Couples Massage | Page 3

Repeat the entire sequence 3-5 times or move on to the
next movement.


FROM THE TOP (PULLING THE PLOW)

When your hands finish moving along the pressure points and
reach your partner’s hips, change your motion to a long
effleurage movement, but this time use the full weight of your
own body to create the movement. You do this by moving with
the stroke and pull your arms with you as you walk along the
body. Picture your self walking backward and pulling a plow
up your partner’s back. This is how your weight should be
working with the movement. Move along the spine, not on the
bony ridges of the back (stay off the train tracks!).


Alternate these long slow upward strokes with side-by-side
strokes descending from the spine to the hip. Repeat 5-10
times.




Copyright © 2003 Couples Company. All Rights Reserved 5

Couples Massage By Annette Blanchard & Dr. Jason Cheng
Copyright © 2003 Couples Company. All Rights Reserved 6
CROSS-EFFLEURAGE (PAINTING
SWIRLS)

Effleurage can be applied across, from
side to side, in a similar fashion to the
original longitudinal strokes.
With the hands clasped on the side, pick
up and twist from side to side, similar to
the way a painter would swoosh paint on a
canvas to create swirls. Start from the top
and work your way down toward the hips.
Be careful not to work directly over the
flank of the back. The kidney’s are here
and you can hurt your partner if you press
too hard. Repeat 5-10 times.



TAPOTAMENT (CHOP- CHOP)
This is the final movement before wrapping up. It is
commonly referred to as "little karate chops" and gently works
its way from the neck down the back before moving to the final
touches. Do this for about 1-2 minutes.



WRAP UP (THE FEATHER DUSTER)
End off your sequence with light
effleurage strokes but with your fingers
lightly stroking the sides of the back.
Think of your fingers as feathers. This is
how light you should be touching and this
movement is done slowly, covering the
center and ending on the sides of the back.
This movement provides closure and lets
your partner know the experience is now
over.


ABOUT ANNETTE BLANCHARD Annette Blanchard is a nationally certified therapeutic body worker and licensed holistic health practitioner with over 20 years of professional experience in health and fitness. As the owner of Holistic Sports Spa & Wellness Center, she specializes in sports and injury rehabilitation; stress reduction and natural skin care for rejuvenation and anti-aging. Since 1981, she began at the University of Calgary where she studied Sports Medicine, kinesiology and anatomy. As an athletic trainer, lifeguard and anatomy professor, her experience integrating clinical science with skilled bodywork has enabled professionals, athletes, and all those seeking better health to benefit from her knowledge and healing hands.
Annette is also host of one of Orange County's leading radio program, "Healthy Talk Radio", where she is known as one of "Orange County's Voice for Alternative Medicine", a program that includes interviews with leading health educators and authors.