Sexy Massage

Step 1: Make some space.

A soft bed may be perfect for lovemaking, but the ideal massage area is firm, flat, and stable, so you don't bounce your partner around as you move. (Think how unrelaxing it would be to get a massage on a jiggly water bed.) For maximum comfort, have your guy lie down on a futon mattress or pallet of blankets and place pillows under his neck, knees, and ankles.

Step 2: Break out the oil.

Besides making your hands soft and warm, massage oil reduces friction and makes it easier to knead, rub, and stroke your guy's tired and stressed muscles. Scented oils can be erotic, "but steer clear of intense fragrances, like patchouli, which get cloying," says Steve Capellini, a licensed massage therapist in Miami and author of Massage for Dummies. Instead, try a light single scent, like jasmine, and warm the bottle in a bowl of hot water.

Step 3: Create a peaceful vibe.

The tickling of loose hair or a lacy nightie might excite him (and you), but it can also take his focus off the deep, steady sensations of your massage. Tie your hair back and wear close-fitting clothes to minimize distractions. To avoid jarring chills, drape his naked body with sheets (uncover just the body part you're working on). If you play music, keep it soft and slow.

Step 4: Pick a spot, any spot.

Pressed for time? Focusing on one part of his body — really focusing on it — can be even more decadent than a head-to-toe rubdown. If his back is in knots, concentrate on that. If he loves having his feet caressed, give them the royal treatment. Or keep it simple: Just ask him where he wants you to touch him.

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How to give a foot massage

Take a good look at your feet after they've spent a day in snug leather shoes. What do they look like? Feel like? Are your feet pink and healthy and rarin' to go and run about? Probably not. More likely your ten toes are squished against each other, resembling sardines in a can. The skin of your feet looks lifeless, perhaps gray in color and slightly clammy to the touch. Let's liven them up with a foot massage!

Read on for foot massage instructions.(Note: Be careful when receiving a foot massage during pregnancy. Some pressure points may cause contractions.)

How does a foot massage sound?

Regardless of whether you're on the receiving end of a foot massage or you're the one giving it, you both will experience many benefits, Even if you are simply massaging your own feet, it can still be a rewarding and satisfying way to end your day.

The giver: Giving a friend or loved one a foot massage is very soothing and calming for you, too, and can actually cause your blood pressure to decrease. It's a very caring, nurturing, and bonding experience to share with another person.

The receiver: Obviously, this is really the best position to be in. Foot massage will help reduce your stress, boost circulation, and relieve blood stagnation from wearing ill-fitting shoes. In addition, it will dramatically relax your body, soothe foot muscles, and undo knots and tension in your toes, balls of your feet, arches, and ankles. It will even soften your feet if a cream or massage oil is applied!

One-on-one: Though not as fulfilling as having your feet massaged by another, self-massage enables you to care for your feet on a regular basis, to de-stress and pamper your feet as you see fit.

Techniques for foot massage

A foot massage can be performed at any time you wish or as part of a home pedicure procedure. The following illustrations depict some standard foot massage techniques that a nail technician might perform on a client during a pedicure. If you do not have a willing partner to give you a massage, never fear. These techniques are just as easily done (with some minor alterations) alone.

If a partner is involved, have the one receiving the foot massage recline against a big pillow on the sofa or bed to fully relax the entire body. Foot massage feels really great if the whole body is at ease.

If you're going solo, find a comfortable chair, preferably one with padded arms and a foot rest, such as a recliner. Sit back, prop one foot in your lap and let the other rest extended in front of you, and massage those feet until they smile.

If using a massage oil or lotion, protect clothing and furniture with a towel or two. Rub oiled or creamed hands together vigorously to warm them before beginning the foot massage.

Complete all six steps on one foot before moving on to the other.

Step 1: Stroke the top of the foot
Stroking stimulates circulation and warms the foot. Holding your partner's foot in your hands, on the top of the foot begin a long, slow, firm, stroking motion with your thumbs, starting at the tips of the toes and sliding back away from you, all the way up to the ankle, then retrace your steps back to the toes with a lighter stroke.

Repeat this step three to five times, then stroke the bottom of the foot in the same manner.

Step 2: Ankle rotations
Loosens joints and relaxes feet. Cup one hand under the heel, behind the ankle, to brace the foot and leg.

Grasp the ball of the foot with the other hand and turn the foot slowly at the ankle for three to five times in each direction. With repeated foot massages, any stiffness will begin to recede. (This is a particularly good exercise for anyone suffering from arthritis.)

