top of page

Couples/Friends Massage Tutorials, Gift Certificates, and Reduced-Rate Services - Happy Valentine's Day!

Writer's picture: Robin DuffyRobin Duffy


Back in the '80s, way before massage therapy was even on my radar, I saw the classic movie Adam’s Rib starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, and one scene in particular has stayed with me all these years. It’s the "massage scene" (a rather controversial one now) in which we witness Adam (Tracy) and Amanda (Hepburn) giving each other a "rubdown" in their family home.


Many elements about this scene struck me, but here are the Top 3: 


  1. This couple had a massage table in their home—and it was the 1940’s.


  2. They had a ritual in which they would give each other massages on a regular basis. 


  3. Even though they got into a heated argument during this scene, it was evident from the context of the movie that this massage ritual was part of what kept their relationship cohesive.


At the time I remember thinking, “What a progressive idea!” This was before massage therapy was mainstream. I was bowled over by the idea of a couple putting that kind of time and effort into maintaining the marital bond (whether they were aware they were doing so or not). Amanda and Adam seemed ahead of their time.



Benefits of Couples/Friends Massage


Maintaining human connection is so important, especially in this day and age. Even the simple act of placing a hand on someone’s shoulder immediately calms the nervous systems in both the giver and the receiver. Therapeutic touch always conveys the right message, especially during those moments when words just won’t suffice.


The following are some of the benefits of couples/friends massage:


  1. Fosters Intimacy/Kinship: the physical touch and focussed attention during a massage can naturally lead to deeper emotional connection and kinship between partners.


  1. Improves Communication: massaging each other requires a level of verbal and non-verbal communication and attentiveness to your partner’s needs which enhances overall communication.


  2. Relieves Stress and Tension: both partners can experience simultaneous stress reduction through massage, leading to a more relaxed and positive mood. 


  3. Provides Quality Time Together: a couples/friend massage provides dedicated time for focussed attention on each other, creating a special, shared experience. 


  4. Produces “Feel-Good Chemicals”: massage stimulates the release of dopamine,  serotonin, and endorphins in the body, in addition to oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and feelings of love and connection.



 2 Types of Couples/Friends Massage


You may be thinking, “Well, I don’t have a partner, so this isn't for me.” Not at all. These tutorials aren’t just for couples—they're for anyone who wants to learn basic therapeutic touch and offer it to a partner, friend, family member, or anyone else who needs to feel more grounded, connected, and appreciated. That's the reason why I developed two, separate tutorials. You can both choose which type of massage/bodywork tutorial feels

right for you.


Basic Swedish Massage - $99 per couple (introductory price)


  • Unclothed with oil/cream 

  • 2 hours (includes instruction, practicing on each another, and Q & A)

  • Session includes: tutorial + massage oil/cream + instruction booklet + gift bag


Description (a more detailed description will be offered in the booklet)

Most of you are familiar with this type of massage. The Receiver disrobes down to their comfort level and lies down on the massage table between a fitted sheet and a flat sheet/blanket. I will then instruct the Giver on the specific massage techniques using the oil/cream on the Receiver. The Giver then practices the techniques on the Receiver. The Receiver gives feedback. Finally, the Giver and Receiver switch roles and we repeat the process.


Key Elements

  • You will both learn how to perform a basic 30-minute, full-body Swedish massage on one another

  • The time will be broken down (loosely) into 20-30 minutes of instruction plus 30-40 minutes of practice/feedback per person

  • Basic techniques: application of oil/cream, 5 types of massage strokes, acupressure point work on the back, face, head, hands, and feet, and basic stretching


To purchase your Basic Swedish Massage Tutorial Gift Certificate, please click HERE.


__________________________________________________________________________________


Basic Bodywork Session - $79 per couple (introductory price)


  • Clothed without oil/cream

  • 1.5 hours (includes instruction, practicing on each other, and Q & A)

  • Session includes: tutorial + instruction booklet + gift bag


Description (a more detailed description will be offered in the booklet)

This type of massage is called a “dry” massage, meaning the Receiver does not disrobe and no oils or creams are used. The Receiver lies down on the massage table that has a fitted sheet on it - no top sheet is necessary). I will then instruct the Giver on the specific massage techniques being used on the Receiver. The Giver practices the techniques on the Receiver. The Receiver gives feedback. Finally, the Giver and Receiver switch roles and we repeat the process.


Key Elements

  • You both learn how to perform a basic 30-minute full-body bodywork session on one another

  • The time will be broken down (loosely) into 15-20 minutes of instruction plus 30 minutes of practice/feedback per person

  • Basic techniques: 4 types of “dry” massage techniques, acupressure point work on the back, face, head, hands, and feet, and basic stretching


To purchase your Basic Bodywork Session Tutorial Gift Certificate, please click HERE.


