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A good massage is among the most generous gifts you can give to a loved one or a friend who doesn't mind physical contact.

The ideal place to give a massage is on a massage table, but if you have one of those lying about, you probably don't read Helium to find out how to give a massage. Instead, a bed is an adequate substitute. In all ways, it's important for the subject of the massage to be comfortable, so make sure the room is warm and quiet (you can put some soothing music on if you think it might help) and only ask them to take off as many clothes as they're happy to. Massage works best naked - both for masseur and subject, but not everyone's comfortable with that.

You will need some massage oil or lotion - I find the massage bars sold by Lush to be very good, even if they take a bit of melting. Find one that smells pleasant but not too overpowering.

Now have your subject lie face down on the bed, tell them that if they're uncomfortable with anything, to let you know right away and otherwise just to relax and try to enjoy the back-rub.

Kneel straddling your subject's upper thighs and melt the massage bar partially in your hands before rubbing it on your subject's back until it's covered in oil. Now place your hands palm down, fingers pointing towards each other, about an inch either side of the spine. Push smoothly and firmly up the back to the shoulders and back down again. Repeat at least twice more - it's nice to vary how the pressure is applied, so try forming your hands into a claw on the way down and raking your fingertips along the back.

Another pleasant move is to place your hand palm down on the lower spine and push with moderate pressure up the spine. On the way down, form the first two fingers of each hand into a v-shape and make alternating strokes, each about four inches long, down the back with fingers either side of the spine.

Probably the best technique for getting rid of tension is also the trickiest to set up. You will need to move yourself up the back to do this and it helps to describe what you're going to do before you do it. Pick up your subject's right arm and twist it gently behind his or her back. This raises the shoulder-blade slightly. If you can, put your right hand underneath the collarbone and lift from there too. You'll see a ridge outlining the shoulder-blade, and it's here you're going to work. Using the tips of your left fingers, press down into the gap beneath the ridge and make small circles or back-and-forth motions, pressing as hard as you can (unless your subjct complains). Work all the way around the shoulder, from the neck to almost the armpit. Repeat with the other shoulder.

There are several other good moves - kneading the top of the shoulders between your thumbs and fingers is always good, and rubbing anywhere off of the spine can feel great - be sure to make sure you're not pressing too hard, though. Ask if there's anywhere that feels particularly tense and work there with thumbs, knuckles or even an elbow.

I like to finish with a stroke involving both arms. Come around to the side of your subject and lean on your forearms stretched sideways across the back. Press slowly and evenly as you spread them apart as far as you can, and bring them back to the starting position. Repeat, putting more pressure on one side or other of the back and try diagonally if you like.

Throw a blanket over your subject and tell them to relax and there's no hurry to get up. If you've done it right, they'll love you forever.

Learn more about this author, Colin Beveridge.
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