Nuru massage is an ancient Japanese erotic massage involving ultra-slippery oils and full body-to-body contact. Not a spa treatment — many consider it better than sex, and others find it the perfect foreplay.
In this guide you’ll learn: what nuru massage is, what you’ll need, how to give one, where to get one, and whether it’s safe.
What is Nuru Massage?
Nuru (Japanese for "slippery") is a full-body erotic massage where two lubed-up, naked bodies slip and slide all over each other. It evokes the sensations of sex — but over your entire body. The receiving partner lies relaxed while the giving partner straddles and uses their entire body to rub and caress every inch, including breasts, butt, and genitals (without penetration). Nuru is meant to be slow, sensual, and teasing.
What You’ll Need for a Nuru Massage
All you really need is lots of lube. Traditional nuru uses a colorless, odorless seaweed lubricant. You can use any lube at home — but you’ll need a lot. Traditional parlors use 1 liter per massage; expect at least 12 oz per session.
Nuru note: Traditional nuru lube is not meant for penetrative sex. If using oil-based lube, use non-latex condoms afterward — oil degrades latex.
Best Water-based Lubes for Nuru (affordable and easy to clean)
Best Oil-based Lubes for Nuru (slicker, longer-lasting — use rubber sheets)
👉 SPUNK Natural Coconut and Avocado Oil
Boy Butter Original Lubricant with Coconut Oil
$10.99
$14.00
Boy Butter Original Lubricant Boy Butter Original is an oil-based lubricant consisting of two powerful yet gentle ingredients: coconut oil and an organic silicone blend. The ingredients are homogenized like real butter. The result is a personal lubricant… Read More
Best Large-Volume Lubes for Nuru
👉 Gun Oil H2O 32 oz | 👉 Swiss Navy Water-based 16 oz
What about Silicone Lube?
Not recommended — silicone lube can irritate skin when used over the entire body, and it’s expensive. Hybrid lube is a good compromise — slicker than water-based, gentler than silicone.
Optional Extras
👉 Blindfold: Heightens physical sensation for the receiving partner
👉 Candles: Set the mood; try warming lube as an alternative to hot wax
👉 👉 Condoms: Keep handy for when foreplay becomes something more
How to Give a Nuru Massage
👉 Prep Your Space
Play calming music, light candles, burn incense. Turn your bedroom into an erotic oasis — miles away from the stresses of daily life.
👉 Get Comfy
Create mental space first. Meditation, yoga, a glass of wine, a cuddle, or a conversation about your nuru plans. No screens — this is about reconnecting.
👉 Shower Together
Gets you in the mood and makes skin wet — lube feels slicker on damp skin. Don’t towel off completely.
👉 Lube Up
Partner lies face down. Cover your own body generously, then cover their back, arms, neck, and legs. Be thorough — if you’re only partially covered, the massage won’t feel right.
👉 Nuru Time — Techniques
Start straddling with a sensual hand back rub, then try these moves:
👉 Body glide: Chest on their back, hands on shoulders. Slowly glide back and forth.
👉 Butt massage: Turn around facing feet. Glide your butt over their back, butt, and hamstrings.
👉 Back-to-back: Lie on your back on top of your partner and rub your whole body on theirs.
👉 Leg lock: Straddle their butt facing their feet, using your lower legs to massage their thighs while your hands work their calves.
Use hands, forearms, and elbows too — massage soft tissue with hard bone and hard areas with soft tissue.
👉 Turn Your Partner Over
The front side is where it gets really hot. Try the front body glide, breast massage (if applicable), inner thigh tango (tease without direct genital contact), and close encounter (face close to neck/groin, just breath). Move any way that feels natural.
👉 Take it Slow
All movements should be SLOW. Avoid speaking — touch is more sensual than words. The massage should last at least 30 minutes. The goal is bliss, not speed.
👉 Aftercare
Hold each other, exchange compliments, take a short nap if you like. Then shower to clean up — and be very careful in the shower with all that lube still on your body.
Where to Get a Nuru Massage
Because nuru involves touching sexy parts, it’s illegal in most of the US (legal in Nevada). Available professionally in Nevada, Montreal, Japan (Tokyo’s Soapland), Germany (Berlin), Czech Republic (Prague), and Thailand (Bangkok). If you’re not into sex tourism, we recommend perfecting nuru at home with a trusted partner.
Is Nuru Massage Safe?
Yes — nuru with a trusted partner is very safe. If getting a professional nuru, there’s a slight risk of STI transmission from skin-to-skin contact. Consider wearing a swimsuit bottom to protect genitals, and always wear a condom for any penetrative sex with a casual partner.
Are You Ready to Nuru?
All you need is lube to get started. Condomania sells lube in large bulk sizes for huge discounts so you can use the proper amount without breaking the bank. Browse more lube here. Get at least 12 oz for one session.
Want to learn more about finding the right lube? Check out our guide to finding the right lube for him and her. Or explore our collection of sex toys and sex furniture for couples!