Back Side Massages

. wringing

To continue the movement, slide your hands evenly from around the shoulders, and bring them, palms flat, towards each other. Lead with your fingers so your arms cross over each other, the bands bugging the body on opposite sides (left). Curling your fingers to the form of the body, pull your bands back toward each other, until they cross in the center of the back (below left). Continue the pressure movement as your hands slide apart from each other, moving to mold round the ribs on either side. This movement has a hugging, -wringing feel, and is extremely satisfying, as first the muscles are moved in toward the spine, then slowly smoothed and stretched away. Without breaking the rhythm, use your fingertips to caress your partner's sides. As you turn your hands, point your fingers up the body. Then drag your fingers as you bring the bands back towards each other, cross over, and slide once more to the position on opposite sides. Moving slightly further down the back, repeat the wringing and returning until once again yon are at the hips. Keeping the movement continuous, snaking down your partner's back, will arouse delightful feelings.

pressing the spine

From your position at the lower hack, place your thumb pads on the bands of muscle running either side of the spine. Start to move your thumbs gently up the muscles, avoiding pressure, then press in where you feel tension or the muscles rise. You can use the thumbs Very sensitively, keeping the pressure and withdrawal steady, taking care not to press directly on the spine. Releasing tension, this sparks sensations that travel through the whole body.

BACK INJURIES

While injuries should receive medical attention , you can case problems as you massage. Do not massage directly over an injury, but work the surrounding area gently. Muscles around an injury often go into spasm to pro¬tect it. -Massage can help relieve the stiffness caused by this, allowing the injury to heal. The body will often compensate to protect a painful area, so when the right shoulder hurts, you should also the work the left, shoulder. If the problem is caused by tension, work on and around the shoulder, easing the muscles out¬wards from the spine. Start lightly, then move in deeper, spreading and moving the shoulder frequently. For problems in the shoulders always include the lower back. For neck prob¬lems massage the upper back, then work on the neck from underneath. For the lower back, ease with sacral circling , then massage the buttocks and middle back, spread¬ing outwards from the spine.

completing the hack

Having continued the pressure movements up either side of the spine, yon need to change the pressure for the neck. As it will he turned, hut is also extremely sensitive, a much softer movement is required. Use thumb and forefinger to press either side of the neck, reaching up to the very base of the skull. Releasing ten¬sion, this produces dreamy feelings. Leaving one hand at the neck, rest the other on the lower back to connect sensation down the spine (main picture).

BACK TIPS
After following the structured massage sequence, why not spend some time being creative with your lovers back in other ways. It feels good to simply enjoy your partner's back, and feel her pleasure vibrating through the skin. Bring your body close to hers, and envelop her with a full body slide. The whole body contact feels great, and the fact that you can V get away from her back feels even better for both of you! After the intensity of the massage, it feels good to relax, be playful, inventive and enjoy each other.

In a slightly more reflective mood, trace out every detail of your partner's back with small caresses. Her back, and the way you have come

to know it, will surprise you. In massage, you come very close to your partner. Follow your instincts and if this is a good time to pause for a moment, be quiet together, and let your feelings merge. The softest moments and the smallest movements can often be the most intimate. Your lover's soft body curves provide a wonderful place to rest.

Blowing on the skin feels sensational. After the warm pressure of your hands during massage, the light, cool touch of your breath provides a beautiful contrast on the skin. Blow along the length of your partner's back and around the lower back curies. Bring your lips very close so the breath feels warmer, and watch the way the surface of the skin responds. Holding your partner continues the closeness of your contact, and enables you to brush her body with even more of your skin.

Try tracing gentle curves over your partner's skin with the backs of your hands. Idly stroke her over her body, in soft circles and curves, without stopping the rhythm of your hands. These gentle caresses feel very loving and warming.

Taking time to appreciate and admire your partner, seeing and feeling the difference as your massage progresses, the intimacy of the contact is such that there is almost no difference between you; your partner's body feels as familiar as your own. As for your partner, time loses all meaning in the bliss of endless variations of touch and delightful sensations.