A RELAXATION MASSAGE

Make sure, first of all, you are happy to give a massage, then check the room for lighting and warmth. Do the relaxation exercises to prepare yourself, tun¬ing in to your own body and how you feel. Make sure you have some oil prepared, that the answering machine is on, and you have enough room so as not to feel restricted.


When giving a massage, especially if it is new to you, it is important to sit and move correctly from the start. Sit on your

1. Easing tension

To begin the massage, kneel at your partner's head, lean forwards and gently rest your bands on bis shoulders (above right). Simply feel the contact. Imagine the flow of energy from you to your part¬ner. At this point, your hands may pick up information about how your partner is feeling, bow tense or relaxed be is. Noting anything you feel, make this a moment simply to connect. After oiling your hands, glide gently down the back (below left), as if your hands were molded to your partner's body. Spread your hands at the lower hack (below center) and sweep upwards to the shoulders in one lung continuous movement (below). Repeat several times to ease tension, ending the strokes flowing down the arms. This is a gentle introductory movement.

2. knead, squeeze and roll

Move to the side and place one band under your partner's shoulder, and one hand on top, close to bis shoulder blade. Gently ease the muscles round the blade, at the same time at pulling slightly toward you with the lower hand (left). Use a gentle kneading movement along the top of the shoulder, starting at the outer edge and moving towards the neck (right). Squeeze and roll to ease any tension, taking care not to dig in loo deep. When you reach the neck, return, and begin again.

Heels, have one leg up, or kneel on a cushion or pillow, but ensure that as far as is possible your spine is straight. Let the movements flow through your arms, but not come from them. Instead, involve your whole body, and move from the hips. Do not strain to exert pressure, especially if your partner is much bigger, but adjust your position and use your whole body weight. Have your hands constantly moving, except for the initial contact and final rest. Keep the flow rhythmic and continuous.

Listen to your partner's body, being aware of the way it changes, and see how it reacts to your strokes. From the beginning, check with your partner for pressure, encouraging feed¬back on what feels good or it they want more. When receiving massage, thoughts and emo¬tions come and go, flitting like clouds across the sky. Be receptive if your partner wants to share these impressions with you, or respect their need for quietness and space.

3. Rolling thumbs

Now return to your partner's bead, and using the movement of rolling thumbs, work the triangle between the base of your partner's neck and the shoulder. Beginning in the angle where you finished the kneading movement, push down, rolling diagonally toward the spine. Do this movement several times, stopping an inch short of the spine.

4. Rolling down the spine

This movement is a continuation, and brings the thumbs down the length of the spine, Increase the length of the rolls, keeping an inch away from the spine, and using alternating strokes down to the lower back. Then, before reaching the pelvic bone return to the upper-back and repeat the movement a number of times. This flowing, rhythmic rolling disperses tension.