How To Make Your Own Body Scrub

The good thing about making your own is you customize the fragrance and the ingredients that best suit your needs and moods. you use a liquid body wash, chances are you apply it with some sort of loofah, mesh scrubbie thing or wash cloth. This is great for everyday and does offer you a small amount of exfoliation. These recipes are good for about once a week and offer a lot more exfoliation and moisturizing benefits. By scrubbing off the top layer of dead skin cells your skin will feel smoother, your moisturizer will penetrate easier and you will help prevent annoying ingrown hairs and body breakouts. The act of rubbing in circular motions, towards the heart also increases circulation.

Granular exfoliant options:
     Salt: You can use sea salt, kosher salt, epsom salts or just plain old table salt. I like to use table salt because it is cheaper and smaller grains mean you don't have to grind it yourself. Larger chunks of salt have irregular edges and are too scratchy for the skin so if you decide to use a larger salt be sure to grind it in a blender, food processor or coffee mill. All salts will have detoxifying and muscle-relaxing properties. The problem with salt is it will sting if you have any minor cuts or scratches you are not aware of. For this reason, never use a salt scrub after shaving, it will not feel nice! Also, in general the act of shaving is exfoliating (removing dead skin cells) so if you exfoliate before you shave you will get a closer shave and cut down on skin irritation. Also, the oil from the scrub can be used instead of shaving cream and will lubricate the blades of your razor. If you do not have sensitive skin you can use a sugar scrub after shaving if you want to keep the oil on your skin and skip moisturizer.

     Sugar: You can use brown sugar, white (granulated) sugar or natural cane sugar. White sugar is probably the cheapest but will work the same as natural cane sugar. Brown sugar is gentler and has a warmer, yummier fragrance. Sugar scrubs in general are gentler than salt scrubs and don't really have muscle-relaxing qualities but the act of scrubbing in a circular motion does increase circulation.

     Coffee: The information I obtained about coffee as a topical scrub surprised me. Coffee is granular and feels nice on the skin but the caffeine has added benefits. Applied topically coffee helps to redistribute fat cells and decrease the formation of cellulite. It also acts as a vasorestrictor, tightening and shrinking blood vessels thereby helping eliminate varicose veins. It has been used for years in spas in Hawaii and on the coast of Bali. Others: Oatmeal is very gentle and won't aggressively exfoliate but it is great if you have dry, itchy skin. Flax seed is also very lubricating for dry skin. Crushed almonds are very exfoliating as well but may be too much for sensitive skin. Yogurt and milk contain lactic acid which will dissolve skin cells and act as a non-granular exfoliant.

Moisturizing Options:
Once you pick your grain of choice you are ready to add in your oil. You will add enough oil to turn your grains into the perfect slushy mixture. Not too oily but not too dry, either. The mixture may separate in between uses so be sure to stir gently before you apply it. You can use many kinds of oil, including jojoba oil, safflower oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, even olive or vegetable oil. I would not recommend mineral oil (baby oil) because this will not penetrate into the skin like the other oils will. Mineral oil is pore-clogging and once it evaporates your skin may be left looking dryer than before you used it. Once you massage the mixture into your skin and rinse, the grains will be gone and the oil will make your skin soft and hydrated. If you don't like the feel of oil on your skin you can dip a loofah (one on a stick will work be the most convenient) into the oil then into your grain mixture. (you will have already put your fragrance and/or herbs or flowers into the grains) This will impart only a minimal amount of oil onto your skin but still be effective. If your skin is dry or itchy, avocado is very soothing and moisturizing and can be applied alone, mashed into a paste or added to your scrub. Save the pit for a natural massage tool to soothe achey or tense muscles.

