The first stroke to learn is the gliding stroke. It is the foundation of a sensual massage and is one of the most relaxing and sensual strokes. A long smooth flowing open handed stroke it slides over the skin and feels soft and fluid and is almost guaranteed to bring a sigh of pleasure from you partner. The gliding stroke is used to apply oil and connect with your partner’s body. The sensual massage is started and ended with these strokes. Gliding massage strokes can be light or deep and are able to be performed on any part of the body. You can use your palm, fingers, or forearms to perform gliding strokes.

 To do a good gliding stroke you need to make sure your hands are relaxed. If your fingers close together your hands are tense. Let your fingers spread apart since any tension in the hands will be easily felt by your partner. Pressure should come from the whole hand and be distributed evenly through your hand from thumb to little finger. keep your  hands soft letting them melt and mold to the shape of the body

To really get the most out of this stroke, you need to slow down. Generally, people tend to do this stroke too fast. Start slow and then go slower than you think. By the time you finish with this stroke your partner will feel relaxed and supple.

While you’re doing this stroke, notice any knots or tense areas in the muscles. This is the time where you listen with your hands. Tuning in to your partners body, will help you decide how to give your partner a more enjoyable experience as you continue with the rest of the massage.

The gliding stroke is great for warming and calming your partner, but it is also very sensual for the massage giver. You can enjoy the feel and shape of your partner’s body, as your hands glide over them. Allow yourself to really immerse yourself in the sensation and connection you are creating.

A variation of the gliding stroke known as Feathering or Raking and is an excellent way to end a massage. To do this, curl your fingers and using only your fingertips, go from top to bottom. Use very light pressure, but be careful not to tickle during feathering. This stroke is very sensual and will send thrilling shivers through the body, as it stimulates the nerve endings close to the surface.

Some of the deeper variations of the gliding stroke are pulling and wringing.

Pulling is a stroke done on the muscles of the arms and legs. it is done with both hands.  To do this simply wrap one hand around the limb and gently pull as you move your hand down to the end.  As your hand reach the wrist or ankle, start at the top of the limb with your other hand and then continue to alternating tem with each other, when done the muscles are pulled and stretched to loosen them.

Wringing is done on the torso, the arms and the legs. The hands are placed on either side of the area being massaged and are moved in an alternating forward and backward motion, moving in an upward direction this stroke is usually done quickly, so oil is essential to prevent burning. Wringing can be a very invigorating stroke for your partner.