Though we are already familiar with erotic massage in general, we're always eager to watch videos on the subject to try to learn new techniques; and The Joy of Erotic Massage did not disappoint. The video starts with what we determined to be a "mood setting" intro. Gentle music plays while a sultry male voice-over presents the idea, that touch is essential to well-being. He touches on the concepts of using touch as a communication tool, touch for healing, and for arousing.

Next we see Louise-Andree Saulnier, tv host sexologist, speaking briefly about the benefits of massage, and how it can increase intimacy between couples. She notes that erotic massage can lead to better orgasms, because it makes the body more sensitive as well as increasing your awareness of the touches you're receiving, which we have found to be true.

As the instructional section begins, it becomes obvious that this is no cheesy cheap production, nor is it porn. The camera switches smoothly between two different average-looking couples in separate settings who are preparing for their massages, while the male voice-over returns to tell you how to prepare. The settings are softly lit with a personal spa-like quality, and there is quiet music playing in the background while he speaks.

You are first guided through planning a place for your massage, eliminating distractions, and are encouraged to make use of things like candles, music, a fountain... whatever you'd like to make the experience relaxing. It then touches on what items you will want to have on hand, such as extra towels and massage oils. Though it does not specify any brands to try, it does suggest that you use an oil-based product for the general massage, and a water-based lube for the genital massage.

The massage begins with all of the back of the body, then moves to the front, including the head, face, and feet. There are few direct instructions at the very beginning, with the narrator instead just suggesting areas to find tension to work on, but as it progresses much more precise information is given. You are shown how to position your hands, and what kind of strokes or pressure to use in what areas, in a manner that is easy to understand.

For example, the narrator will say; "Cupping the hand in both of yours, firmly push your thumb pads up..." while on screen the person giving the massage demonstrates. In other words, the narration follows what the people are doing, to lend clarity to their actions. However, it isn't dry or robotic, and there are short periods when the narrator is silent - so you can observe what the couples are doing and pick up ideas by example.

Next it moves on to genital massages, it reminds you to clean the oil off of your hands and switch to a water-based lube first. They start with female massage, explaining where the clitoris is, and giving comprehensive directions for massaging the entire vulva area. The vaginal massage includes fairly decent directions on how to find the G-spot, which is only described by feel and general location but not named. Suggestions are given for more than one technique to try for hand movements and pressure.

The male genital massage shows techniques to pleasure the scrotum as well as the penis. It goes beyond the standard hand job, showing some finger techniques and variations of stroking too. This video does not delve into the subject of prostrate massage, but that's pretty much all that it *doesn't* cover. All of the genital techniques are obviously meant to arouse, and the recipients in the video do experience orgasms as a result.

We did find that the massage sequences moved too quickly, to be able to physically follow along with the video, but there are several ways you can approach this issue. For one, you could put your DVD player’s remote control into a plastic bag (remember you'll have oil on your hands), and then push "Pause" when you need to. You could also take notes as you watch it and then decide what things you would like to try, and make up your own massage routine. Or, if you're the studious kind, you could simply watch the video several times and learn the techniques by heart.

This Joy of Erotic Massage rose above many other similar videos that we have seen, because of the depth that it went into on certain subjects. For example, at one point it shows a foot reflexology chart, and explains how massaging certain areas of the feet can positively affect organs or other areas of the body. And when doing the frontal massage, extra instructions and demonstration time is given for massaging female breasts. It's a very balanced presentation, sensual and educational, but not boring.

Alan says: This definitely gives you enough useful techniques to perform a massage that your partner will love, and when I say "useful" I mean that it feels great to be on the receiving end of them. Even if you don't want to do everything the video suggests, you're sure to find something that you enjoy.

Fair warning though - if you're going to do the massages on your bed, you'll want to put something down to keep the oil and lube off your mattress; particularly during the genital massages when you use a "pouring" technique to spread the lube.

Michele says: I knew next to nothing about giving massages when I first saw this, and I really appreciated how they gave specific instructions for what to do where. It also helps that the presentation itself was pleasant, because I had to watch it several times to learn all that I wanted to. There's LOTS of information on it.

There is one section that was annoying though; where a woman is giving a foot massage and begins to play "this little piggy" on her man while she does. It was the only time that anyone spoke (besides the narrator), and was really stupid. Thankfully, that part was also very short, so it didn't really detract from the quality of the video overall.

We've had this video for about 2 years now and it's still one of our favorite massage DVDs. It's also one of the first ones we recommend to couples who are just starting out learning to give erotic massages (as several of our fellow Eden reviewers can attest to!)