How about BOTH? Remember that infamous episode of "Sex & The City" when Kim Catrell's character "Samantha" tried to return her VIBRATOR to The Sharper Image and she got into a big debate with the Sharper Image sales guy about it being a back massager and not a sex toy. Turns out they were both right!

For decades, women have been buying "back massagers" from the Sears & Roebuck catalog! Mommy's little helper came in the form of a valium and the "Oster" massagers.

Modern women can buy a "back massager" at Walgreens, CVS and pretty much any other local neighborhood drug store. I remember buying my Hitachi Magic Wand at a local Walgreens about 20 years ago and it's still going strong. I bought it at the drug store thinking I was being discreet. (I was 21 at the time... so naive.) I didn't realize that the entire FREE WORLD used their back massagers for other areas and not just their tense neck or back. What can I say, I was a late bloomer.

The Hitachi Magic Wand is likely the most INFAMOUS back massager. Every lesbian I have ever met and talked about sex toys with has mentioned the magical electric wand from Hitachi - often referred to as the "magic wand." I always joke that lesbians KNOW THEIR TOYS! And, here in the Bay Area, where we do our Bliss Pleasure Parties, we meet lots of gay women who are not too shy to share their favorite sex toys with us!

The Magic Wand is a beautiful toy and it is also a FAB back massager. It plugs into the wall so it's very reliable. No batteries to wear down or that die on you at that oh so important moment! Seriously, it's a great massager that also works very well for masturbation and partner sex. It's not the sexiest vibrator nor is it the prettiest, but I can tell you it's VERY reliable and will get the job done EVERY TIME.

But, here is some really good news I am so excited to share with all of you. The company that makes the Hitach Magic Wand now ships a new cordless and waterproof wand called the Mystic Wand. I think it's PERFECTION and am so excited that my customers seem to agree. I have been showing it for about a month now at our home parties and everyone who touches it falls in love, too.

The new Mystic Wand has this yummy skin on the wand/bulb that is called "skin safe silicone" so this vibrator can be used all over the body, even on sensitive skin! Massage aching shoulders and soothe sore necks, then guide the rounded head to more intimate areas of your body for some truly stunning sensations! The flexible neck allows this massager to be used at any angle, hitting sweet spots you never even knew you had!

This new "back massager" is like the Hitachi Magic Wand's sweeter, sexier and more portable version. It takes 4 double AA batteries and has PLENTY of power for those of you who like the stronger toys. It has 6 speeds, so something for everyone! And, it's CORDLESS so much easier to share with your partner and use together.

Both wands are made by one of my favorite sex toy manufacturers, Vibratex. Vibratex is the manufacturer of the Original Rabbit Pearl - the "rabbit" that Charlotte from "Sex & The City" became addicted to. Vibratex makes great quality toys and this new cordless "back massager" is at the top of their TOP 3 Sex Toys, in my opinion. They have a knack for making toys that endure, are made with women in mind and they also give lots of thought to the ergonomics. (Plus their sex toys have a 1 year warranty!)

Want one of your own? Tell Santa what a good girl you've been! Add it to your wish list and tell Santa he can use the coupon code "WAND" to get a FREE bullet with your purchase of a "Back Massager"!

By: Chrystal L. Bougon

About the Author:

Mira

Looking for a sexy gift you can both enjoy? Something a little naughty, but real nice. Then I have some awesome ideas for you! Now these are not your everyday hum-drum gifts. These gifts will allow you and your partner to share some quality intimate times together.

To start, lingerie is always a sexy gift to give your partner. Just be sure it's a color she loves and a size that will fit her well. But, we can go well beyond lingerie for the exotic gift you both can enjoy. For instance, how about a romantic board game. There are several to choose from, but the one that stands out is the "Hearts are Wild Board Game". It's an erotic adventure for two! You and your partner will take turns rolling the dice. In the spirit of fun you perform different activities and answer intimate questions. You must collect as many Hearts are Wild game coupons as possible. This game comes with everything you need to start playing right away. You get the game board, 4 decks of cards, feather tickler, pina colada warming massage oil, cinnamon massage oil, blind fold, 2 pawns and 2 dice. It's an intimate evening in a box - so to speak.

