This topic sometimes comes up because some people have strong assumptions about what sensual massage involves, it’s not uncommon to hear questions like: “Isn’t that just fake intimacy? Aren’t you basically paying to feel desired? Isn’t that preying on women’s weakness?” This isn’t an uncommon reaction, yet it can be surprisingly blunt when stated so matter-of-factly. Many people who choose sensual massage do so consciously, they are thoughtful, self-aware and clear in their intentions. They...

Who This Article Is For (And Why Working With Women Is Different) This article is primarily focused on sensual massage for women (and in some cases couples) offered by a male practitioner, although much of what’s discussed applies to female practitioners too. If your clients are going to be men, that is a very different proposition, and while many of the principles here are still useful, the power dynamic and the typical client motivations mean some of these issues are often less critical....

Childbirth is a profound physical, emotional, and identity-shaping experience. While much attention is given to recovery in the early weeks and months, many women find that long after their body has healed, something still feels different. Desire may feel distant, muted, or absent altogether. Low libido after childbirth is far more common than many people realise. It can emerge months or even years later, and often comes with confusion, worry, or a sense that something is “wrong.” In reality,...