Criss-crossing

This is a comforting stroke that combines continuous gliding movements with gentle squeezes. Start with your hands on either side of the waist, then pull up at the sides, and glide across the abdomen. Make a definite contrast between pulling up firmly and stroking across very gently. Repeat this movement at least six times.

Back lifting

This can be a difficult move on a heavy person, so you should avoid it altogether if your large or if you have back problems.

Turn to face toward the head and stroke up the abdomen. Glide your hands down the sides, then slide your hands behind the waist to make firm circular pressures beside the spine.

As you glide around to the front again, pull back firmly to lift the body slightly. Keep your arms straight and take the weight on your legs with one knee up so that you don't strain your back.

Indian flower seller

I learned this slow, deep movement from a flower seller in India, who used it to relieve a terrible stomach ache I had. Place one hand on top of the other, fingers just below the navel, and use your palms to stroke up extremely slowly. Maintain a deep pressure until you reach the navel then release the pressure and glide back. When using this movement, watch your partner's face to make sure it is not causing any discomfort.

Never use the Indian flower seller movement on a pregnant woman or anyone with a hernia - it is too strong and deep.

Finishing off

Although a very basic abdominal massage only takes 5 to 10 minutes, if your partner seems to e enjoying it you can extend it so that it lasts as long as you like by repeating some or all of the movements described above. Eventually, however, you will want to end it and move on to another part of the body; from this point on you need to concentrate on gentle, stroking moves. You can try the techniques below or return to any of the initial circle stroking movements.

Feather stroking

Repeat the first stroking movements, then turn to face across your partner's body, and flow smoothly into circle stroking. Stroke clockwise in a circle, one hand following the other. Gradually stroke more and more gently until you are barely touching the skin. Continue for as long as you like.

The final touch

This simple technique has a dramatic effect, leaving your partner feeling relaxed and light. It is also a great move for finishing off a back massage.

Quick checklist for abdominal massage

If you don't want to read through all the detail, use this short list to remind yourself of the step in abdominal massage

Stroke up the abdomen, out over the ribs, and up at the sides

Single-handed circle stroking

Double-handed circle stroking

Undulating circle pressures

Kneading

Side stroking

Criss-crossing

Stroking

Final touch.