Or, how about a massage kit. The "Sensuous Lover Massage Kit" can be enjoyed by both sexes. Who wouldn't appreciate a sensual massage done by their partner. This kit has everything you will need. A book that instructs you on how to give a massage, lightly scented massage oil, and a vibrator to help sooth away the aches and stresses of every day life. You'll have great fun learning the techniques together, then trying them out on each other. And, I'm sure great fun is not the only thing that will result from giving each other a sensual massage.

Another fun gift you both can enjoy is a vibrator. Today there are thousands on the market to choose from. But, if you're looking for one that would benefit both of you, then the "Hitachi Magic Wand" wins hands down. It was originally designed as a back and body massager, and it works great for that purpose. However, over the past twenty years or so it has become one of the most popular sex toys purchased by couples. This plug in the wall vibrator has actually been around for more then thirty years and has exceptionally strong vibrations. We love it because it easily stimulates myself and my husband and it's a fun sex toy for both sexes.

There are also a wide range of instructional and informative DVDs to choose from. These DVDs allow you and your partner to learn and explore new ideas for your love life. One such DVD is "The Erotic Guide To Sexual Fantasies For Lovers". It has erotic scenes throughout the video, and you'll see beautiful couples dramatize some of the most popular fantasy themes as sexuality experts answer all your questions. This is a fun and erotic way to learn how to make all of your fantasies become a reality together.

These are just a few of the fun, sexy gifts you can share with your partner. No matter what the occasion give each other the gift of intimacy. It's the gift that will live on forever.

Have Fun!

Marie Clare

Relationship Consultant & Author

By: Marie Clare

About the Author:

Finn

Many people simply forget about their extremities - the hands, feet, and elbows - or choose to ignore them. However, the hands and feet are in continuous use and need to be cared for to prevent problems in the future. Self-massage of the hands, elbows, and feet is an excellent way of giving extra care and attention to the parts of the body that most need it. And pampering yourself is good for the soul.

Hands

Age, hard work, water, detergents, and neglect can leave your hands rough and dry. For smoother hands, massage them in a nourishing cream.

Sit comfortably and apply to your right palm a little of the rich cream of your choice. Stroke it onto your left hand from the fingers to the wrist. Imagine the cream penetrating the skin - relaxing, soothing, and warming it. Repeat several times.

Supporting your left palm with the fingers of your right hand, use your thumb to stroke from the knuckle of your little finger down the tendon toward the wrist. Repeat, stroking down the tendons between each of the fingers.

Squeeze the base of your little finger between your thumb and forefinger and circle around either side of the finger, working up to and including the tip of the nail. Rub some cream into the cuticle and fingernail. Repeat on each finger and the thumb.

Using the knuckles of your first and second fingers, gently grip your little finger and slowly pull it as you slide up to the tip with a corkscrew-like motion that stimulates the circulation. Repeat twice on each finger and on the thumb.

Support the back of your left hand with the fingers of your right hand and massage the palm with your thumb. Stroke and stretch the palm and you will feel tension melting away.

Firmly roll your knuckle all over the palm of your hand and finish by gently stroking your wrist and then your hand with your thumb.

Repeat steps 1-6 on your right hand.

Elbows

With care and attention, you can transform rough, dry, and discolored elbows. For a gentle bleaching effect, rub each elbow with half a lemon, and to reverse dryness, massage them with a generous amount of a rich cream.

By: Robin Brain

About the Author:

Chanel

Tantric massage is oriental sensual massage. A sensual massage technique teaches you secret of enjoying your intimate private moments with your partner.
You may take massage in a massage parlor to get our daily tension or to get relieve from acute back pain.

Massage can be a highly sensual experience for couples provided its practice In the right circumstances, with a softly lit room, relaxing music, and using some essential aromatic oils or lotions. Foreplay with tantric massage techniques relaxes the body, arouses the senses, and can bring you and your partner closer together.

In tantric style of soft erotic massage, you discover which areas have the strongest impact on your partner. Palms of your partners while massage back of your neck, scalp, solar plexus, inside of the elbows, hands and feet , private parts gives you a feeling of pseudo orgasm. It certainly isn’t just the most obvious erogenous zones that bring pleasure.

Why Sensual Massage is more effective relaxation techniques?

Licensed massage therapist normally uses towel and touches you with palm or forehand. In case of couple massage, you can rest your head on your partner's thigh and this intimacy, warmth and loving touch removes all hidden pain abd stress from your mind and body.

