Get ‘Hands-on’ This Valentine’s

By MICHELLE SPERRY

I’M not giving chocolates or a pair of joke underpants to my husband this Valentine’s Day.

I am giving him my hands!

Everyone has offered to massage their loved one’s stressed-out shoulders at some point, but imagine being able to do it properly.

Well I can!

I can’t think of a lovelier Valentine’s gift to give your loved one than a sensual massage.

The only massage I have received up until now was a half-hearted shoulder rub from my husband. And while it was much appreciated, he could not be described as an expert.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to take part in a massage session with a fully-qualified professional at the Neal’s Yard store in Leamington as part of their promotion for the innovative and original Valentine’s gift box Message in a bottle.

My husband Ian was to be the guinea pig while I took a mini- workshop on the art of giving a massage.

We were greeted by holistic therapist Ros Albright and taken to the treatment area at the rear of the shop.

I felt instantly at ease considering the unusual situation of taking my clothes off in front of a complete stranger.

But from the moment I sank into the thick, fluffy towels it was pure bliss.

Ros’s practised hands glided over my skin using vanilla and vetiver organic oil (which I can confirm does enhance a deep sense of well being!) All my knots and tension were worked away and I truly felt in heaven. I could have happily lay there allafternoon listening to the relaxing music playing in the background while ooohing and aaahing as I turned to jelly.

But the question is could I work the same magic with my hands?

Ros says that when giving a massage you must always do it with love, because the recipient knows if your mind is elsewhere.

The most I have managed before has been a quick shuffle on the shoulders and a slap on the back.

I was shown some massage techniques: how to apply pressure and how to use the heel of my palm and the whole of my hand while massaging.

Ros’s others tips for a successful home massage are to warm some big, fluffy towels, burn a candle to create the mood and dim the lights.

Do not lie on a bed, have your partner lie on the floor and do not poor the oil directly on to your partner’s back but warm it lovingly up in your hands first of all.

So how did I measure up?

Well Ros said I had a good touch and I think my husband agreed (I am aware this all sounds a bit Carry On Massaging) as he claimed he was so relaxed he had no energy left for a look around the shops of Leamington!

To book a massage session at Neal’s Yard, Regent Street, Leamington call 01926 832685 or visit the website at www.nealsyardremedies.com.

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