A Valentine’s Day Massage Guide for Couples
Want to make your partner feel loved this Valentine’s Day? Here’s a DIY Valentine’s Day massage guide from a licensed massage therapist that will help you show your appreciation and love with the gift of a therapeutic massage.
Valentine’s Day is all about you and your significant other, so planning a one-on-one quality time is essential. A relaxing massage is not only a good way to be together but also a way to make your significant other feel special.
Couple together indoors. One giving a shoulder massage while other on computer.
1. Gift Certificate for a Professional Massage
Often hiring a professional to do the job is the best way to go with just about anything. Massage therapy is no different. Massage therapists have the training to provide therapeutic massage that can relieve pain and reduce stress. They know which muscles to work, areas that need to be avoided, and how to create a relaxing atmosphere. So if you didn’t have time to learn massage techniques or lack proper equipment, a gift certificate for a massage is still an amazing gift. If you’re worried about choosing the right massage therapist, I recommend you ask around. There are bound to be friends and family who already have a massage therapist that they have tried and are happy to recommend. Just make sure you book in advance since Valentine’s Day can be a busy time for massage therapists.
If you do not have a friend that can recommend a massage therapist, be sure to check their reviews online then the state massage board website to make sure the therapist is licensed.
If you are looking for a discounted massage, look for massage schools in your area. They may offer reduced prices for student massages. You may even be able to book an appointment together for a couples massage.
With all of this being said, some people are not comfortable getting massages from strangers, which is perfectly fine. Everyone has different boundaries, and your apartment may prefer that you provide the massage. Providing your partner with positive touch, massage, and quality time may be just what they want from you. And you should ask them if it is okay to give them a massage – because boundaries are real and important in any relationship.
Here are some tips on how to create a therapeutic massage experience your partner will not forget.
2. Massage Table
A whole massage table? Hear me out, this isn’t just for one Valentine’s Day, this is for many relaxing and therapeutic massage sessions. Think of it as an investment in your relationship. If you have a massage table you can have a massage anytime you want, and you won’t need to book an appointment either. Giving each other massages is a great way to get closer and bond.
I recommend the Saloniture Professional Portable Massage Table because it is made out of great quality materials and is fairly easy to store. This means you don’t have to dedicate too much space in your home for it, it even comes with a carrying case, so you can easily pack it up and move it to storage. It is a lightweight and yet sturdy massage table that is comfortable to lay on.
3. Lotion
A good quality lotion plays just an important part in a massage session as a good quality table. Sure, you could be tempted to use your standard lotions from Bath and Body Works, but they are not going to stay workable for long. Professional massage lotions last a long time during the massage and really help you work the muscles.
Bon Vital’ Deep Tissue Massage Crème is an affordable yet luxuriously thick massage lotion. It has a slight lemon and sage fragrance that helps in calming you down. It provides more drag and friction as well as a better grip, so you can really work the muscles.
If you are looking for aromatherapy, the O’Linear Anxiety Relief Essential Oil Blend is created to help you relax and relieve some stress. The Naturally Lovable Oil Blend from Now Essential Oils is also a great option. It has a sweet floral citrus fragrance and contains lemon oil, sandalwood blend, Jasmine Absolute blend, and Orange oil.
4. Sheets
Good quality sheets are also key in making the massage session enjoyable. If your partner is cold and uncomfortable, they won’t be able to completely relax their muscles. Warm, flannel sheets are designed to keep them comfortable, cozy, and most importantly relaxed. You can also add a blanket if it’s a bit chilly or just to add a little weight for your loved one. Saloniture Flannel Massage Table Sheet Set is affordable and available in 10 different colors, plus they come with a face cradle cover, so you’ll have a complete matching set.
5. Music
Good music can create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. I play Spa Music Collection 2: Relaxing Music for Spa, and it works wonders. You can play your own tunes as well, maybe your partner likes smooth jazz or just the sound of rain, whatever makes them relax and be stress-free is great.
6. Massage Gun
If you’re not a professional massage therapist, chances are your hands will get tired eventually, for those times, a massage gun would come in real handy. Try out the Cryotex Massage Gun, it’s a bit on the expensive side, but I’ve personally used it, and it works beautifully. It comes with six different heads that target different muscle groups, and there are twenty different speed options available.
The Theragun Prime has the best handle ever. If your hands are getting tired, the economic grip on this massage gun is designed to put minimal stress on your wrists and hands. It also comes with a smart application that allows you to run wellness routines. Overall, it’s a great experience and is very light on the hands, I have used it extensively myself and can only sing praises of how comfortable it is to use. Also, thanks to its brushless motor that delivers great deep muscle treatment, it is going to make your partner very happy.
This tool will not only help you deliver a wonderful Valentine’s day massage, but will come in handy for years to come.
7. Education
Massage comes to some people naturally. If you have no massage technique skills, here’s a YouTube video I recommend to beginners about giving the perfect back massage at home.
