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Our Favorite Massage Modalities
There are more than 80 different massage modalities, or distinct types of sensation, available out there. Check out Wikipedia for a more complete list, see our sources below. Here are some gay male favorites.
Erotic - is the use of massage techniques to achieve or enhance sexual arousal. Erotic massages are typically performed in a person's erogenous zones to achieve or enhance sexual arousal. In the case of women, the two focal areas are the breasts and pubis. In case of men, the focal area is the genitals.
Stone - A stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes.
Sensual (definition thanks to Massage by Dan) - An unstructured massage that uses touch for an emotionally pleasing response. Strokes are typically light or moderate, and are not intended to be physically therapeutic. Typically, an atmosphere of relaxation is set through the use of candles and music. The practitioner often is unclothed as well as the client. Unlike Erotic Massage, Sensual Massage may not specify climax as a goal. Instead, it is intended to indulge the client, to make him or her feel special and cared for. Often, full-body contact is utilized by the practitioner. Sensual massage is widely offered by untrained practitioners.
Shiatsu - Shiatsu ("shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure) is an eastern born therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, grasping and in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure is applied with the feet on the persons back, legs and feet (special set up is required for the "foot" shiatsu).
Swedish - Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration.
Tantric - An openly erotic style of massage, taken naked with cushions underneath the hips and neck to give the man a clear view of his genitals while the masseur teases and rubs his body.
Trigger point therapy - this involves deactivating trigger points that may cause local pain or refer pain and other sensations, such as headaches, in other parts of the body. Manual pressure, vibration, injection, or other treatment is applied to these points to relieve myofascial pain.
Sources: Ezine Articles - Tantric Massage Guide, Massage by Dan - Sensual Massage, Wikipedia - Erotic Massage, Wikipedia - Massage
