No. 1 rule for giving a massage. Make sure that you’re aware of the moves you shouldn’t make, the places you shouldn’t press, and the conditions you shouldn’t treat.

• Think 3-D: Try to visualize the invisible physical structures beneath the skin that you’re affecting with your hands during the massage.

• Use your whole body: Remember to use correct body mechanics in order to save your own body from overexertion while applying just the right amount of pressure for your partner.

• Focus on the other: This is no time to be thinking about politics, sports, the weather, or your upcoming turn to receive a massage. As fully as you can, focus on your partner, what she’s feeling, and how you can make her feel better.

• Go out of your mind: After you figure out the moves, practice the technique, and focus on your partner with all your concentration, then you can stop thinking. Let go of your extraneous thoughts — and even your thoughts about doing a good job.

• Get creative: Go ahead, go crazy; just let yourself feel whatever you’re feeling and go with your intuition. As long as what you’re doing is generated from caring and commitment to your partner, it is going to be the right thing.

• Let love flow: Certain people develop an ability to send a very distinct and palpable sensation of love into their fingers and palms. You can feel it when they touch you. Everyone else has the potential to develop that ability. Why not use massage as an opportunity to explore your own innate abilities to send a powerful message of caring to others through your touch and presence?