1. The first, and probably most popular massage technique, is the deep tissue massage. This type of massage is designed to alleviate any tension in your muscles and connective tissue. It mainly focuses on the muscles just below the surface and is a great massage technique for the more active person. The deep, penetrating rub or kneading will relieve the muscles of the tension they hold from the day's stresses. Keep in mind, gauge the pressure you use on your lover—this should be relaxing, not torture.

2. Reflexology is another massage technique you may want to use on your lover for Valentine's Day. This type of massage focuses on the muscles and tissue found in the feet and hands. In reflexology, it is believed that every part of the body can be influence from a single point on either the hand or foot. Not everyone likes to have their feet rubbed, or rub feet for that matter. Be sure you know up front whether or not your partner will enjoy this or have a problem with it.

3. Stone massage is becoming increasingly popular today. This massage technique involves placing heated or chilled stones strategically on your lover's body. It is believed that the stones provide pressure and temperature to certain muscle masses, and therefore help relax the tensions in those muscles. Oils are sometimes used on the stones as well, and the aromatherapy generated from the oils will only soothe your partner further.

4. Shiatsu massage is a Japanese acupressure massage technique that involves pressure, shaking, vibrating, patting, rotating, pinching, rolling, and lifting. Sometimes it involves a person walking barefoot on their lover's back or legs. A comfortable pressure is to be used with thumbs, elbows, and palms until your lover's muscles are completely relaxed. This massage technique is consider to be one that establishes a bond between the giver and receiver, and centers one's Ki, or life energy, to a natural flow.

There are endless ways to please your lover with massage this Valentine's day but probably the best way is Swedish massage. Learning swedish massage techniques properly is one of the safest,stress relieving massages and in fact altering them slightly can can easily become a sensual massage. A heck of a lot better than flowers and candy!