Even a quick massage of his neck and shoulders, or a gentle rubbing of his forehead, scalp and temples was a great pick-me-up for my husband in the early days of our marriage. His response to massage of any kind was so gratifying that I took the trouble to learn some basic massage techniques, and when we had more time at our disposal, would work on his back, arms and hands with moderate success. Needless to say, this form of touch helped us to feel very close, and took away some of the sting of the arguments we had plenty of, in the first year we were married.
Massage is not only great between lovers or partners, but has always occupied an important place in healing and restoring the human body. The benefits of massage undoubtedly have a lot to do with circulation - the massage of soft tissue improves the flow of blood and the supply of oxygen to each cell of the massaged area. How massage invigorates our bodies can be understood and applied at any stage, not just when we are feeling low or depleted.
However, at such times massage can work to even better effect. The basic techniques of Swedish massage can be learnt by most of us, and the great part is that recipes for making oils to be used in Swedish massage are also available online.
What has made the application of massage more exciting in recent times is the use of different techniques such as Thai massage and Native American massage using basalt stones that have been heated and cooled. 
With so much variety, there is a better chance of finding a particular kind of massage that suits you and helps you re-balance.
However, what leads many people to massage is undoubtedly the desire to shed some weight, since many forms of massage, specially Indian Ayurvedic massage, promise the streamlining of the body with the help of massage done with medicinal oils.
Does massage really help to lose weight? It would appear it helps to squeeze fat cells and redistribute it under the skin, leading to a disappearance of 'dimples'. By toning the soft tissue, and improving circulation, it is also imparting some of the benefits of exercise.
If this aspect of massage really appeals to you, and you are interested in learning more about Ayurvedic massage oils and techniques, you might consider a course that makes you understand the principles on which Ayurvedic massage is based and how it helps to balance the body's energies.
Perhaps what makes massage so attractive among different therapies for well-being is that it centers on touch - so important for us humans and often difficult to find because it is loaded with so much baggage. All of us need to touch, and be touched.
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