Seattle’s original couples massage class
Offered from 2003 to 2018
I’m no longer offering couples massage classes.
Basic Swedish Massage for Couples and Other Pairs of Friends
This couples massage class is based on simple, easy-to-learn Swedish and sports massage techniques and is designed to help you and your partner share the nurturing, relaxing, therapeutic benefits of massage with each other.
Each basic class costs $150 per couple/pair of friends. I keep lecture to a minimum and emphasize the massage techniques and communication skills that will let you use your new skills right away. I limit class size to no more than eight couples to ensure that each couple/pair gets personal attention.
This is the original Seattle couples massage class. I’ve been teaching it since 2003 and have figured out how to give you real massage skills with just one afternoon of instruction.
This class is designed for couples, but other pairs of friends are always welcome.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for the class. You will be fully clothed for most of the class, and I have good privacy- and modesty-protecting practices for the brief sections of the classes which require some disrobing.
About the Instructor
Larry Swanson, LMT, has taught couples massage and partner massage classes since 2003. He practiced massage professionally 1999-2020. A graduate of the Brian Utting School of Massage’s rigorous 1,000-hour professional licensing program, he has subsequently completed more than 850 hours of continuing education courses. In addition to his massage training and experience, he worked in educational publishing for 12 years and has studied tai chi since 1989.
Backed by Research
One more reason to take a couples massage class:
Touching helps couples reduce stress. This article summarizes research that demonstrates that couples who engaged in “non-sexual, caring physical touch” (a good description of what I teach in this class) “had higher levels of oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’ and the ‘cuddle chemical,’ while their levels of alpha amylase, a stress indicator, were reduced.”
Testimonials
My Mom and I really enjoyed the class and would definitely be recommending it to friends!
Bilyana Y.
Thank you for an excellent couples massage workshop. Your presentation was excellent and we enjoyed the afternoon learning from you.
Anne
Thank you so much for the couples massage class! It was a wonderful bonding experience. We left the class relaxed yet rejuvinated and enjoyed every moment! Your personal attention to each couple and specific instruction in particular instances was accurate and understandable. We look forward to taking future classes with you!
Thank you and kind regards,
Adrianne and Rob
My wife and I really enjoyed Larry’s couples massage class. We spent a day in downtown Seattle doing the tourist thing, and then we went to the couples massage class. Larry is a great teacher, and we enjoyed learning from him. We both really enjoyed Larry’s low-key approach and his through knowledge of massage. We both highly recommend Larry’s couples massage class.
Dave & Rhonda
Resources
COUPLES MASSAGE BOOKS
The Massage Book, George Downing
Classic guide to massage for the lay person. Simple line illustrations and detailed instructions.
The Book Of Massage
Good overview of Swedish/Western techniques, Shiatsu, and reflexology, as well as self-massage and other topics.
The New Sensual Massage, Gordon Inkeles
Good guide to partner massage with lots of illustrations (just so you know, all of the models are nude).
Learn Massage in a Weekend, Nitya Lacroix
Good overview of oils, self-massage, and floor massage (sort of like what I teach in my basic class).
KISS Guide to Massage (Keep It Simple Series), Clare Maxwell-Hudson
Another good overview of basic massage skills.
MUSIC FOR MASSAGE
Shamanic Dream II, Anugama
In my office, my clients and I have listened to pretty much nothing but this CD for the past several years. It’s a nice blend of flutes, percussion, and other ambient, non-irritating New Age sounds.
Shamanic Dream, Anugama
Almost as good as Shamanic Dream II.
Trance Planet
Compilation of trippy, ethereal grooves from around the world. Not all tracks are good for massage (some of the vocals and lyrics can be a little distracting), but about 3/4 of the tracks on each CD are perfect. The link takes you to Vol. 1. I have vols. 1-4, and they’re all good.