I do these types of massages for my wife a lot. My suggestions have always been, take your time, and use a lotion to rub into them while you are massaging. My wife loves it.

always use oil or lotion, i like LUSH products, there a good company with some interesting massage bars, use one big long stroke to spread the oils, never press on the spine, use folding, and pinching techniques along with using the thumb and fingers wrists along with your whole body, if you are relaxed they are more relaxed. use your whole body when pressing or moving not just your hands. be in tune.

Sounds like some good tips. I wanted to read what was said because I just reviewed some massage oils the other day and we really liked them when we used them, but don't really know any techniques when it comes to massaging my husband.

I'm a massage therapist and my suggestion to people is usually to take a massage workshop. Most massage schools have shorter workshops for people who want to learn some basics, but don't want to take a full course. I know the one in my area is having a special couple's massage workshop this weekend for valentines day. Check around and I'm sure you can find something.

another good resource is actually youtube. do a search for massage techniques and there are a lot of helpful videos.