Couples and singles alike can find an opportunity to relax, unwind and treat themselves or a loved one to the gift of therapeutic touch this Valentine’s Day. Spend the afternoon in a day spa, share back rubs at home, or try a new style of bodywork!
Valentine’s Day Ideas for the Couple
Some massage therapists and bodywork practitioners offer special menu items for the month of February. Delicious massages with the scent of chocolate and a red rose are featured on some lists. Day spas and wellness centers might offer a session for couples massage or bodywork – two practitioners working simultaneously on two clients in the same room.
When planning to incorporate massage or bodywork into a romantic day the client should consider these points:
- Location – a busy day spa will require booking well in advance, a quieter private practice might offer a more personalized experience but will lack the saunas and fluffy robes.
- Timing – book the massage or bodywork sessions with ample time to allow for travel and intake paperwork. Don’t let poor planning ruin dinner reservations afterward!
- Therapy – always ask in advance the policies and contraindications of any bodywork or massage modality as well as for any specific health concerns or special needs. For example: many practitioners will not work on a pregnant client in her first trimester, a client under the influence of recreational drugs and alcohol, and clients with certain medical histories. Some modalities cannot be used on people with specific health concerns – such as hot stone massage for an expecting client.
Valentine’s Day Ideas for the Bachelor or Bachelorette
This holiday can be an especially painful reminder to some of their solitary path, or can be a reminder to love oneself. Some singles take themselves out to the movies, a fancy dinner, and even for a massage. Bachelors and bachelorettes can use the opportunity as a holiday for the heart and embrace self worth and self love. For those with specific body image or self esteem issues a full body massage may feel uncomfortable. Other modalities and menu items present a way to be introduced to the art of therapeutic touch.
The at-home Massage
For the couple that would rather create a romantic experience at home there are several choices to learn how to give and receive massage:
- Self-help massage books – there are quite a few massage books aimed at the general public and massage enthusiasts that contain pictures and descriptions of techniques.
- Massage classes – commonly offered through adult and community education programs or through health centers this is a great way to learn some hands-on skills. Check community papers, ask at the local library or inquire with a local massage school to find classes nearby.
- Private Massage lessons – offered by a professional massage therapist one partner or the couple are coached through a massage. This is usually conducted at the practitioner’s office and the couple will take turns learning how to give a back rub, a foot rub and so forth. A private massage lesson could even be given as a gift that will continue to serve the couple throughout their relationship helping to nurture, relax and communicate with each other through touch.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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