Massage for Couples: Heal, Soothe, and Connect with the One You Love

Book has great simple techniques to start with. It's very informative.

A true professional write this

My husband spent a couple of decades in the military, and it took a toll on his body. He has a lot of aches and pains, and used to get regular massages to help keep him loose. However, since the Covid situation, he hasn't been able/willing to risk trying to get a massage (even though they're offering them now in our area), and doesn't think doing it with a mask will be comfortable for him anyway. His legs and shoulder ache particularly badly every night, and I try to massage him but I'm afraid of causing damage (he has circulatory issues in his legs). I ordered this book to help me understand some basic techniques I can use to help him (and not hurt him worse). It's a VERY basic book...it goes through the main types of massage and the benefits for each (ie deep tissue, swedish, ayurvedic). It does give some general advice for how to deal with certain types of issues. It's probably nothing I couldn't have found on a YouTube video, but I like having the book right next to me when trying the techniques. I picked up a couple of good methods that help his shoulder--the fascia massage especially--and have learned to give him a great foot massage. I'm still a bit hesitant with his calves because of his tendency to get clots, but I do the sweeping strokes recommended that help move fluid back up into the legs, and it seems to help him. He used to wake every night about 2 am with "jimmy legs"--aka Restless Leg Syndrome, I think--but now I use some Camellia oil and give him a good 30 minute foot and leg massage (sometimes adding Voltaren if he's in a particularly bad way) and he has been sleeping through the night without cramps or spasms. In this way, it has really helped us, especially because I now feel more confident that I won't hurt him. I do wish there was a bit more detail for specific issues, like when someone has circulatory or skin issues (I have eczema and neuropathy, so a massage will inevitably cause me pain and make me break out in hives just from the friction unless someone really knows how to deal with sensitive skin and nerve pain--not easy to find!) and I wish there was an entire "session" layed out (like what you'd get if you went to a masseuse for a 60 minute Swedish) just to help me pull all of the various techniques together. Overall, though, I'm happy with this book, and I keep it next to my bed in case my husband has a backache one night or a shoulder another because the author gives really good suggestions for how to deal with each one.

Great quality narratives. Opens up the mind.

Very well written and educational. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I feel confident in recommending this book to my clients who want to practice massage techniques at home together. What a great resource to deepen a loving bond by providing your partner with nurturing touch. I bought two copies. One for myself and one for a recently wedding couple who are clients. They loved it. They couldn't believe how easy it was to follow at home. Thank you so much Ashley for providing me with a perfect gift to newlyweds.

This book gives the basics of a bunch of different styles of massage as well as techniques and suggests different moves for the whole body. My partner and I can spend an hour just massaging each other's backs and necks when using all the suggestions. If you already know a little about massage this is probably not the book for you but if you're just starting out it will give you enough to figure out what you like and give a great massage.

I’m a total newbie and I found it great! Some historical perspective and health benefits as well as beautiful drawings showing how to massage using different techniques. But I’d say there’s a lot to learn from this book as it has different techniques and different body areas and different issues discussed throughout. Have it as a Valentine’s Day gift and it was great!!

The Massage for Couples book could be called Massage for Beginners and Couples. Its focus is on helping one get started in a non-professional environment with massage for friends, partners, and spouses. It has three parts: 1) The Power of Touch (Ch. 1 Healing, Vitality and Connection and Ch. 2 Love and Intimacy) 2) Build Your Skills (Ch. 3 Wisdom in your hands, Ch. 4 Stroke Techniques, & Ch. 5 Traditions and Methods 3) Let The Massage Begin (Ch. 6 The Whole Body Awaits, and Ch. 7 A Massage for All Reasons The book is written in simple, easy to understand language, with simple, easy to follow directions. Overall, a great beginner's book. If you're new to massage, or haven't experienced a professional massage, this is a great place to start. I'd recommend reading this book, trying out the things that appeal to you, then going to your favorite masseuse for any follow-on questions or training! P.S. I used to have 70-90 minute massages weekly, and enjoyed some of the very best Lomi Lomi that Hawaii has to offer!

Love it!!! I will definitely try it with my partner! I'm so excited 😊 my partner always has an aching body so this will help alot. Thankssss

Very simple to follow.

Good

Basic