The sensual massage has long been a favorite form of erotic allure. A prelude to sex for many, its soothing nature, calming effects, and luscious thrills can cause us become increasingly relaxed, feel our circulation improving, and find ourselves aglow with the benefits of loving touch. While positive touch of any kind can reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance our energy levels, the sensual-turned-erotic massage in particular gets us geared up for sex, increasing the concentration and stamina vital to marathon lovemaking sessions. This is especially true when this sensual seduction is well planned. So to make sure that you and your partner relish everything an erotic massage has to offer, be sure to adhere to the following before even laying a hand on your sweet...

Timing is Everything
Make sure that you have ample time for a massage, striving for a minimum of 45 minutes. Neither of you will want to rush an experience that should involve basking in the afterglow, and anything second rate is likely to only leave your lover hanging – something you want to avoid at all costs. Furthermore, aim for timeframes free of interruptions. Cut off all communication with the outside world by turning off all phones, pagers, computers… basically any form of technology that can pierce your peaceful environment with an annoying noise. Additionally, send the kids to a sitter and put away your pets – just for a couple of hours – or post a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. Putting aside the time to be good to yourselves should be a priority, and it’s okay to let the rest of the world know that you need some time alone.

Like Sleeping on a Cloud
The best massage is done on a firm, sturdy, comfortable surface, covered with towels, blankets, and/or sheets – and this may not be your bed. Depending on your home environment, consider a cushy rug topped with large, flat pillows, or your dining room table, or a nice, carpeted floor with thick blankets for support. And no matter what, make sure that the space you’re using is approximately 72 degrees in temperature. You don’t want your lover to be too hot or too cold during the massage, and 72 is a comfortable temperature for many people.

Stimulate All of the Senses
While your lover will feel amazing during the massage from your touch alone, tap into every sense in making this seduction even more enamoring. Make your partner feel like s/he is getting a four-star treatment, starting with warm slippers and a plush bathrobe for use before and after the massage. Offer your love a cup of herbal tea beforehand to calm any nerves, and a glass of mineral water afterwards to help clear out any toxins loosened during the massage. Stimulate your partner with aural aphrodisiacs, based on preferred listening pleasures. New age, world music, sounds of nature, and romantic ballads are amongst lovers’ favorites in complimenting the mood of a massage. For aromatic smells, burn jasmine, rose, or sandalwood incense, or cedarwood, wintergreen or ylang ylang essential oils for even more of an aphrodisiac effect. And lastly, for the eyes, beautify the space. More than anything, enhance the ambiance of your space, as this is essential in setting the mood you’re after. Strive for a space that is quiet, private, roomy, cozy, well-ventilated, and tidy. One of the best ways to further capture a sensual mood is to lower the lights, and to eliminate light sources that may be overpowering, like an overhead fixture or window. Next, add pleasing lights, like candles, to give the space a warmer feel and glow. Furthermore, add flowers, pretty pillows, or artsy items (these don’t have to be expensive) like posters, to the space, to give the space a positive vibe.

Must Haves
No matter what, you will need at least one towel to catch any spills, and oil for your massage. Almost any oil is good as long as it’s not petroleum-based or corn oil. Carrier oils, like those around your house, e.g., vegetable and sunflower, are fine, but higher end carrier oils may make for a more sensuous experience. Some delightful oils are coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E oil. Apricot kernel or sweet almond oil is also great for the face, especially in avoiding break outs. Once you have your oil, heat it in a pot of warm water for about 20 minutes, adding an essential oil of your choice for fragrance, to further relax or energize your lover. Then, when you apply it, make sure that your hands are warm, and pour just enough of the heated oil to cover the hollow of your hand.

Massage Extras
In caressing, rubbing, tickling, dragging, pressing, or teasing your lover’s skin, you have lots of enhancements to choose from, depending on your preferred sensation. Textured objects, like a loofah sponge, help to stimulate the blood flow. Feathers of any kind can have a soft, calming effect. A soft-tipped hair brush can provoke the body’s nerve endings. A variety of fabrics, like velvet, satin, suede, cotton plush, fake fur, silk, nylon, and cashmere, can result in a myriad of sensations, depending on what you’re after. Furthermore, pressure point, roller, claw, and vibrating toys are all wonderful extras for working out tight areas, and providing more stimulation to areas with a great deal of flesh or thick muscles.

Be Presentable
Make sure you have the hands and elbows of a master massage therapist, buffing these body parts so that they are baby smooth. Additionally, keep your nails trim and clean, free of hangnails, and make sure that you are well shaven. Basically, pay attention to any body part that you might be working with during the massage, which may also include your feet, chin, or forearm. Lastly, consider well your attire for the evening. Will you be in the buff? In barely there lingerie or briefs? Or in a silky, crimson robe? Your look will say a lot about you, your mood, and your intentions.

Stay Relaxed
Your lover will pick up on your energy, so make sure that you’ve let go of any tension before applying touch. You can do this by listening to lovely music, taking deep breaths, meditating, or sipping on soothing tea. Finally, go into the massage emanating warmth and relaxation, being inviting, caressing, and gentle in your touch and tone. Don’t talk too much – simply let the moment you’ve created say all that it needs to. If you’ve followed all of the tips above, it will be saying quite a lot.