Honor and Cherish through Couples Massage
by Christa Ojeda
So you’re about to say “I do” and promise to love, honor and cherish each other until death do you part. But today, you’re stressed out, or have a headache or feel tension in your neck and shoulders...how about honoring each other through massage?
Massage is a great way for couples to connect and build an awareness that can apply to many aspects of their lives together. It helps improve communication skills and intimacy. Remember how attentive you were to each other at the beginning of the relationship? Here’s a great way to keep that going throughout your marriage.
And there are other wonderful benefits to massage, too. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage can lower the heart rate and blood pressure, increase circulation of blood and lymph, relax the muscles, and heighten the body’s production of endorphins which fight pain.
If you think you don’t know the first thing about massage don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to learn some simple techniques without having to go through a certified training program.
Find a book
There are a lot of books out there that teach basic massage techniques. Do a search on Amazon.com or Half.com, go to your local bookstore or check one out of your library. I recommend ones with lots of pictures and easy to follow instructions. Don’t worry about learning complicated techniques ֖ leave that to the certified therapists something as simple as pressing the muscles between your fingers and palms feels wonderful and can alleviate all sorts of tension.
Try it out on yourself first
If you’re not sure what will feel good, try it on yourself first. For example, place your hands on your shoulders and press and knead in a manner that’s pleasing to you, then try it out on your partner. Chances are they’ll like it too ֖ but always ask just in case. Make sure you do what your partner finds pleasurable and then teach them what you like.
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