Give your best massage ever

When tensions mount and stress seeps into your life, your whole body reacts, often starting with tight muscles in your neck and shoulders and continuing south through your back and legs.

A massage is a great way to relieve physical stress, improve circulation and ease pain. But you don't have to wait until your body rebels before seeking out the therapeutic benefits of massage. Even when you're in top form, a massage is a soothing and intimate activity you can share with your partner. Treat your sweetie to a relaxing, romantic massage that'll melt stress -- and feel fantastic.

Holly Boda, a licensed massage therapist and aesthetician at the nReagan Spa at the Delray Beach Marriott Hotel in Florida, is an expert when it comes to working magic with her fingers. Here, she lets you in on the secrets to sensual, satisfying massages.

Allot adequate time
Before giving your loved one a massage, Boda stresses the importance of setting aside a specific period of time with no interruptions. This way, you can focus on your task without worrying about anything else. Unplug the phone for an hour and turn off all electronic devices like your cellphone and BlackBerry.

Set the mood
"I would start by turning off the lights and lighting some warm, scented candles," advises Boda. Then, choose a massage oil that'll ease your partner's muscles. Which ones work best? "Ones that last!" says Boda. She warns that creams or lotions from home don't last throughout a massage. "You can mix some oil into creams or lotions to prolong their usage, or you can pick up some massage cream or oil at a spa," she says. Next step: Choose a scent. Boda recommends lavender, which is calming and relaxing, or eucalyptus and peppermint, which are stimulating.

If you want to create ambience with music, choose something that you both enjoy and that will soothe the senses. Try Siempre by Il Divo, Duets: An American Classic by Tony Bennett or Leonard Bernstein Great Performances; all are perfect for adding a dash of romance to the experience.

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Technique tips
Ready to give your sweetie an unforgettable massage? Here's how to get started. If you have a massage table, use it. But if you don't, a bed will suffice. "I like to start sitting Indian-style at the head of the bed with a pillow placed on my lap," says Boda. "Starting face up, lying on his back, I'll get him relaxed with pressure points on the temples. I'll start by closing my eyes and bringing myself down into a deep state of relaxation while slowly breathing and pressing on his temples." Boda says this is a slow process but your partner will feel your energy and will quickly melt into a relaxed state with you.

"I then proceed to massage the face, scalp, and neck for about 20 minutes," she explains. "Then, have him slowly turn over and massage his back for about another 20 minutes. When you are through with that, you can end the massage with light, gentle strokes up the back, lingering on the scalp and ending with pressure points on the temples."

Massage dos and don'ts
For an amateur masseuse, Boda offers up the following dos and don'ts that'll ensure both you and your partner get the most out of the at-home massage experience:

Do what feels most comfortable for your and your partner. "Effleurage, which is a long, smooth stroke, works well on most areas of the body," recommends Boda. "Reflexology, which is pressure points on the hands and feet, is really great to relax the entire body as well."

Do pay attention to what your partner likes. Pay attention to the areas they want you to focus the massage on and stay away from areas they don't want touched.

Don't massage over bones. "This is the mistake most people make who are not professionally trained," says Boda. "Massage the muscles and tissues, not bones!"

Don't go too deep. If you're not professionally trained, Boda warns to not apply too much pressure. Instead, opt for slow but firm strokes.

Don't use a rough, scattered or fast touch. This isn't soothing and doesn't work well when trying to create a romantic and relaxing mood.

Creating the right atmosphere using candles, mood lighting and music is essential when planning an at-home massage. Whether you're the one giving the massage or the lucky recipient, the environment you create will help you both to feel calm and relaxed. So flex those fingers, get them limber and ignite the flames of passion this Valentine's Day.

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