*Note Regarding the Massage Table

Although both types of Couples/Friends Massage can be performed on a bed (a twin bed would be best), a portable massage table is a lot easier to maneuver around, and it's better for your back. Plus, you can easily fold it up and store it in a closet or elsewhere—or leave it up if you have a spare room. You could even turn a spare room into a Self-Care Sanctuary!


Massage tables run anywhere from $50 on up. A suitable massage table (stable and not squeaky) would range between $80-$150. 


Here are some options on Amazon, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.



********************************************** ❤️ ******************************************



Valentine's Day Gift Certificates

Treat your loved one to a therapeutic massage therapy session with me here at The Wellness Alliance. Each gift certificate comes with a FREE peppermint, coconut, or lavender scalp massage (optional).


Gift Certificates can be purchased in person at your next massage session or online in my Shop HERE. I will send you (or the recipient) the gift certificate in the mail, postage paid, if you'd like. (My online shop only sends a virtual notification.)



********************************************** ❤️ ******************************************



Low-Cost Treatments, Discounted Rates, Sound Baths and More


As 2025 progresses, I will be slashing my rates for some of my treatments, expanding my Mobile Sanctuary series, adding more Self/Partner-Care Tutorials, and including special rates for Students and Seniors.


New Rates for Students and Seniors

Starting February 1st, Seniors (60+) and Students (with student ID) will receive a $10 discount on all services.


Deep Discounts on Some Regular Services


Nervous System Reset ($15-$25 off regular price):

30 minutes: $40 ($15 off the reg. price of $55)

45 minutes: $60 ($25 off the reg. price of $85)




Massage My Face! ($15 off regular price):

30 minutes: $35 ($15 off the reg price of $50)






Face, Hands, and Feet ($15-$25 off regular price):

30 minutes: $40 ($15 off the reg. price of $55)

45 minutes: $60 ($25 off the reg. price of $85)





********************************************** ❤️ ******************************************


Upcoming Sound Baths, Guided Meditation Recordings,

and More Self/Partner-Care Tutorials


What would it feel like to have a separate space that was completely devoted to self-care and healing in all of its many facets? It is my goal in 2025 to transform my massage space at TWA into a Sanctuary: a quiet, comfortable "safe-space" for people to learn more about somatic awareness and how to heal themselves on the physical, mental, emotional and energetic levels.


Starting in February, I will be offering recorded Sound Baths and Guided Meditations for one and two-people sessions.


Having trouble focusing, pushing through brain fog, regulating your emotions, grounding yourself, and letting go of negative patterns? Feeling like your vibe is just generally sluggish, like you need an “energetic attunement” on the cellular level?


Sometimes it’s hard to recalibrate your nervous system in your own space because of all the convoluted energies surrounding it: chores need to be done, kids need to be fed, clothes need to be laundered, dogs need to be walked, etc.



Learn how to control your nervous system, raise your vibrational frequency, and self-regulate with recorded Sound Healing and Guided Meditation sessions in my quiet, comfortable, acoustically-sound space, curated by me according to your particular needs. Starting at $25. **Live Sound Bath Sundays starting in March.**



Self/Partner-Care with Massage Tools


With so many massage tools in the marketplace now, it's hard to know which ones are worth the money, what they feel like, and how to use them properly. These tools are great when you don't have the time for a regular massage session or to supplement your regular massages. Plus, you can share them with loved ones.


Learn how to use massage tools for self-care and partner-care. Get the low-down on the best massage guns, back stretchers, neck massagers, massage balls, and more, and how to use them safely. Includes massage tool tutorials, stretching, breathwork, and other self-care techniques. Starting at $25 .


********************************************** ❤️ ******************************************


Thank you all once again for allowing me to be a part of your wellness routine. I hope 2025 will be a great year for everyone. Happy Valentine's Day! Robin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sources:

"Adam's Rib" (1949) - Katharine Hepburn - Spencer Tracy, Vindobona Awstriae, YouTube, @vindobonaawstriae3692, Dec. 25, 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rK3I1UaZYY&t=100s.


Monika Eckstein, Ilstat Mamaey, Beate Ditzen, Uta Sailer, "Calming Effects of Human Touch in Human, Animal, and Robotic Interaction--Scientific State-of-the-Art and Technological Advances", Frontiers in Psychiatry, National Library of Medicine, PubMed Central, Nov. 4, 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7672023/





57 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Contact Me

The Wellness Alliance

301 West Weaver St., 2nd Floor

Carrboro, NC 27510

 

Email: robincduffy@gmail.com

Tel: 1-718-415-4610

  • Facebook

Thanks for submitting!

© 2021 by Robin C. Duffy. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page