Keep the music softly playing in the background instead of turned up loud. You want the music to add to the experience, not take away from it.

If possible, turn the lights down low or off completely and work only by candlelight. You want the person receiving the massage to be so relaxed that they’re almost asleep by the end, so the darker it is the better!

Ideally, the person you’re massaging will be stripped down to their underwear (or wearing nothing at all). Use the towels to cover up any parts of the body that you aren’t working on so they feel safe and comfortable the entire time. If you’re massaging your partner, have them lie down on the bed. If you’re massaging a client, use a professional massage table.

When you’ve finished with the shoulders, use the press and release technique to massage along the neck, all the way to the hairline. Remember to keep your hands on either side of the spine. Now move around to stand in front of your client/partner’s head, so their shoulders are facing you. Make a fist with each hand, then rub the knuckles gently but firmly across the tops of the shoulders, to release any tension, Use your thumbs to press and release along the tops of the shoulders and up the back of the neck.

Keep in mind that not everyone likes having their feet touched, and some people are very ticklish. Ask your partner or client before you touch their feet!

Apply light pressure with both hands, smoothly stretching the skin. This technique is known as effleurage, and is a good way to ease into the massage. Cover the leg you just finished working on with a towel (to keep in heat) and repeat the massage on the other leg.

These areas tend to build up a lot of tension, so make sure to spend some time here. When you get to the upper back, have your partner/client bend their elbows so their shoulder blades stick out. This will give you better access to the muscle around the edge of the shoulder blades, which tends to harbor a lot of tension and knots. To work on the knots, use a thumb or single finger to press and release repeatedly around the problem area.

To massage the hands, take their hand in yours and massage the palm with your thumbs, using small circular motions. Then, take each finger in turn and slowly slide from the knuckles to the nail. Pull each finger firmly, but not so hard that you cause it to crack.

To finish the massage, use your fingertips to gently massage the temples, moving in slow circular motions. The temples are an important acupressure point, so this helps to relieve tension.

Jojoba and almond oils are also very effective and have a pleasant aroma. Try to warm the oil and your hands slightly before applying the oil to your partner/client’s skin. Cold oil/hands are not conducive to a relaxing massage! Or, put the oil bottle in warm water to warm it up. [12] X Expert Source Marty MoralesProfessional Massage Therapist Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.

Dedicate time to each individual body part, giving it your full care and attention, and keep your strokes long, smooth and slow.

Try to speak in a low, soothing voice to maintain the calm atmosphere.

Make sure to ask the person you’re massaging if they want you to work out their knots. This can be a little uncomfortable, and some people might not want that during a relaxing massage.

Besides, it is the muscles you really need to work on, as this is where the most tension collects. Stick to the muscles and you can’t go wrong!