relationships and the bedroom: How to Give a Valentine's Day Sensual Massage

This Valentine's Day, celebrate by giving each other a sensual massage. Not only is this a wonderfully romantic act that will wow your special someone, but it's inexpensive to do.

Item's needed for the massage:
- Lotion or oil to massage with
- Quiet place to give the massage
- Music to relax too
- Scented candles to provide lighting and create a romantic atmosphere

Preparation for the massage:
- Prior to the massage, ask the massage receiver if they have favorite places they like massaged (such as scalp and neck) or don't like massaged (ticklish feet).
- Another thing to look for is any bruises or broken skin. These areas should be avoided during the massage.
- For the person receiving the massage, if the massage is on a bed, have them lay face down with their head at the foot of the bed (reverse of normal sleeping position). One of the secrets to giving a great massage is being comfortable while doing it. By standing at the foot of the bed during a massage, you have easy and comfortable access to massaging the back and neck.
- The person receiving the massage should be disrobed at much as comfortably possible.
- Before starting the massage, turn off all phones and electronic gizmos.

Giving the massage:
- For most amateur massagers, the safest and most effective technique is effleurage. This technique is a broad, sliding stroke that is intensely relaxing. In addition, in the right environment it is very sensual. Effleurage is also the most commonly used stroke for Swedish massage.
- For great video examples of the effleurage technique and massage, search on YouTube. There are some great playlists demonstrating this technique. Massage is a great example where an image is worth a thousand words.

Receiving the massage:
- Provide feedback. Whether it's with words, by a moan of pleasure or a squeal of pain, let the person massaging you know what works and what doesn't. This is one of those few times it's all about you, so make the most of it.

Additional Tips:
- Don't eat a heavy meal prior to the massages. The combination of lots of food and the massage will make the first person who received the massage want to go to sleep after their massage. This can lead to frustration for the other person!

- The ideal situation is a light meal with some wine, give each other massages and then follow-up with a heavier meal later, if so desired.

Follow the above guidelines and you are guaranteed an evening of sensual romance, making this Valentine's Day the best ever!