Massage has a range of benefits, so it’s no wonder people want to practise at home, too. Why should you try your hand at massage with your partner? Read these benefits, tips, and guidance to learn more.
The Benefits of Massage
Physically, massage can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and lower the body’s stress hormones. Targeted massage can also help ease aches and pains in the area. The mental benefits of massage include feelings of relaxation, improved mood, and even a decrease in anxiety. But what about the benefits to couples?
Of course, when either partner is feeling less anxious and more relaxed, this will positively impact your relationship. Massage also has an element of intimacy that can help you connect on an emotional level. It requires patience and communication between partners, and committing to that for the benefit of each other is both generous and rewarding. Sharing in self-care is an excellent way to bond with your partner.
Help Things Go Smoothly
Massage will feel uncomfortable if there is friction on the skin, a problem easily solved with lubrication. Whether you use lotion, oils or lube, adding moisture will allow your hands to glide seamlessly over the body.
If you haven’t heard of massage candles, a couples night in is the perfect time to try one. Not only can you set the mood with some sultry candlelight, but as the wick burns down, the candle melts into a pool of massage oil. The warmth of the oil can add a pleasant, relaxing sensation during massage.
Incorporating Tools and Toys
There are plenty of purpose-built tools designed to help with massage. Massage guns are increasingly popular for muscle relief, although more intense than you may want if you’re trying to set a chilled-out mood. Gua sha, rollers, and stones are commonly used in massage and can easily be incorporated into home massage. For additional textures, try brushes and feathers for a light-touch experience.
Adult toys like wand massagers are also great for an enhanced sensory experience because of their numerous vibration speeds and settings. Experimenting with different pulsing and intensity modes will help you figure out what feels best for your body.
Massage As Foreplay
Often, the intimate nature of massage can mean that one thing leads to another, and self-care turns to sex. If you’re looking to connect with your partner on a deeper level, massage can be a great way to demonstrate you are prioritising their pleasure and want to make them feel good. If you’re both into it, start to experiment with kissing, tickling and licking the body as you massage to kick things up a gear and turn your massage into a makeout.
Some people shy away from at-home massage because they feel like it’s inevitable that it will lead to sex. Remember that it’s not always the case! Stay in the moment and enjoy the massage. If the mood takes you and things do develop, then go for it! But if your partner feels like you only initiate massage with the intention of it being foreplay, they may be more turned off than on.
Leave Serious Stuff to the Pros
Finally, unless you have the necessary qualifications, don’t start contorting your partner’s body to try and correct any ailments they may have. For issues like sports injuries and joint inflammation, leave the massage to professionals. We’re talking about gentle, noninvasive massage that feels good for you both and is safe to practise at home. Don’t get carried away applying pressure, as this may hurt your partner or make their problem areas worse!
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