6 TipsTo Give A Great Massage This Valentine's Day

Massage could just very well be the most luxurious gift to give to your loved one this Valentines Day, especially if it's coming from your own two hands. The benefits of massage seem endless : relaxing, sensual, allows you to connect with your mate at a much deeper level, paves way for more pleasurable experiences, and more.

In my honest opinion, as a massage therapist and professional massage teacher, there's a huge difference between a good massage and an AMAZING massage.

To help get you started with massage, here are a few tips to giving an amazing massage.

1) Speed - For a Valentines massage, the speed of your massage should be slow and lingering. One unique way is to try pace your partners breathing rate and massage at the same rhythm as their breathing. This is very powerful. You don't have to do it all the time, just every once in a while, it's good to try.

2) Depth of Touch - Pressure is one of the main differences between good and amazing. Certainly start off light and gradually increase the pressure. Always pay attention to the subtle clues that a person will give you as to the pressure. Squinting, tightening muscles, clenching the jaw are all an indication of too much pressure. Keep your touch light and that will help make way for further trust and deeper intimacy.

3) Being Consistent - Consistency with your speed, massage strokes and your pressure will help to create a better sense of trust. Your partner should be lulled into a tranquil space by being consistent. Trust is really the back bone of massage. Think of massage as gently allowing the body to relax.

4) Being Here Now - Paying attention to what you're doing and being FULLY PRESENT is critical when giving a great massage. People can tell when you're not The best way to be present is to notice your own body, hear what's around you, and look at your immediate surroundings. That will always bring you back should you drift off course.

5) Setting up the environment - Soft music, pleasant aromatherapy, candles, soft lighting, warm tempertures, maybe a fire, all help to set the mood. Flannel sheets (be careful the oil will stain), pillows and more are definitely helpful.

6) A few good massage techniques - Massage is an natural thing. It's one of the oldest healing art forms. But we've been able to figure some things out over the centuries. Learning a few key massage techniques will kick up your massage skills. One new technique could make the difference between good and amazing.

So besides flowers, chocolate or diamonds, ultimately it's YOU they want for Valentine's Day. Perhaps the real value of learning how to give an amazing massage is that's it's a gift that only gets better over the years to come.