Fragrance Options:
Your fragrance options are pretty much unlimited. You can use essential (aromatherapy) oils for an added emotional benefit or your favorite perfume oil. Perfume oils are too irritating for the face but are fine for the body. Possible oils:


Vanilla: Great especially in the coffee or brown sugar scrub.
Orange, lime, tangerine or lemon: For an uplifting effect.
Rosemary, eucalyptus or peppermint: For clearing out the sinuses and stimulating the body
Cinnamon or clove: For improving circulation and adding a spicy kick to your scrub.
Rose, jasmine or ylang-ylang: for a romantic floral scrub.
Geranium: For balancing your mood.
Lavender: For promoting relaxation.
You can mix and match and create your own personal favorite blend!

Herb and flower options:
Adding herbs and flowers to your scrub will make it look more attractive, add additional exfoliation and can have other benefits as well. For example:


Shredded ginger will aid exfoliation.
Linden flower is great for soothing frayed nerves.
Comfrey is good for those with minor skin irritations.
Yarrow is a rnusle-soothing Chinese herb.
Lemon peel helps alleviate lethargy.
Orange peel or St. John's Wort helps ease minor depression. Lavender flowers will help promote relaxation. Ginseng will help energize and increase circulation.

Other Add-Ins:
Bentonite or kaolin (Cosmetic-grade) clay will help detoxify and purify the skin as will seaweed. Honey will add moisture and shredded soap will add eliminate the need for using additional soap either before or after your scrub. Baking soda will add a pleasant fizziness and help clarify the skin.

Saving Money:
Scrubs can be pretty costly. Usually scrubs come in nice glass or plastic jars which add greatly to the price. You can find your own decorative jars and definitely if you have a scrub in a nice jar at home just rinse it and reuse it with your own exfoliating concoction!

Body Scrub Massage

More and more men are experiencing hybrid massages, like Body Scrub Massage.

Body Scrub and Pressure Point massage is very beneficial for you health and skin. Body Scrub will expose a supple layer of younger skin, making you feel fresh and rejuvenated. A Body Scrub takes away a layer of your skin that carries only dirt and dead cells which leaves your skin softer, vibrant, clean and shiny. Exfoliating helps to rejuvenate the skin exposing a smoother surface. Overlapping oils and lotion without the removal of the dead cells cannot work effectively.

Where oils and lotion leave off, body scrubs take over. What a better way to improve circulation, feel relaxed, and be left with clean, healthy skin. Average cost for a body scrub massage is $50-$70.

10 Most Popular Massages

The year's end is near so let's wrap it up with 2010's top ten massage styles.

There are lots of different kinds of massage, and sometimes the same massage goes by different names. Find out more about these common types of massage, and which one is best for you.

1. Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common type of massage and a great place to start if it's your first massage or if you're afraid a massage might be painful. During Swedish massage, massage therapists use massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes over your body. You are usually nude under sheets, but only the part that is being massaged is exposed so modesty is always respected.

2. Relaxation Massage

While a relaxation massage has health benefits, the massage therapist will probably go slower and avoid deeper work that could be at all uncomfortable. A relaxation massage is good if you're a beginner or sensitive to pain, or if you had a lot of deep work done the day before at a spa that offers daily massage.

3. Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the therapist will work the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia (connective tissue). It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots called adhesions. Many people expect deep tissue massage to be an hour of intense pressure and pain, but this is counterproductive.

4. Therapeutic Massage

This is just another way to say that the massage is meant to have therapeutic purposes and health benefits. Therapeutic massage is a way to distinguish it from "massage parlor" massage, which was the image that massage had with most Americans back in the 1960s. Therapeutic massage also might indicate that the massage will be a little deeper -- not just a pure relaxation massage.

5. Full-Body Massage

Most massages are full-body massage, meaning that the therapist will massage your back, legs, arms, and neck. If it's a half-hour massage, you are better off having the therapist concentrate on a specific area that is giving you trouble. Or a therapist might take a full hour to concentrate on a specific area because of injury or chronic pain. Sometimes signs for "full-body massage" are used by "spas" that function more like the old massage parlor.

6. Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is usually a Swedish or deep tissue massage where the massage oil has been blended with essential oils such as lavender, peppermint or geranium to affect your mood and alleviate pain. Aromatherapy massage is at its best when the therapist uses high quality, therapeutic essential oils blended to address your specific need. This can be hard to find in a commercial spa setting. You are probably better off with a private practitioner specifically trained in aromatherapy massage.

7. Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a very popular massage that uses smooth, rounded stones that have been heated in water. The therapist uses the stones as an extension of his/her hand and may also place them on your belly, hands or back. When done well hot stone massage is great, because the heat helps warm up your muscles and is very relaxing. But hot stone massage requires a lot of skill, so quality can vary widely.

8. Sports Massage

Sports massage was developed for athletes who need to keep their bodies in great condition and quickly work out any stress or injuries. Sports massage can be used to get an athlete ready to compete, support their bodies while they compete, or help it recover after an event. But sports massage is good for anyone with chronic pain, injury or range-of-motion issues. The therapist generally concentrates on a specific problem area which may be related to sports, like golf or tennis.

9. Couples Massage

Couples massage is where two people are massaged in the same room, at the same time, by two different therapists. It can be a husband and wife, girlfriend and boyfriend, same-sex partners, or even moms and daughters sometimes or best friends. The setting can range from a simple romm big enough for two tables to an elaborate spa suite. You can talk or keep quiet during couples massage -- it's up to you.

10. Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage (yes, we know, not for gay men)

Pregnancy massage, also known as pre-natal massage, promotes relaxation, soothes nerves, and relieves strained back and leg muscles in expectant mothers. Pregnancy massage is especially benefical in the second and third trimesters, when the extra weight in your belly puts a strain on your back. Before you get a pre-natal massage, make sure the therapist has been specially trained.

10 Christmas Gifts for Massage Lovers

A trip to the spa is a lavish Christmas gift that may be a little beyond your budget. These affordable massage products mean you can give that special someone the gift of relaxation without paying a premium price. Best of all, these products make it easy to enjoy a mini massage or luxurious spa treatment despite a busy holiday schedule.

Peppermint Foot Lotion
Peppermint is not just for candy canes this Christmas. Thick, moisturizing lotion contains peppermint oil making it perfect for a luxuriousspa treatment at home. The peppermint fragrance works like a mini aromatherapy treatment. The tingly feeling has a massaging effect as it invigorates and soothes dry, tired feet.

Yves Rocher Lavande Essentielle Icy Gel
Similar to the peppermint lotion, this thin gel cools tired feet and calves. The purple gel contains peppermint essential oil tempered with a fragrant burst of lavender oil. It is easy to apply and a little goes a long way, making this an affordable Christmas gift.

Shop around the Yves Rocher website because they frequently offer gifts with purchase. Interestingly, buying a gift set is sometimes cheaper than buying a single item.

Massaging Pillow
Reasonably priced at around $10, the Homedics portable massage pillow is great for Christmas road trips. The small size makes it easy to use this pillow around the house or at the desk.

Rolling Massagers
These manual massagers have plastic prongs that glide across achy back muscles and relieve tension. They are available in a variety of styles. Bath and Body Works has cute designs, such as a red star, that make fun Christmas stocking stuffers for less than $5.

Three-in-One Soy Candle, Moisturizer and Massage Oil
These small, fragrant candles melt into warm massage oil as they burn. Some brands include a small scoop or spoon so you can remove a bit without burning the candle. Rub it between your hands and it melts into a moisturizer. These candles are available at several price points. Last Christmas, Sally Beauty Supply had Spa Scents candles in a variety of fragrances for less than $10. Victoria's Secret Booty Parlor line includes two 7-ounce massage candles, sandalwood vanilla and chocolate cinnamon, for around $40 each.

Nubby Bar Soap
Oversize textured bar soap makes it easy to soothe an achy back or legs in the shower. This is another massage product that comes in a range of prices. An 11.1-ounce bar of soap costs around $20 atBliss.

Massaging Slippers
Human-powered textured shoes have massaging nubs all over the sole. The footbed massages feet as you walk. Avon's SpaFinder brand slippers are $12.

