Massage is a great tool for relaxation, pain relief, easing muscle tension and—best of all—connecting with your partner! But, do you know what your partner enjoys or what makes for the best massage lotion? We have four easy ways YOU can up your massage game.

Level Up Massage Tip #1: Take Your Time & Set the Mood

Most often, massage involves using different pressures, movements, and techniques to manipulate muscles and soft tissues. And, as many of you may know, massage can also be used as a part of foreplay.

When people in an intimate relationship use touch as a way to stimulate and communicate it can be very sensual. Start slow and steer clear of erogenous areas. Take your time and focus on areas such as the shoulders and back. This will allow your partner time to relax and get into a more mellow state of mind.

Make your massage motions long and tender—convey your seductive message with your hands.

Massage can be a luxurious foreplay experience. Dim the lights, play gentle music, and run your hands under warm water to ensure a comfortable touch. It’s also recommended to gently heat your massage lotion or oil in warm water to help muscles relax.

Once your partner is truly relaxed and in the moment, this is your cue to allow your hands to further explore more sensitive areas.

Level Up Massage Tip #2: Use Gravity

Sure, it’s normal for your hands and arms to get a bit tired when giving a massage. But there are techniques that may be helpful.

Have your partner sit in a chair and on a pillow on the floor and place yourself behind them where your arms are in a more natural, comfortable position and less likely to become tired quickly.

Your partner can also lie down comfortably, and you could try sitting on their buttocks. This position also allows for you to press into your hands with your upper body, which may help relieve pressure on your forearms.

Obviously, the bed is a great place for a massage since it can easily lead from foreplay to sex play. But comfort for you and your partner is key.

And don’t worry about your grip. Focus on your touch and conveying your feelings through your fingers.

Remember, touch is important. An intimate massage is not the same as a therapeutic massage. When performing an intimate massage, don’t put pressure on perfecting your technique. Just go with the flow and enjoy the bonding experience with your partner.

Level Up Massage Tip #3: Communication

Sometimes we’re inside our own head and what we think our partner may enjoy is not pleasing for them. In the case of massage, just like other forms of sexual intimacy, communication can be extremely beneficial.

Ask if the pressure feels good. Ask if your partner prefers you keeping your fingers together, or separate, or if the palm of your hand pressing down feels the best. And just like in a therapeutic massage, asking about pressure on a scale of 1-to-10 can be helpful.

It can be better to ask a few questions along your massage journey to make sure the experience is pleasing for your partner. Everyone is unique and can have preferences for the way they are touched.

Level Up Massage Tip #4: Use Massage Lotion

Nothing can kill the romantic, sensual mood quicker than a pinch or a pull—ouch!

Now, some people prefer massage oil. But oil in general is partial to staining and can cause a mess. I recommend using lotions, potions, and creams that are made for intimate massage, since many times sex is exactly where these massages lead.I have a couple of specific recommendations to share. First up is Desire by Swiss Navy’s Massage Cream with Lavender.

This massage cream has a skin-nourishing richness that’s perfect for setting your intimate massage mood. This is a decadent cream with a lovely lavender scent sets a romantic ambiance while allowing for a lengthy massage without the need for frequent reapplication.

Next, check out 4-in-1 Playful Flavors. These are multi-use wonders that have four purposes in one formula—massage, intimate lubrication, warming, and excellent for oral play.

While 4-in-1 Playful Flavors can playfully inspire your massage-worthy moments with a fluid, effortless glide, it can elevate your intimate massages with its ability to warm up. There is an active ingredient that can add the element of heat to your sexy encounters creates a naturally “hot” sensation-play experience. And it’s good to remember that warmth is comfortable, relaxing, and incredibly sensual, which may appeal to your partner.

Again, since there are scents that can affect a person’s mood, I encourage communicating with your partner to learn their likes and dislikes when it comes to fragrances and flavors.

Massage is Healthy

The Cleveland Clinic touts several health benefits for massage. In addition to lessening muscle tension, massage has been reported to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep.

Massage also increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are “happy hormones” that promote mental well-being. Specifically, dopamine produces pleasant sensations and serotonin has been found to increase happiness by alleviating depression.

These are just a few more reasons why learning to level up your massage game may be helpful to your relationship and your partner in more ways than you can imagine.

Swiss Navy is Here to Help

• For more information on how lube can help your sex life, visit ‘Lube Really Does Improve Your Love Life’.
• To learn more ways to use lubricants, visit 'Your Lube Bucket List: 5 New Things For YOU To Try!’.
• To incorporate wellness into your intimate lifestyle, visit ‘7 Reasons Why
  Lube should be a part of Your Wellness Routine’.

Please remember to check back often as new blogs are posted with lots of helpful information and wellness tips addressing your own intimate concerns.