As an intimate partner, you can massage areas that are not as comfortable if attended to by a therapist even if the therapist is a professional. For example, sitting at an office desk for long hours can create stress and tension in the muscles at the buttock area. Some gentle kneading with the heel of the hand can solve this problem. This is also part of a sensual massage as the nerves that cross this area are related to a man’s groin and a woman’s uterus. Sensual massage is closely related famous Indian kamasutra.

You can add variety by using various massage accessories that are readily available today. An aromated massage oils not only stimulate the endocrine system to release relaxing endorphins, but allows a smoother massage to be given as they remove friction between your hands and your partner’s skin

By: Arindam Chattopadhyaya

About the Author:

Regina

Massage has been around for generations. Throughout history, countries such as China and India have practiced massage as a form of medication to treat sore and aching muscles, strains, joint pain and stress. This article will focus on some of the possible benefits and options available in today's hand held massagers.

Some of the Benefits of Regular Massage

While we mainly view massage as a means to relax today, massage also help contribute to healthy living by increasing both the circulation and number of red blood cells in the body.

After a hectic and stressful day, there are few things as relaxing and rejuvenating as a good massage. Stiffness and sore muscles in the neck and back can be caused by long hours in the office sitting in front of the computer. Massage is the perfect way to help you relieve that particular stress, pain and tension.

If you suffer from trouble sleeping, massage is a great way to relax you. When you get a sufficient amount of sleep, you will have more energy during the day. Aside from insufficient sleep causing irritability, it can also cause an increase in stress and pains in the muscles of your body. I know that I've had nights where I didn't sleep enough when I woke up feeling sore as if I had been strenuously exercising all night!

Options Available in Today's Hand Held Massagers

There are plenty of hand held massagers on the market today that are a great help in relieving stress, tension, muscle pain and is even thought to help people with high blood pressure. Not to mention that the general sensation of well-being and being relaxed is reason enough to treat yourself to a massage with a personal massager.

Most of the hand held massagers on today's market are relatively user-friendly. Many of them offer adjustable settings and programs to give you just the right amount of pressure and stimulation to the affected area.

By: Dia Druetta

About the Author:

Sabrina

Now move down to pay attention to the neck and jawline.

Working with both of your hands on one side, stroke with one hand firmly up the neck from the shoulder to the ear. Then, lift your hand away and start stroking with your other hand on the same side. Repeat this move six times on each side.

Continue stimulating the jawline by patting and slapping under the chin. Use the ring and middle fingers of each of your hands to slap under the jaw. This is a bouncy percussion movement, which should stimulate but not sting.

A cheeky little massage

Now move up the face slightly to the cheeks.

Make small, upward circular movements around the mouth with the tips of your middle fingers. Work with both hands, crossing your thumbs to equalize the pressure of your hands.

Then make these circles around the chin and on the mandible, paying particular attention to the mandibular joint (just in front of the ears) since this area is often very tense. Ask your partner to clench his or her teeth to locate the area.

Stroke with your fingertips from the lower lip, under the cheekbones, to the ears. Then, still with your fingertips, stroke from the upper lip to the ears. These movements help prevent lines around the mouth.

With your hands facing each other on one cheek, loosely roll your fingers up under the cheekbone with one hand following the other. This releases tension in the jaw. Repeat on the other side.

Men don't usually think of having a face massage, although they can benefit just as much as women. It is such a simple way of removing worry and tension that I think every man should be persuaded to try.

Soothing the forehead

Massaging the forehead and around the eyes is most rewarding. Tension and headaches can be soothed away almost miraculously, and be replaced by a relaxed smile.

Put your hands across your partner's forehead and press firmly with the first two fingers of each. Make zigzag strokes with your hands moving toward each other. Start with a small movement, then enlarge it to cover the whole forehead.

Place your thumbs on the bridge of the nose, stroke out to the temples and press gently. Repeat the stroke a little higher up and gradually cover the whole forehead up to the hairline.

Make circular pressures all over the forehead with your fingers or thumbs. Work with both hands simultaneously from the center to the temples with smooth, rhythmic pressures.