Homedics makes battery-operated massaging slippers. The plush slippers come in a neutral brown, black or feminine pink. Homedics massaging slippers cost between $20 and $30 and are available at some drug stores and discount retailers. Check the Homedics website for additional styles including booties and a foot massage pillow.

Hand Balm or Cream
A hand massage is an easy spa treatment you can do for yourself or someone else. Keep wind chapped hands and cracked cuticles away by applying the moisturizer.

Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème costs less than $10 and is available online and in stores such as Walgreen's and Target.

SpaFinder Massaging Spa Pedicure
This clearance item probably will not be available for long because it is only $3.49 at Avon.com. This simple product consists of a strap with handles. One side of the strap has massaging nubs and the other works as a buffer.

S. Maven

Lush Organic Massage Bars

It's Christmas time. How about a gift for your loved with subtle innuendos? How about a lush bars...

A massage with these bars releases tension and calms the mind. A massage with these bars releases tension and calms the mind. Lush massage bars are fresh and homemade, with mostly organic ingredients. Aromatherapy from the bars aids relaxation, and the shea butter leaves skin silky soft

Lush, the homemade bath and body products company, uses organic ingredients whenever possible, and never tests on animals. Because of the anti-cruelty philosophy guiding Lush, its product range is limited to items that can be tested on humans - happy, eager humans - who rate the fresh, homemade soaps, shampoos, bath bombs and more. Lush also makes some terrific massage bars, all of which incorporate aromatherapy into the efficacy of their purposes. Be it to relax sore muscles, or energize tired bodies, each massage bar serves its purpose well.

Lush recommends using massage bars in place of massage oils; less messy than oil, the cocoa and shea butters melt on contact. The result is softened, scented skin, relaxed muscles, and a peaceful state of mind.
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How Can You Give a Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massages, also known as warm stone massages, are extremely relaxing for most people. These massages have become popular at high-end health clubs and many day spas. Sadly for many of us, however, a hot stone massage can also be quite expensive. Even if you are not a massage therapist, learning the basics of how to administer a hot stone massage can be a wonderful treat for those you love.

A hot stone massage obviously involves hot stones. Most people use basalt stones, although other types of stones can also be used. You can hunt for your own stones in a riverbed or buy them from a massage supply company. You want smooth stones of various sizes, with no sharp corners or rough spots. The other materials you will need for this type of massage include a roasting pan or Crock-Pot®, massage oil or baby oil, towels, and a slotted spoon or tongs.

Before your first hot stone massage, you must "season" the stones. This just involves coating them in oil — usually baby oil or massage oil. Next, you must heat the stones. To accomplish this, place the stones in your Crock-Pot® or roasting pan, cover them with water, and heat the water. When the stones are warm, remove them from the water, carefully, with your tongs or slotted spoon, and dry them off with a towel.

When giving a hot stone massage, you must be very careful that the stones are not too hot. Large stones will hold heat longer than small stones, so be safe and test the stones on your own skin before placing them on someone else. If the stones are too warm, you can lay a sheet or towel between the person's skin and the hot stones.

Place the stones carefully on the back of the person receiving a hot stone massage. Put the larger stones on the areas with larger muscles; the scapular area and the lower back on both sides of the spine. If the massage recipient has her palms facing up, you can place a medium warm stone in each of her hands. Place small stones between the fingers and toes. Use the rest of the stones as directed by the person receiving the massage — as different areas of the body will be more or less tense in different people.

If you know how to perform massage, you can now remove the warm stones one at a time, and massage the area. If you are not skilled in massage, you can very lightly run the warm stones along the person's skin. He may want the stones to be run very gently along the soles of his feet, his arms, or the back of his neck. Remember to follow his direction and be very gentle.

As you perform a hot stone massage, the stones will begin to lose heat. Replace them as needed with other stones that have been heating. When you are finished with the hot stone massage, wash the stones and store them so that they are ready for their next use. Maybe you can convince your loved one to return the favor!

