How to Massage Like a Pro

The secrets of giving an erotic massage that will blow her mind

By Sarah Fielding

What's the trick to giving a mind-blowing, erotically charged massage? We asked some professionals to share their secrets so that you can rub your partner the right way.

The Benefits of Erotic Massage
When sex is not on the agenda an erotic massage can be the next best thing. Not only does it create a heightened sexual response through what is essentially an extended period of foreplay, but it provides lovers with a relatively safe, skin-to-skin alternative to intercourse. And, of course, the experience can be taken to a higher level of arousal by incorporating fantasy or role-playing scenarios.

How to Set the Scene
Switch off your mobile phone; light some candles; put on some sexy, soothing music; and gather massage oils, lubricant, sex toys and tissues. Cover your massage surface -- bed or massage table -- with a clean sheet and have clean towels handy (though not your best linen, as massage oil can stain).

Let's Begin
"It's nice if we start off with a shower," says Krystal, an erotic masseuse, adding that the heat and steam help loosen up any overworked muscles. "Once you've both toweled off, ask them to lay face down on the bed or massage table. You should both be naked for the massage," she adds.

Begin by lightly stroking her body with your fingertips. Start with the back, moving to the shoulders, upper arms and all the way down to her wrists. Then move to the buttocks, following the line of the leg down the thighs and to the calves.

A Deeper Rub
Pour a liberal amount of massage oil onto your hands and rub them together to warm the oil. Then begin massaging her back with long, deep strokes, using your body weight to lean into each stroke. "Ask your partner how they're enjoying the massage. Get them to tell you what they like, or if it's too light or too hard," says Krystal.

Keeping your hands in constant contact with her, you should then work your way across her shoulders and down her arms, before moving to the lower body. "The buttocks is a place where many people hold a lot of tension, so give this area some firm attention before moving down the length of the legs, using long, deep strokes," says Vicki, a remedial and sports masseuse.

Front On
After you've worked the whole back of the body in this way, ask her to roll onto her back. Begin working on the chest area -- this means lightly caressing nipples and breasts. "The breasts and genitals aren't touched during a therapeutic massage, but may be during a sensual massage," says Vicki, adding that "massaging the abdomen can be uncomfortable and is not recommended."

Skim your fingertips lightly over her belly and head down toward the thighs, brushing your fingers over her genitals on the way. Glide up and down the length of the leg and then linger ever so slightly at the pubic region.

Genital Massage
Rubbing your lover the right way requires constant communication. When giving a sensual massage, you should ask her how she is feeling; you can also tell her how her body feels to you.

Apply a small amount of massage oil to your palms and rub together. Massage the entire visible area of the genitals with deep, wide strokes. Then apply some water-based lubricant to your fingers and begin to gently explore and massage the clitoris -- a soft, rhythmic circling motion works well for most women. You may use your free hand to keep in touch with the rest of her body, stroking her stomach, breasts and face as appropriate.

Once you've established a pleasing rhythm, she may find vaginal penetration particularly satisfying, and this combined with the clitoral massage usually results in orgasm. Ask her before proceeding with vaginal stimulation; once you have the go ahead, this may be achieved through the use of well-lubricated fingers or a suitably sized -- and lubed -- sex toy.

All techniques require the use of liberal amounts of massage oil or lube and, of course, check with her that the pressure and type of motion is satisfying. Then repeat until climax.

Finishing Touches
It is considered good erotic massage etiquette to wrap her in a warm, clean sheet or towel at the end of the massage. You might like to keep some water or even champagne handy -- giving and receiving a sensual massage is intense business and you and your lover will certainly work up a thirst. Then take a few moments to bask in the afterglow.