The Beginner’s Guide to Massage

by Sarika Dani

“Be generous with your partner,” Inkeles advises. “It costs nothing—you don’t need a professional. If you spend time with your partner’s body, you will get results.”

STARTER STROKES

Compression
Press firmly with one or two hands on muscular areas of the body and make a circular motion. On large areas, use the heel of the hands or the flat part of your knuckles in addition to the fingertips. Once you master this, your partner will begin to trust your abilities—and to relax.

Circulation
Massage ups blood flow, which gets more oxygen to the brain, which will improve mood. Push your entire hand around a section of the body—such as back, thighs, or upper arms—in a loop. In back circulation, for example, the recipient should feel one continuous motion from the base of the spine to the shoulders, then down the sides, then across the hips.

Friction
This penetrating movement acts as a natural analgesic to sore spots. Gather up a generous handful of flesh, framing the sore spot between your closed fingers and open thumb. Lean forward and put weight on that hand, then use your free hand to circle slowly and with pressure on the framed muscle tissue—not just the surface skin—below.