Massage Tips to Enhance Intimacy

By Julie Sprankles –

If you are looking for an easy, pleasurable way to add depth to your relationship in and outside of the bedroom, consider introducing sensual massage. Massage encourages you to truly focus on the experience and explore each other’s bodies in a way that isn’t just sexual. It’s a wonderful way to express your love for one another – touch is important and is one of the five love languages.

Encourage Relaxation

Depending on daily stresses and a many other factors, your partner may not be mentally or physically primed for a sensual massage. It’s a worthwhile endeavor then to spend some time upfront helping each other learn to relax. You know each other well, so go with what works – whether it’s drawing a hot bath, dimming the lights, playing some mellow music, diffusing calming oils, or even a neck rub to get started.

Come Prepared

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with an impromptu massage, thinking ahead can enhance the evening even more. Start with a firm and preferably flat surface where you can lie down undisturbed. For added comfort and ease, you might want to try the K-Y® Touch®, a 2-in-1 massage crème and pleasure gel. Not only will it reduce friction and make your hands glide more smoothly, but the consistency of the oil against skin is wonderful.

Hone Your Focus

One way to maximize the experience no matter how long the massage lasts is to focus on specific body parts. Either ask him where he wants to be touched, or kick things off with something that most of us love to receive but rarely do…a foot-message. Not only are they packed with sexual nerves, but rubbing them also elevates feel-good hormones.

Mix It Up

It’s often said variety is the spice of life, and intimate massages are no exception. Try alternating kneading with light nail strokes, gentle rubs with surprise pinches, and rolling compression with staccato hand chops – have fun trying to find the sexy combo he’ll love. Don’t forget to give your partner’s erogenous zones some attention, too. Some highly sensitive zones also include the inner thighs, ears, and nape of neck.

Go With the Flow

Massages work well as foreplay because they stimulate so many senses at once. So, if you have time to linger, by all means do. This is a time for truly exploring and appreciating each other. Having said that, all of that stimulation might just lead to more climactic action sooner than you anticipated – and that’s perfectly fine, too. The most important aspect is enjoying the experience and intimacy that sensual massages have to offer.

Here are 4 easy steps to give the perfect massage.

1. Don’t push too hard

Depending on your goal, there will be times when you need to apply a bit of pressure to ease a knot; but in general, you should apply firm pressure that allows you to feel the muscles move underneath the skin.

2. Work slowly

Rubbing hard and fast can irritate your partner’s muscles. Instead, use slow and even strokes with the palm of your hands or finger tips.

3. Avoid bones and joints

Never push down directly on their spine and be careful as not to apply too much pressure on muscles located over the ribs and shoulder blades.

4. Move around

Don’t only focus on the back but make sure to use your hands to massage the shoulders, lower back, neck and head.

A native of Charleston, S.C., Julie Sprankles has been writing professionally since 2003. She received a double Bachelor of Arts in English and communications from Charleston Southern University. Formerly editor-in-chief at award-winning shelter publication “Charleston Home + Design Magazine,” Sprankles now enjoys writing and editing full-time.