Enjoy Your Valentine’s Day Massage!
These were a few ideas that would make your DIY Valentine’s Day Massage a hit with your partner. Remember to take things slow, get properly acquainted with the techniques, and ask your partner what they’d prefer. Different people have different sensitive spots, so clear communication can yield wonderful results on and off the table. Enjoy your day celebrating your love for each other!
Looking for Christmas massage ideas? Check out my Christmas Massage Gift Guide!
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click on links in this article and make purchases. However, this does not impact any of the reviews and comparisons. I only provide links to products I have used and recommend to others.
Recover Fun Plus Massage Gun Review
Everywhere you look right now, someone is selling a percussion massage gun. The choices available today are overwhelming. Do I buy the $400, $150, or the $35 dollar one? There are ones will three speeds and twenty attachments. Many look the same and it can be tricky for consumers to choose one that is right for them.
Which one do you really need? Which is best for you? Today, I am going to share one that may fit your health and budget needs.
Recover Fun sent me a new massage gun to try, their Recover Fun Plus massage gun. Recover fun massage gun had some different features that looked interesting, so I agreed to check it out and provide my honest review.
A reminder, this is the “Plus” version, which is an upgraded version of the Recoverfun percussion massage devices family,
The “Plus” has a longer stroke length, more power, a larger battery capacity, and a sturdier metal shell compared to the Recover fun T5. Are these upgrades worth it?
[Read More…]
Music In the Massage Room
Hi Everyone! As with anything in the massage community, there always seems to be a fair amount of misinformation spread between colleagues. After my post about some of my favorite tunes to play in the massage room, Mik from TunePocket contacted me about writing a post about legally playing music in a business location for commercial purposes, such as a massage room or spa. I am not a lawyer, and Mik says he isn’t either, but this is an area he knows a lot more about than I do. So, here are some things he wanted to share with our community.
When it comes to using music for commercial purposes, many business owners feel confused. In this post, I will explain what you need to legally play music in your place of business.
Can I play any music in my place of business, massage room, or spa?
If you use music to support or enhance any commercial activity, like a spa or a massage, there is a good chance you may need a special music license. These licenses are called “music performance licenses” and you can get one from one of the performance rights organizations (PROs), like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC.
Do I always need to get the license?
Even if you legally purchased all the music you use (or have a paid subscription to a streaming service like Spotify or Apply Music), playing music in your place of business still may require the performance license.
The reason for this is that any music you purchase or stream from a music store is owned by someone (a musician, a record label, and so on).
When you use their music to help your business and presumably to make more money that’s considered commercial use. That’s why the copyright law dictates that the music owners must be compensated if you use their music commercially.
As with any law, it’s best to follow the rules. The fines for violating copyright laws are notoriously steep and may range from $750 to $150,000 per infraction.
At this point, you probably think that you should stop using music for good. Here is some good news. The US copyright law provides exceptions that can help small entrepreneurs.
You may not need the performance license if your place of business satisfies any of the following conditions:
1. The music is played quietly in an area designated exclusively for the employees.
2. The music is only played through a small radio or television (like those people use at home) and the broadcaster determines which music is played.
3. Your place of business is below 2,000 sq. feet.
4. You don’t charge any admission fees to let people enter your establishment.
(Source: The Palo Alto Legal Bar Association)
Disclaimer: Please note I’m not a lawyer and this can not be considered legal advice. Consult a qualified legal professional in your area to make sure you qualify for any of the above exemptions.
Is there any music I can legally play in my massage room without a license?
Don’t feel like paying a lawyer for a consultation? There is still music you can safely use without having to worry about the license.
1. Music that isn’t under copyright. In the United States, music published before 1926, is generally considered public domain.
2. Music created by musicians and composers who are not affiliated with a PRO. PROs can only collect royalties on behalf of their members.
At TunePocket we offer a large collection of relaxing royalty-free music created by non-affiliated composers. That music will work great as background music during a massage or in a spa without the need to purchase any additional licenses.
About the author
Hi, I’m Mik, a music composer at TunePocket, a great place to get music for all kinds of commercial use. I will be happy to answer your questions. Contact Mik here or via TunePocket’s contact form.
Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager Review
NAIPO contacted me again about reviewing another one of their products. This time, I asked them to choose one, and they send me their Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager.
I am always honest about what I like and do not like about a massage product. But, also, I understand that there are tools I do not like that may be perfect for someone else. Here are some details about the Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager and some things I liked and did not like.
What is it?
This is a cordless percussion massage tool, but it is not a percussion massage gun. And it is not trying to be one. Percussion massage guns are incredibly powerful massage tools. If you are looking for something like a massage gun, but with less intensity, this may be the massage tool you are looking for.
More about percussion massage tools
Like a massage gun, this product uses percussion to massage an area. Percussion means that the tool will hit or strike the body. The massage heads do not go round and round, meaning this tool will not knead your muscles. If you are looking for something that will knead, check this excellent product by NAIPO, the oPillow. It is honestly one of my favorite massage tools.
