Last-Minute Valentine's Day Idea: Learn to Give Her a Killer Massage - GQ Magazine (b

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Valentine's Day gifts are awful. But do nothing for her, and you're an awful person. One suggestion: learn how to give her a really great massage. We tapped Sonja Lilljeberg, a massage therapist at Equinox in Chicago, for a full-proof routine and a few do's and don'ts.
1. Have her lay down on her stomach and place a pillow under her ankles, which removes pressure off the lower back.
2. Warm up her muscles by using light to medium compressions all over the back for 2-3 minutes. Start at the shoulders and make your way down the sides of her spine to the top of the hips.
3. Rub a quarter-sized amount of lotion or massage oil between your palms (try Grape seed of Jojoba oil if you're going all out), then start making soft, long strokes down the sides of her shoulders, gently squeezing them away from the bone. Then place palms on both sides of the spine and stroke out to the sides, making your way down her back.
4. At the top of her left hip, apply pressure that moves downward and out with closed fingers stacked on top of each other. Repeat on the right side.
5. Place your thumbs between her shoulder blades and apply firm pressure right along the edges of the bone. If you find a knot, push straight down on it for 30-40 seconds.
6. Repeat until you're told to stop.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Anything under 15 minutes is going to feel half-assed. (On that note: don't break contact for more than a few seconds while shifting positions or she'll think you're tired.)
- Pressure that is too light tickles. Start with medium pressure and ask her what feels good.
-Focus on spots with muscle and steer clear of sharp bones or areas where there are only organs underneath (like her abdomen).
- If you're really just not getting the hang of this, grab a tennis ball and roll it over her shoulders and back. Don't place the ball directly against her skin (do it over her shirt or over a bed sheet) because the fuzz could cause irritation.
Score More Points:
Buy her the real deal (or another spa treatment) to use for later on. Equinox is offering a few Valentine's Day specials through the 14th, below.
*Deep Tissue Massage, 50-min 3-pack, $295
*Chocolate or Strawberry Facial 3-pack, $395
*Chocolate or Strawberry Facial and Lip Treatment, $195