This is almost a trick question. By definition massage is a sensual experience. It is perceived through our senses. It makes you feel good. It is meant to be pleasing to the senses.
Is there an easy definition of sensual and sexual massage?
The problem arises with the fact that most people do not clearly distinguish between sensuality and sexuality. The distinction is quite simple:
- Sensuality by itself does not necessarily have any sexual intent
- Sexuality is sensuality with sexual intent
The original meaning of the word ‘sensual’ is that something is perceived and enjoyed through the senses. This is certainly the case with massage. And this is also what sets massage apart from medical and clinical environments which are generally not pleasing to the senses at all.
Where to draw the line?
I admit that it is often quite hard to draw a clear line between those two concepts. Therefore you can’t blame professional massage therapists for avoiding the issue and just distancing themselves from the entire problem by siding with professional, clinical and scientific concepts.
While that keeps us in safe territory, it also denies or downplays the fact that massage is in fact a sensual experience – as in pleasing to our sense of touch.
Most of our clients do want to experience this aspect – the enjoyment of being touched. So we end up with a dichotomy.
Continue reading…Can A Sensual Massage Be Professional?