Massage Matchmakers

GayMassageNow.com has introduced its new free service to visitors: Massage Matchmakers. Are you new to m4m massage? Can't decide between two masseurs? Need a recommendation? We are here to help.

Try Massage Matchmakers and let us choose a masseur for you. GMN offers the most ways to find the right massage professional than any other site.

Shower: Before or After?

Shower before massage: Not only does a hot shower loosen up your muscles, it also makes for a more pleasant experience for your therapist as well. Looser muscles make the massage easier and who wouldn't take a freshly washed body over any other when you're in that close of contact?

Shower after massage: Many people take showers before and after their massage. Many massage professionals use oil which your skin might not absorb all of. A shower can remove any greasiness, residue and scent. 

Believe it or not, 40% of men do not take a shower immediately prior or at the end of a massage. 20% of men take a shower before and after; 60% of men take a shower before or after. 

Many masseurs allow for their clients to shower at their location. But often times it is not offered. It is recommended for clients to ask their masseur if a shower is available prior to scheduling the appointment. And then remember to remind the masseur once the massage as ended. 

Guide to Spa Treatments for Men

An increasing number of men are comfortable with the idea of going to the spa for a facial, manicure or a professional shave and spas around the country are catering to male clientele with several customized treatments. Men who want to break away for a quick skincare treatment or shave now have several spa treatment options to choose from, and some spas are designed exclusively for men, providing amenities such as flat-screen televisions and snacks.

Spa Treatments Specifically for Men

One of the most popular spa treatments for men is the professional shave. Some spas have aestheticians on site that have been trained in barbering and can perform the traditional hot shave using classic shaving tools. Other spas use a standard razor and shaving cream or oil to perform a professional shave.

Other spa treatments tailored specifically for men include:
Sports massage
Neck and shoulder massage
Men’s manicure
Men’s pedicure
Waxing treatments
Body scrubs
Gentlemen’s facials to treat acne or rough and dry skin

Body treatments for men are great for exfoliating rough and dry skin, and for stimulating circulation. Many men don’t exfoliate their skin on a regular basis at home, so this can be a good treatment for anyone who wants to begin a new skincare regimen.

Sports massage offers a number of benefits for both athletes and non-athletes. This services is designed to increase range of motion in the joints and reduce stress. The massage helps to relieve tension in the neck, back, hamstrings, and other core muscle groups and promotes healthy circulation. Men who are on their feet all day, and those who just need a good massage after a stressful week are good candidates for this spa service.

Manicures and pedicures for men are basic nail services that include a trimming and shaping of the nails, and a light exfoliation of the skin. These nail services may also include a light massage treatment which helps to improve circulation to the area and promotes healthy nail growth.
Benefits of Spa Treatments for Men

Men of all ages can enjoy a number of skin and health benefits from visiting the spa on a regular basis. Some of the top benefits of spa treatments for men include:
Deep cleanses the pores
Increases circulation to the skin
Brings out the skin’s natural glow
Improves moisture retention
Restores lost moisture
Improves the texture and tone of the skin
Massage can help to create a contoured, sculpted appearance
Reduces or eliminates frequency of acne and breakouts
Can target certain skin problems
Other Spa Amenities and Experiences for Men

Men who are visiting a resort spa or a more high-end, upscale day spa may find a number of other spa amenities, including:
Hot tubs
Jacuzzi
Sauna
Steam room
Relaxation room with wireless Internet and TVs
Lounge area
Hydrotherapeutic jet baths

Whether you’re interested in a sports massage, deep-cleansing facial or nail services, you’ll find a number of customizable spa treatments designed specifically for men at the day spa or resort spa.

Top Spa Myths Revealed

There are still so many spa myths standing in the way of spa enthusiasts today. Here are some of the top myths answered, so that you can carry on with what you enjoy best. Test your spa knowledge and see if you have been mislead into believing one of the 10 spa myths mentioned below.

