Massage should be a relaxing experience for both giver and receiver.It is an incredible way of breaking down walls that sometimes come between two people. Even couples of many years may find it difficult to touch one another without feeling self-conscious. Through massage you can overcome this. Here are a few massage techniques to help you along the way.

Effleurage - meaning "to skim over" or "to stroke". The rhythmic strokes allow your partner to become relaxed and familliar with your hands. Effleurage is performed with a flat hand and can be used on all areas of the body applying as much or as little preassure as desired.

Kneading - much like kneading dough the thumbs and fingers are used alternately to squeeze and release the flesh. This method works best on hips, thighs, and buttox. It can be performed slowly for relaxation or vigorously to revitalize.

Wringing - a technique that involves lifting the muscle away from the bone and moving it from side to side by simply grabbing it with your hands. Wringing should be used after muscles have been relaxed by using the Effleurage technique. Wringing is best used on the larger muscles like thighs and calves. It also works well on the sides of the waist.

Thumb Glides - The pads of the thumbs are used to stroke the area either up and down or back and forth. They are particularly good for locating areas of tension and for smoothing out knots and tight muscles. Thumb glides are generally used alongside the spine, top and bottom of your feet and forearms.

Thumb Circles - The pads of the thumbs are used to make small circles. This technique works well on the insides of the elbow and the girl of the knees.

Knuckling - Just the way it sounds. Create a loose fist and use your knuckles in either a straight or circular motion alternating your hands. Use this technique on thighs, girl and between shoulder blades.

Feathering and Stroking - Both techniques are used at the end of a massage because they are so relaxing. Stroking uses the whole length of the fingers whereas feathering uses only the tips. Feathering is used on the arms and legs and stroking can be used on the waist, abdomen and back. You may even want to use a real feather. For both techniques use both hands together or alternate in a rhythmic pattern.

Now that you know some of the basics have some fun. Keep in mind that you do not have to be a professional to give a good massage. After all it is just a form of touching and everyone loves to be touched. Though the form of massage you can break through isolation to communicate your love and affection to one another.