Eye relief

Although the eyes themselves are extremely sensitive, there are a number of massage moves that are perfectly safe - circular strokes, squeezing the eyebrows, and light pressures. A lot of tension is carried around the eyes, which often gives them a heavy, weary look. This can be lifted by using a combination of the gentle massage techniques below.

Circling the eyes

Starting at the bridge of your partner's nose, stroke firmly out along the eyebrows with your fingertips. Circle the temples, then glide back very lightly under the eyes to the nose. Try this with your hands moving out simultaneously, then alternately. This is amazingly relaxing, and will obliterate your partner's anxiety and tension.

Squeezing the eyebrows

This is a good contrast to the previous stroking sequence. Squeeze the eyebrows between your thumbs and forefingers, starting at the bridge of the nose and working out to the temples. Press gently at the temples before returning your fingers to the starting point, without touching the eyes, then repeat.

Pressing the eyes

When you feel more confident about massaging the face, and your fingers are dexterous, you can try lightly massaging the eyelids. Practice this move on yourself first.

Start by placing your fingers across the forehead, then slide them down until the middle and ring fingers rest lightly on the eyelids. Pause for a moment, press very gently, then separate the fingers and glide them out across the eyes. Press gently on the temples.

Now try massaging the eyes. Use your ring fingers to make very light circular pressures all over the eyelids.

Surrounding each eye, just below the skin's surface, there is a large ring of muscle called the orbicularis oculi. It roughly follows the edge of the eye socket in the skull, although at its lower edge it reaches down to the cheek bone. This muscle often gets tense and taut.

By: Robin Brain

About the Author:

Manuel

For most people the arms and hands are the most used parts of their bodies, whether from spending long periods of time at a computer, playing a sport, or just doing day-to-day chores. Everyone, therefore, will benefit from a massage of their arms and hands. Not surprisingly, tension in your arms can create aches and pains in your shoulders and neck; strong movements are required to unlock tightness in the upper arms and forearms.

One-handed kneading

This one-handed massage can be done fully clothed, so you can do it wherever you happen to be when the need arises.

Begin by stroking your left arm from the wrist to the shoulder, working firmly as you move up the arm and then gliding gently back down again.

Squeeze and roll the muscles of your left arm between the fingers and heel of your right hand. Start kneading on your upper arm, and work down from the shoulder to the wrist.

Use your knuckles to make rotary pressures all along your arm, working as deeply and rhythmically as you can.

Stroke one forearm with the other, slowly rotating the top forearm as you stroke from the elbow to the wrist of your other arm. This stroke massages both arms simultaneously and is very effective.

Hands

Our hands are in constant use and, as a result, they can harbor a lot of tension. Most of our hand movements are holding, clutching actions, so it is very relaxing to counteract these by opening your palm and pulling your fingers. There are many nerve endings on the palms of your hands, and massage here can benefit the whole body. In fact, in reflexology each part of the body is reflected in a in a map of the hand (or foot) and massaging a particular area of the hand will have an effect on the equivalent part of the body.

First, rub your palms together to warm them. Then use your thumb to stroke deeply between each tendon of your right hand from your knuckles to your wrist. Stroke your left thumb firmly down the palm of your right hand and out toward the side several times in a fanning motion. Then make deep, circular thumb pressures all over your right palm. Pull and twist each finger of your right hand with the knuckles of your left hand. Work right up to the fingertips. Repeat the whole sequence (steps 1-3) on your left hand.

Self-massage can be particularly useful if you suffer from chronic or short-term pain. It helps stimulate the release of endorphins and diverts your attention away from the pain. Above all, self-massage lives you a sense of control over your situation.

Final touches

Just as a massage given by someone else has a defined ending phase, a self-massage needs to close on a relaxed note.

Feather stroking

Use light, feather strokes starting at your forehead and then stroke the fingertips of both your hands over your face and neck, down both arms, and leave your body at the tips of your fingers. Then stroke the front of your body, down your legs, and withdraw your touch at your feet. This movement should leave you feeling refreshed, calm, and as light as a feather.

By: Robin Brain

About the Author:

Kaden

Have you ever removed the skin off turkey when preparing a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving? Are you familiar with the thin, transparent, membranous substance underneath the skin and surrounding muscle? That substance is called fascia. It resembles saran wrap and covers every cell, muscle, bone, and organ in the human body. It also forms a uniform, continuous lining underneath your skin. It is thought that meridians travel through this see-through substance, and that is why you feel the results of meridian therapy very quickly in many different places in your body.