Step 3: Toe pulls and squeezes

Toes, like fingers, are quite sensitive to the touch -- this massage can be very calming. Grasp the foot beneath the arch. With the other hand, beginning with the big toe, hold the toe with your thumb on top and index finger beneath.

Starting at the base of the toe, slowly and firmly pull the toe, sliding your fingers to the top and back to the base.

Now repeat, but gently squeeze and roll the toe between your thumb and index finger, working your way to the tip and back to the base.

Repeat these two movements on the remaining toes.

Step 4: Toe slides
Grasp foot behind the ankle, cupping under heel. With the index finger of the other hand, slide your finger between the toes, back and forth for three to five times.

Step 5: Arch press
Releases tension in the inner and outer longitudinal arches. Hold foot as you did in Step 4.

Using the heel of your other hand, push hard as you slide along the arch from the ball of the foot toward the heel and back again. Repeat five times. This part of the foot can stand a little extra exertion on your part, just don't apply too much pressure. Push your hand along the arch of the foot.

Step 6: Stroking. Repeat step 1
This is a good way to begin and end a foot massage.

Agony of the Feet Relaxing Massage Oil

You'll need:
2 teaspoons (10 ml) castor, jojoba, soybean, or extra-virgin olive oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop German chamomile essential oil
1 drop geranium essential oil

To make:
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly. Yields one treatment.

To use:
Use approximately 1 teaspoon (5 ml per foot and massage in completely. Inhale the aroma on your hands before you massage, and continue to breathe deeply, as these particular oils are extremely calming. Put on socks after massage to absorb excess oil and soften feet.

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Massaging 101

My boyfriend constantly asks me to give him massages. I do it, but to be honest, I'm not sure if I'm doing it the right way. Sure it's enjoyable for him (why else would he keep on asking?), but I bet I could do a better job. And maybe teach him a thing or two when it's his turn to give me a rubdown. I turned to the experts to uncover the essential ingredients to a good massage.

Couples, if you don't already do this, massages are such a good thing for a relationship. It's another great way to bond with your significant other. "A couples massage is a wonderful gift to share with each other. Not only will it strengthen the bond between a couple, it can reduce stress for both the giver and the recipient," says Aubrey Rogers, owner of the City Magnolia Day Spa in Frederick, MD.

As for what to do in order to give an effective (and sensual) massage, read on...

Set the Mood

Setting the mood helps you get intimate and the same can be said of massages. "The basics for a good professional massage include dimming the lights, relaxing music, essential oils for aromatherapy, a heated table and a soothing vocal tone (from who's doing the massage)," says Aubrey Rogers, owner of the City Magnolia Day Spa in Frederick, MD.

Use Relaxing Strokes

When you're giving someone a therapeutic massage, be sure to use slow, relaxing strokes. "It's important to maintain contact when giving a massage. A break in contact equals a break in relaxation," explains Rogers. "All massage movements should move in the direction of the heart, increasing the circulation of the blood."

Don't Forget the Oil

For a good basic massage oil is a must! Vance suggests to use massage oil -- not body lotion when giving a massage to your partner. Massage oil is designed to stay on the skin longer and provide a better glide along the body, says Robert Vance, spa director at the Sanctuary On Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, AZ.. Consider grape seed or jojoba oil. You'll find these at Whole Foods or any organic market.

"Aromatherapy oils can also be used, however as these oils penetrate directly into the blood stream, caution should be taken when using pure essential oils," Rogers points out. "Lavender and peppermint essential oils are good all-purpose oils that most people can tolerate. However, as with anything, if someone is pregnant or has any major medical concerns a doctor should be consulted before application."

Communicate

A great massage is what everyone should strive for, not just a good one. What is necessary for a great massage are the same things that are required for a great relationship, says Vance. Communication and chemistry are both important. Talk to your partner (calmly and in a limited fashion, of course). Ask if the pressure is good, where he or she would like you to focus on, and what feels best. The communication will not only make the massage feel great, but will strengthen your bond.

Take Your Time

Every massage can be a sensual experience in that it stimulates all of your senses simultaneously, according to Vance. The most important thing to remember is to take your time and enjoy the experience. "A massage between couples should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Don't try to do therapeutic work because deep tissue work is best left to a massage therapist," he says. "If you are inflicting pain or discomfort it will completely break the mood, so just focus on long, smooth strokes and read your partner and how they are reacting to the massage."

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