What is this work about, why do I do it, and how do I feel about it?

PART ONE -
Sensual Massage ::: a rather non-traditional line of work. While in school I never knew sensual massage existed much less that I was preparing for a first career in sacred sexual healing. I thought I was destined to become an architect. I quit architecture after one year realizing the stress, the competition, the cookie-cutter curriculum was not conducive to either my personal or professional happiness. On I went to complete a degree in sociology, concentrating in gender, sexuality and identity, with the underlying purpose of reclaiming my awareness of healthy sexuality and sexual expression as warped by 13 years of Catholic education.

My path would lead me to sensual massage about 5 or 6 years later. At first a way to make money and survive in a new environment, but over time becoming more of a vocation.

So what is this work about?

At its simplest, what can I say? It's massage that includes the genitals. Not only that, it can and often does include bringing the client to climactic arousal -- sensual release, or happy ending, as its called. Generally the arousal is not for the purpose of intercourse or sexual expression (I can at least say that's not the purpose in my sessions.) The arousal is for the purpose of enjoying the feeling of sexual energy coursing through the body; pleasure for pleasure's sake even; a reclaiming of the sexual arousal experience. A relaxing massage in a nurturing environment with the feeling of warm skin across the back and chest and permission to be aroused and enjoying ones arousal. It's quite a multi-faceted experience, serving different purposes for different people. Let's explore a few of those...

1) blissing out (relaxation + pleasure = a winning combo for any overworked, stressed out human) - a most needed period to relax and clear the mind. What better way to be more in your body and less in your brain? Sensual massage helps a client get of their head and thus get out of their own way.

2) nurturing - perhaps it's been a while since someone has been touched. Even people who are in a relationship can go long periods of time without touch. There are statistics that demonstrate how babies who are touch-deprived will die after a certain period of time. Most adults won't physically die from being touch-deprived, nonetheless, a very real and vital part of them will. I consider gentle, reverent touch as a way to keep our energetic life force circulating; how to keep our personal feng shui flowing. Touch is soothing, nurturing, calming, relaxing, and good for the body, mind and soul. The important thing is intention. In a sensual massage session the intention can be to create a nurturing environment and experience for a client's whole-health.

3) healing - for some people sensual massage offers a healing. Being touched with respect and reverence can be meaningful and healing for someone who, let's say, has been sexually abused or violated or even criticized. Additionally, genital massage when done very attentively (like the strokes taught by Joseph Kramer and the Body Electric School) can re-build trust in someone who's sexual trust has been violated or damaged at an early age.

to be continued...