Write an article based on this "Work slowly. Keep your hands in contact with the skin at all times. Communicate. Pay attention to knots. Avoid the spine and any bones."
Never try to rush through the massage - it should be a luxurious, relaxing experience for your partner/client. Dedicate time to each individual body part, giving it your full care and attention, and keep your strokes long, smooth and slow. Your hands should be in contact with your client/partner's skin for the full duration of the massage - this keeps the momentum flowing and never breaks the atmosphere of relaxation. Even if you have to grab a towel, a drink of water or more massage oil during the massage, try to keep one hand on the skin at all times. Communication is key throughout a massage. What feels good to you mightn't feel good to the other person, so it's important to ask them how they're feeling and to really take on board their responses. Ask them how the pressure feels, where they would like you to work on and what they enjoy the most. However, try to speak in a low, soothing voice to maintain the calm atmosphere. If the person you're working on has a lot of knots in their back, it's a good idea to work on them to try to release them. However, make sure to ask your partner or client first, as some people find this too painful and would rather not ruin their relaxing massage. The knots may feel like large, circular areas of tightness, or tiny bumps which almost feel like peas beneath the skin. Try to get directly on top of the knot, otherwise it can slip out from beneath your fingers. Apply increasing pressure to the knot, then rotate your thumb or finger to try to undo it. You may need to rotate in opposite directions in order to work it out fully. Try not to get too involved in any deep tissue work though - this is best left to qualified massage therapists. Stick to what feels good for you partner/client. Never apply pressure to the spine or any other bones. This will feel unpleasant and uncomfortable for your partner/client and has the potential to cause more harm than good. Besides, it is the muscles you really need to work on, as this is where the most tension collects. Stick to the muscles and you can't go wrong!