In the human body, fascia has approximately 2,000 pounds of tensile strength. What that means is that fascia can withstand forces up to 60 miles an hour before tearing. Furthermore, fascia can carry electrical impulses faster than nervous tissue.

If you are considering getting a massage and want to know what fascia feels like, just take your hand and put it over your leg or other arm with minimal pressure. Allow your hand to sink into your skin. Feel for the muscle and fat layer underneath your skin. Then let off on the pressure from your hand and gently move your skin so that it slides over the muscle and/or tissue below. It is this fascia that allows your skin to glide smoothly over your muscle and tissue underneath.

The next time your prepare turkey for Thanksgiving, try this skin sliding technique on the turkey. You may be surprised by what you find.

If you decide to cut up a turkey before sticking it in the oven, locate the fascia underneath the skin and the covering of the outside surface of the muscle. Try to use this sliding method to find fascia.

By: Micaela Romualdez

About the Author:

Selena

The Hitachi Magic Wand Massager is the best thing I've ever spent my money on my whole life. It's a massager and a vibrator- 2-in-1, and it satisfies me either way. Do you hate it when you buy massagers that are so expensive, but don't really hit the right spots to give you that relaxing and pleasurable feeling? Are you looking for a massager you can use to pleasure yourself to climax in a matter of seconds?

If so, then the Magic Wand will perform wonders for you. This wand is 12 inches in length and has a 2-diameter spongy head. The perfect size, if you ask me. The wand's neck is also firm yet flexible, so you can massage those hard to reach places.

What's more, you can go fast (6000rpm) or slow (5000rpm), for your ultimate satisfaction. Also, the electric DC operation the device is equipped with allows for constant and long-lasting power in the device. This wand will never leave you hanging.

I didn't read any reviews prior to purchasing the Hitachi Massager. I was suffering from lower back pains and I just bought it to try it out. Of course, it worked like a charm and my back pains disappeared within minutes. Then, I checked out the reviews on Amazon, and they got me curious.

So, I tried it out that same night, and gosh that was the best I ever had. If you haven't tried the Magic wand yet, you're missing out, so get yourself the Hitachi Magic Wand Massager now!

By: Erika Ayala

About the Author:

Amira

Body massaging is a therapy which can be done by hand or with an instrument to give a soothing effect to the soft tissues of the body. Massage therapy is one of the best and most proficient methods of practice used today to improve the overall health and wellbeing. Good massage techniques will improve blood circulation, reduce any tension, un-strain the muscles and joints, and relax the body and the mind.

Massage therapy will allow you to become more relaxed while driving away the everyday tension that is present in your busy life - even if for only a brief while. Basically, massage therapy requires a "soothing" or "special" touch when handling the body's soft tissues. A combination of stretching, kneading, pressure, and gentle strokes are combined to release the body of its stressors and allow it to feel re-energized. This can help you to feel more balanced and less overwhelmed during your day, thus contributing to overall health.

There are several different types of massage therapy available. One may opt for a full body massage or, as in many spas, they can choose from a list of massage therapy choices. A foot massage, hand massage, scalp massage, or back massage would be much more reasonably priced than that of the full body massage. However, there are also several other things that can be combined with the massage that can make it more amazing than it already is. Music and sent are two popular combinations. This method of practice gives certain poise between art and the scientific principles of healing.

In the U.S. especially, massage therapy practitioners are well trained about these particular techniques. Body massaging must be made by applying the right amount of pressure to the individual physique in order to sense the soothing touch. Regular massage therapy will act as a catalyst to your health by removing stress and aiding in the removal of aches and pains. It will bring fresh oxygen to body tissues, improve the blood flow and decimate waste from the body; improving the skin as well as muscle tone. Seniors can benefit from this as well, often finding that it assists them in improving strength and muscle coordination.

It is your health and you need to take care of it! When you reduce your mental strain, muscle tension and remove energy blockages, you will obviously feel much healthier. Massage has always been a good boost for the energy levels as well as a promoter of good mental health. You will feel the effects of the massage almost immediately after taking advantage of this health promoting therapy. Go on, relax!

By: Gabriel J. Adams

About the Author:

Jan