There aren’t many things that are indulgent and good for you but a massage is one of them!  A good massage will help you relax and release tension.  Plus, new studies have shown that it can help boost your immune system and help regulate high blood pressure!

Why not give your spouse the gift of relaxation this Valentine’s Day?  Go grab your partner and follow these simple to follow tips from Josie Feria, the Director of Operations at Lapis Spa, and your skills can revival the pros.  Just so you’re aware, I’ve added my two cents in {brackets} below.  Enjoy!!

Environment; Set the Ambiance:

• – Lower lights.
• – {Clean the room where you’ll give the massage. It’s hard to relax surrounded by clutter.}
• – Light candles {Tea lights are a great, cheap option}.
• – Warm the room to a comfortable 72 degrees.
• – Burn a fragrant candle or incense.
• – {Relaxing music turned down low could be nice.  Something instrumental that you can’t hum along to would be my pick.}

Props:

• – Use a pillow {or two} as a bolster to prop up the legs.
• – Oil for massage – use a carrier oil like almond, avocado or grape seed oil and add a few drops of essential aromatherapy oil. {Bath & Body Works sells a great line of aromatherapy massage oils}
• – Two hand towels heated in the microwave.

Massage Technique:

• – {Apply oil to hands after warming the oil in bowl of hot water}
• – Slow rhythmic movements done in a series will produce a sense of relaxation and nurturing.
• – Starting on the back left side use long and consistent strokes (effleurage).   Begin at waist and move up to the shoulder – do this 6 / 9 times with sufficient pressure to stimulate circulation and bring a rosy tone to the surface of the skin.
• – Move to shoulder and perform slow, rhythmic kneading and rolling motion on the shoulder and the neck with emphasis on muscle from neck to shoulder which undergoes a lot of strain due to office work and bad posture.
• – Be consistent by counting the number of strokes you use in each area and varying the pressure as you sense the tissue becoming more relaxed under your hands.
• – Reapply oil as needed to maintain slip and movement of the hands.
• – Continue to right side and repeat entire process.
• – End the work on the back using both hands in sweeping upward motion through middle of back to nape of neck.  Apply pressure to the spinal column – gently with both thumbs.
• – Now on to the scalp/head massage – this is important to massage as the scalp and face hold a lot of stress
• – Turn guest over and place a rolled hand towel – heated in your microwave wave under the neck and one (not rolled) under the back to give warmth and further relax – proceed to add a small amount of oil to your hands and perform a scalp massage {I wouldn’t want oil on my head so ask your partner before doing this} by using thumb to apply pressure to temple- center of head and the bridge under the eyes – use the counting method to remain consistent in strokes.

I know that gifts should be given without any expectation of one in return but hopefully your spouse will be so appreciative of your efforts that he’ll return the favor at a later time.  Don’t expect it right away though because you’ve just made him completely relaxed.