“We’ve found that beginners are more comfortable learning massage techniques for a particular body part first. From here, they feel more comfortable and enjoy it more as they physically work up to the task of giving a full body massage.“ says Tiffany.


Gary adds, “The full length massage video pulls it all together, so you CAN do it all at one time, but when you are first starting out, you may run out of energy. So just relax and do what you can and if you have the energy to work on the whole body, that’s great”.

COUPLES MASSAGE
Communicating Through Touch
with Tiffany and Gary Blackden

Are you looking for a great way to rekindle a relationship?
Don’t have time to take off for a romantic getaway weekend?

Communication through touch can be expressed in so many ways. Nurture your relationship with your partner with a relaxing and rejuvenating massage. This COUPLES MASSAGE DVD was created by experienced massage pros, Tiffany and Gary Blackden. It demonstrates professional massage therapy techniques that you can easily perform in the comfort and privacy of your own home. In less than an hour, Tiffany and Gary offer easy to follow, voice-guided massage instruction that anybody can learn. No other tools are required except for a comfortable flat surface for you and your partner.

As you become comfortable with the massage techniques, use the DVD menu options to choose any chapter for review. The chapter menu includes many options including simply watching the massage instruction with just music-only accompaniment.

If you don’t have time for a full body massage, click through the DVD menu to easily select a chapter that interests you. Tiffany and Gary recommend the sequence of massage techniques as presented in the DVD chapters but encourage you to use what you learn on the DVD to develop a sequence, style and length of massage that works best for you and your partner.   

As you develop your own style and rhythm with your partner, work together and solicit feedback.









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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

~ Draping your partner and keep them comfortable and warm ~ How to position your partner during massage session ~ How and where to position yourself if you are giving the massage ~ How to apply oil and lotion ~ How to maintain smooth and consistent pressure ~ How and when to drape and undrape. ~ Preparing your massage oil or lotion ~ How to position hands and body ~ Body mechanics - how to lean and position yourself - how to avoid fatigue ~ Use of fingertip and palm pressure and soft fists ~ How and when to repeat strokes ~ How to pace strokes -- fast or slow? ~ How to comfortably give a full body massage or just focus in one section of the body for a mini-massage ~ How to improve the quality of your strokes ~ How to modulate your strokes to please your partner ~ Where to avoid pressure ~ Static compression strokes, effleurage strokes ~ How to avoid fatigue

ABOUT TIFFANY AND GARY

Tiffany and Gary Blackden, who provide the massage instruction on the Couples Massage DVD, are Nationally Certified Massage Therapists. Their passion for life enhancement is reflected in their massage therapy practice, their community volunteer work and their concern for environmental stewardship.

Together, they grew and sold a successful massage business in northern Virginia before relocating to Colorado. In addition to their private practice, they have published articles on massage and they conduct massage instructional workshops.

GARY BLACKDEN, NCMT, has been practicing massage therapy for ten years. He graduated from Northeastern Institute of Whole Health in New Hampshire with advanced skills in deep tissue massage combined with an eastern philosophy to round out his approach to the body. Working with each client's specific needs, Gary applies a mixture of modalities to facilitate healing, particularly those suffering with chronic pain. His athletic training for cycling and running races gives him an acute understanding of the massage needed for the 'chronic' athlete.

TIFFANY BLACKDEN, NCMT, has been practicing massage therapy and applied relaxation techniques for six years. She graduated from AKS Massage School in Herndon, VA. Tiffany specializes in deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy for athletes and individuals with chronic joint and muscle pain. She has extensive experience working with chronic postural strain, and injuries such as neck pain, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff injuries. She has advanced studies in prenatal massage, as well as childbirth assistance and education, offering instruction to individuals planning to assist a woman in labor.

Tiffany and Gary have 14 years of combined experience in therapeutic massage as certified massage therapists.

COUPLES MASSAGE
WORKSHOP REVIEWS:

Couples Massage helps partners reconnect...

'I told my girlfriend there were several better things I could think of doing on a Saturday afternoon, but over the course of the class, I found myself really enjoying the interaction and connection with her. We are planning to do massage regularly now. Hopefully it will help to balance the chaos of our crazy schedules.'
James D., Couples Massage Group Class Participant

'My husband and I needed to reconnect. This class helped us to get back to touching through the day again. We plan time every couple of weeks now to use the skills from the class, and we always appreciate the slower pace of that time together.'
Susan S., Couples Massage Group Class Participant

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

Suppresses Stress Hormone
Improves Blood Pressure
Increases Circulation
Reduces Tension
Enhances Endorphin Release
Calms the Nervous System
Improves Digestion

MASSAGE TECHNIQUES: AN INTRODUCTION

Different techniques of massage are taught at various massage therapy and bodywork schools throughout the country. Some schools are community colleges, or vocational massage therapy schools geared toward teaching students to build a career in massage therapy, some are set up for teaching continuing education credits to already certified MTs, and some can teach the average person techniques of massage they can use at home with their loved ones.

The most common type of massage taught in this country is Swedish Massage. This type of massage involves five basic types of strokes, which are meant to be choreographed together to approach the entire body in one session. These strokes were initially created as a form of physical therapy, to enhance circulation, increase range of motion and reduce scar tissue.

The signature strokes used in traditional Swedish Massage are:
1) Effleurage – long flowing strokes, generally done in the direction of the heart to enhance return circulation

2) Petrissage – a stroke effected with two hands in the shape of a C, pulling the muscle up slightly away from the bone

3) Compression – compressing the muscle tissue either to the surface beneath it, or to the bone it lies over

4) Friction – quick movements, frequently without cream to create heat between the hands of the giver and the body part of the receiver, to bring circulation to the surface of the skin

5) Vibration – a quick, small movement meant to enhance circulation, or flush out interstitial (between the tissue) fluid

Other major techniques of massage and bodywork, which have become more popular in the past ten years or so include, but are not limited to: shiatsu, myofascial, neuromuscular, sports, prenatal, thai (or thai yoga), acupressure, and trigger point therapy. These are applications of different techniques of massage, which affect the nervous system in different ways. Most of these will cause a relaxation response in the body, which will counteract the effects of stress.

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