What I liked
First of all, this tool is incredibly easy to use. Pick an attachment and press the power button. Done.
5 Unique Attachments
The attachments are atypical of a percussion massage gun. There is a curved attachment for forearms or calves, a prong attachment for knee massage, one for specific “trigger” points, and two more multipurpose massage attachments.
Different Modes
This tool does not just use steady percussion, but a few different pulse modes. And each mode has Different speeds
Automatic shut-off
I appreciate this feature because I have a tendency to leave massage tools on too long and overwork an area and regret it the next day. You can over-massage an area, and it isn’t fun.
Long Handle
This is one of the best things about this tool. The 15-inch handle allows for a person to massage difficult areas to reach. If you have shoulder/arm mobility issues, you may be able to reach all areas of the back yourself. If you have ever tried to massage gun your own back or between your shoulder blades, you know it feels awkward and is actually really difficult to do.
The handle is also about half the diameter of my massage guns, making it handheld massager easier to grasp.
Light
This tool is lighter than a massage gun, weighing 800g or 1.7 lbs.
Gentle
The handheld massager is gentle enough that you can safely use on the neck, unlike massage guns.
Quiet
It is much quieter than a percussion massage gun.
What can it be used for?
- Back pain
- Shoulder/neck pain
- Leg/knee pain
- Foot pain
- Arm pain
What I did not like
There was only one thing. It is not a massage gun and that is what I kept comparing it to. I prefer the deeper pressure of a massage gun or the oPillow.
But this tool is not all about me. I understand not everyone wants or prefers a massage tool that makes them feel like they got worked over by a power tool.
This massage tool is absolutely more appropriate for many people that do not prefer intense pressure and would make an excellent gift for those who prefer less pressure. For example, I gave this to my 70+-year-old mom and she loved it. I checked out the reviews on Amazon and there were over 3000 reviews, and they were very positive.
Conclusion
So, if you are looking for something less powerful than a massage gun, or a gift for someone special, check the NAIPO handheld massage tool out (affiliate link). The price is lower than most massage guns. Currently, it is $36, or less with a coupon)
If talked you out of this tool and into something with more pressure, here is NAIPO’s percussion massage gun (affiliate link).
TENS Unit Massager Review
You may have used one at physical therapy, your chiropractor, or even your massage therapist’s office. You may be surprised to know that anyone can buy their own personal TENS unit for use at home. With the 2020 pandemic I have focused on reviewing massage tools anyone can use at home, such as the very popular percussion massage guns. Another massage tool that most people can safely and easily use at home for pain relief is a TENS unit massager.
Thank you to AUVON who sent me a free sample of their TENS massager. In today’s review, I will talk about the benefits of owning a personal TENS unit with a few more details on AUVON’s specific TENS unit.
What is a TENS Unit? How does a TENS unit work?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a small, battery-operated device to stimulate the nerves (which causes the muscles to contract and relax) for therapeutic purposes. You may also see a TENS unit generically called an Electronic Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, machine. They are different, but the AUVON does have TENS and EMS modes.
Why use one?
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
Those two benefits are enough for most people want their own. Pain relief and pain management is one of the most common reasons for health care visits. TENS untis have helped many get the relief they need.
For a small size (similar to a smartphone), the AUVON delivers an electrical stimulus to the muscles that can be gentle or strong and therapeutic. Here a few more things I like about the AUVON TENS unit.
[Read More…]
Eye Massager Review
This past year, with so many transitioning to online school, online jobs, and Zoom calls with family friends- our eyes have worked overtime and suffered. They are staring at screens more than ever. An eye massager might just be what you need to keep your eyes relax.
Your eyes have several muscles that surround them. They make finely detailed movements all day and night. And they are often neglected and difficult to relax. You cannot use typical massage tools on them or percussion massage guns . They really need their own special tool that is gentle and relaxing.
Not only have I worked as a massage therapist in a dimly lit room for years, but I also work online when I am not in the massage room. I have seen my eye doctor previously about having “tired eyes” or “eye fatigue”. While new prescription eyeglasses have relieved much of that complaint, I am always looking for additional ways to relax my eyes at the end of the day.
NBRelax was kind enough to send me a free sample of one of their products. I choose the eye massager for all of the reasons above. It has been a tough year on my eyes too. Here is what I thought about it.
RubBall: Vibrating Massage Ball
As I opened every Christmas guide this year, there was something I had never seen before- massage guns, so many massage guns (my most recent reviews are here and here). But, there was something else in the ads- a self-care tool that has recently gained popularity, the vibrating massage ball.
RubBall was kind enough to send me a sample. They quickly shipped me one and I have been using it over the last month. Like all other reviews, I ask family, friends, and clients to give it a try and provide feedback on things I may have missed. Here is what we liked and how you can make the most of this massage tool.
