Couples Massage | Page 2

the ages for its
calming, balancing, and rejuvenating qualities. Herbs
frequently used include lavender, chamomile, lemongrass,
peppermint or jasmine.
3. Lighting: Candles, rather than fluorescent lighting, work
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Couples Massage By Annette Blanchard & Dr. Jason Cheng
best for a romantic soothing atmosphere.
4. Music: Choose music you consider relaxing. Soft jazz, new age and light classical
are great choices. Keep the volume low.
5. Props: These can include a massage table (if you have one), pillows to put under
the ankle or hip, a warm dry l to wrap into a “donut” for your head placement or
massage aids like rollers and balls.

EFFLEURAGE (COMBING THE HORSE’S TAIL)
This basic element of Swedish massage, the effleurage is
simply a long continuous stroke in one direction. Generally the
stoke goes down the length of the body or area being worked,
or across from one side to the next. Use Effleurage strokes to
apply oil, sooth and create tranquility. Visualize yourself
combing the tale of horse from top to tip.
To begin your massage, fill your palm with oil and slowly rub
your hands together to warm it and your hands. Never apply
oil directly to the person you are massaging. Once you begin
the massage, make sure one hand is always touching your
partner until you complete the massage.

Using a long effleurage stroke, begin at the hips and slowly
spread the oil up the back and then with a second effleurage
stroke, beginning at the neck, spread the oil down the back,
along the spine but not over the bones.

Repeat this motion several times until the entire area you are
massaging is lubricated and easy to work with. Keep your
hands relaxed during the motion. This will allow you to feel
your partner, find the tension spots and recognize the muscle
structure.
When you are ready to move to the next motion, spread the oil
alongside the spine and end by going up over and around the
shoulders.

PETRISSAGE (KNEADING BREAD)
From the shoulders, slide your hands down the back to the
waist.

Your next movement is called a petrissage, a motion best
described as “picking up and squeezing”. Visualize yourself
squeezing dough or bread. Petrissage assists in circulatory
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Couples Massage By Annette Blanchard & Dr. Jason Cheng
problems making it an ideal technique for people with cold
hands and feet.


The motion starts by scooping up your partners skin, followed
by grasping and finally squeezing. Begin at the waist and work
your way up the torso.
When you reach the shoulder, scoop up, and circle around the
shoulder blade. Try using the heel of your hand to conform to
the tissue of the back and shoulder to deliver a different
sensation.
Another variation: Open your fingers and effleurage along side
of the body with your palms facing outward, circle at the base
and return to the top. Alternate this effleurage with the
petrissage to vary the massage.


Now with one hand still on your partner, move to the other side
and start again. Do this motion between 5 & 10 times up and
down each side before moving to the next movement.

KNEADING
THE SHOULDERS (MOLDING CLAY)

From the opposite side of the body, begin to stroke or
effleurage up to the neck. You’re your hands down to the
fleshy "traps" (trapezium muscles) found under the shoulder
blade. Knead this with your fingers by deeply yet gently
pressing the fleshy muscle in circular motions with your
thumb. Use your other hand for support. Minimize the motion
around the area you are holding onto. The emphasis is on
keeping constant pressure with firm thumbs. Do this motion
slowly!
Your partner will feel a soothing
sensation and you should feel the
muscles relax under the pressure. You
can add relief by applying acupressure
down the pressure points the spine.
Repeat sequence 5-10 times
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Couples Massage By Annette Blanchard & Dr. Jason Cheng
PRESSURE POINTS ALONG THE SPINE
(SNAPPING SNAPS)

Your back pressure points are located where your muscle
attaches to your spine.

Beginning at the neck, slowly apply pressure along the spine as
if you were pressing closed snaps. Gentle but firm pressure
along these points provides relief of tension and will feel very
good to your partner. Work your way down the back.

When you reach the hips, complete the sequence with an
effleurage (long continuous motion) back up each side of the
back.