Massage: sharing loving caresses

The tender loving touches, exchanged between lovers, form the basis of any loving and sexual relationship. However, few couples take time to caress their partner, or to be caressed, and to reconnect with their sensuality.

Loving caresses arouse desire, excite the senses or soothe passion, so why not take advantage of the wide range of massage products available. "Dry" massage is more difficult and less enjoyable for both the masseur and the person being massaged and the use of oils and other products can help create new sensations. Each product will feel different and produce different sensations. Why not test them all and discover which ones you like best?

Massage products for a more varied experience

Scented massage oils: these are very nice to use and are good if you want a gentle, enveloping massage. You can buy ready-mixed aromatic oils or you can create your own by choosing a neutral base oil and then adding a few drops of essential oils such as orange, jasmine, basil, lavender, ylang-ylang (available from beauticians and natural food stores), depending on individual preferences. You may prefer a lightly scented oil (sweet almond oil, or apricot kernel oil) or Manoi oil, which has a strong tropical smell and is excellent for hydrating the skin. It can be purchased from perfume shops or even pharmacies. But a word of advice: even if the oils don't stain, you should put a towel underneath the person you're massaging; and wipe yourself afterwards unless you want to spend your time slipping and sliding over the place. And er, don't try an oil massage with your tongue!
Talc: it's simple, it smells fresh - just like a baby - and you can safely apply it all over. It has a silky feel and is good if you like a very gentle and sensual massage.

Body milk: this gives a rather different massage, one that is lighter and smoother.
Choose a range of your favourite perfumes and surrender yourself to the wonderful, new sensations. Another good thing about body milk is that it's excellent for treating and hydrating the skin.

Classic and alternative massage accessories

You can work wonders on a body using just your hands and ten fingers. However, if you want to make your massage a more sensual experience you can also use your hair, arms, breasts and genitals - all that's needed is a little imagination.

You can also use feathers or small wooden or plastic accessories specifically made for massage; there's a whole range of products that you can buy from perfume or health food shops or shops that manufacture natural objects.

Creating the right atmosphere

A bit of restraint is called for if the massage is to be relaxing and enjoyable. Subdued lighting (no bright lights), scented candles and a couch or comfortable sofa bed, plush
towels, soft music (classic, Indian or relaxing sounds of the sea and the wind). Make sure that the room is not too cool or the person being massaged could get catch a chill.

Therapeutic massage

Massage can be included as part of couple counselling, helping partners to rediscover intimacy and sensuality rather than sexuality. "In certain cases, we suggest that our patients try to rediscover each other though touch; if either partner is experiencing a loss of libido, if their sex lives have stagnated or if the man is suffering from premature ejaculation, for example, " explains sexologist Marie-Hélène Colson.

"This bodily contact helps to rebuild intimacy, reactivates sensuality and re-establishes communication. "To help them with this, we encourage them to use their imagination and to be as tactful as possible; but we also advise on products and accessories, such as oils or small pieces of massage equipment."

Isabelle Delaleu

Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo

Posted 30.06.2010

Get more on this subject…