The Art of Massage There are a variety of massage practices, but they may not all be styles that you enjoy. How do you choose the massage that is right for you? One of the easiest ways to end up happy with the massage you select is to evaluate yourself on a masculinity/femininity scale. The more feminine, or yin, you are, the gentler your massage should be. The more masculine, or yang, you are, the more you’ll appreciate a deeper, more vigorous massage. This is true for both men and women, because both men and women have yin and yang aspects to their being. One problem is that most of us give someone the type of massage we like to receive. Don’t hesitate to tell your masseuse what you like, and to remind her as often as you need to. It’s important that you receive the kind of massage you will enjoy most. This is a simple technique. You may want to learn other massage techniques through your local adult education center. Better yet, take the course with your partner. 1. Wash your hands thoroughly before the massage and trim fingernails if necessary. 2. Pour 4 ounces (100 g) of oil into the bowl to start for easy access. 3. Oil your hands and rub them together to warm the oil. 4. Start with your "client" lying face up with his or her body covered by a sheet (and blanket, if needed). Apply the oil to the throat using gentle side-to-side strokes. 5. Gently swipe across the chin, above the lips, and then across the forehead. 6. Using the fingertips, gently massage in upward strokes, starting at the jaw outside the mouth, coming up along the side of the nose, then across the bridge of the nose. 7. Make several spiraling, circular motions spanning the entire forehead, ending up above and outside the eyes. 8. Press the cheekbones using slight pressure from the outside to inside. 9. Use a spiral, circular stroke on the cheeks. 10. Press along the sides of the neck, working outward to the shoulders. 11. Massage the crown of the head using the fingertips. Press gently, working down and around to the back of the skull. 12. Uncover one arm, leaving the rest of the body draped. Gently holding the wrist, shake the arm from side to side. With both hands around the arm, gently squeeze, working back and forth starting at the shoulder and working down to the hand. 13. Do the same on the other arm and then each leg. 14. Have the "client" turn over, and work on the back. Starting at the base of the spine, gently push on the spine, working up to the top of the shoulders. Rub the shoulders and top of the back all over. *Excerpted From: The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils, and Scrubs Next--Aching Feet :: Aromatherapy Index Playground Main Index Patchouli - Aching Feet - Candles--Scents & Senses - Baths and Oils Creating Your Own Massage Oils Direct Linking Warning What's New - Doll Hunt - Faery Magic ButtonEx - Rumbles SP - Pet Section - Aromatherapy Section - Horoscopes - S2S Spirit Dusters - Babysitting Tips - Christmas 2004 Project - Flowers & Gardens - Breast Cancer Awareness - Bubblin' Betty Boop - Little Dragon Castle SP - Awards for You - Deaf Awareness - Spirits 2 Shine SP - VE Page - Pondering - Angels - A Love Poem - Link to The Playground - Visit the Fae - The Elfin Wood - Unicorn Index - That Martian With An Attitude - The Toon Spot - Who's Paulina - The Whatnot Page - The Grown-Ups Page - Cats Are Wonderful Creatures - Cliques - Pick a Clique - Paulina's Picks 1-4 - Gifts Bestowed 1-2 - Tiggers Are Wonderful Things - Kieben's Korner - Awards 1-3 - Dragon's Den - Endangered Section - Webring Index - Graphics Credits - Child Safety - Internet Crimes & Safety - Public Law No: 105-314