1. Acupuncture is painful and risky

There is no pain involved in acupuncture. You may feel a slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted, but a number of people do not even feel the needle. The needle is very fine like a hair with a rounded point. In very rare cases a tiny bruise can be left on the skin after the procedure. Disposable needles are used during treatments, therefore cutting out any risk involved.

2. You can catch skin diseases from tanning beds

This fear generated from the fact that many people lie nude in sun beds during their tanning sessions and have direct contact with the tanning bed. Tanning salons are required by law to disinfect the liner in the tanning bed after each session. If you are concerned that this has not been done at your local salon, you are at liberty to question the salon or spa manager.

3. Saunas cause hair loss

There is no direct evidence that suggests that individuals using saunas on a frequent basis are prone to premature hair loss or balding. The heat in the sauna ought to aid in increasing circulation in the body which in turn should aid in the promotion of both hair growth and health. Of course, if you increase the heat setting way above the recommended heat setting for the sauna you may experience some problems. You can always wrap a damp cloth around your hair and rub conditioner in your hair before going into the sauna if you would like to ensure that your hair stays moisturized.

4. You have to be naked during a spa treatment

This is not true. There are a number of treatments that can be performed fully clothed or in your costume. It is best to ask your spa therapist before booking your spa treatment. Although some spa treatments are done with minimal clothing on, spa therapists make certain to respect your privacy and keep you comfortable at all times. Therapists often leave the room when you remove your clothes for a treatment and wait for you to cover yourself with a towel before reentering the room. Alternatively, the therapist will lift a towel up to shade you while you lie down and cover yourself with a towel. Special towel techniques are also used throughout treatments so that the only area of your body that is exposed is the section of the body with which they are working on.

5. Real men do not go to spas

The spa industry as well as worldwide ideals have changed drastically in the last couple of years. The increase in men visiting spas has increased profoundly in the past few years and is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Male specific treatments have been designed with the male in mind and the spa has become a place for men to spend some quality time relaxing with their loved ones. Bachelor parties at spas have also become the new trend, while men start to realize the importance of self-nurturing and the fact that spas can be both enjoyable and masculine in nature.

6. Botox can cause permanent facial paralysis

This is not true. Botox can cause temporary muscle paralysis. However, this muscle paralysis usually only lasts 6 months as the substance is broken down by the body during this period of time. You would need to be injected by large doses of the substance if you were to experience severe side effects. Nevertheless, Botox should only be administered by a professional. Booking a session with an unqualified therapist could leave you at risk. Read on for more information about the Botox process.

7. You have to be extremely agile and flexible to practice yoga

Anyone can practice yoga. Although some yoga postures are more complex and more difficult to perform, you do not have to be able to master these poses when you first start practicing the art. Yoga instructors select poses suited to your body and that will benefit you the most. These poses would have just as good effect on your body and mind as any of the other more advanced poses. You will be able to notice benefits from your yoga poses whether you are at a beginner or advanced yoga level.

Alchemical Synergy

Developed by Kamala Renner, Alchemical Synergy is a process of evolving universal energy patterns and is used as a holistic counseling system that focuses on achieving transformation by utilizing the universal four forces—centripetal, centrifugal, gravitational, and electromagnetical—the consciousness portion of the Big Bang theory relative to the beginning of the universe. Centripetal force controls all inward movement, allowing us to go inside to observe and reconnect with our inner world, which contains knowledge of all that is natural for us as an individual. Centrifugal force controls all outward movement, allowing interaction of the consciousness with the surroundings and other people. Centripetal and centrifugal force are duality and control all activity that depends on yin/yang, negative/positive balance for its existence. Gravity regulates the action of centripetal and centrifugal forces to ensure universal balance and stimulates the ability to step out of duality to observe the effect of its interaction from a neutral space. Electromagnetics is the life force that is a catalyst for reproduction to occur, allowing the evolution of consciousness to continue. Synergy training defines every experience in categories relative to the force from which it originates. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

Body Electric: Sexual Energy Thru Hands

Body electric is often used to describe a sensual massage, but it is definitely more than that.  It is a variety of sensual massage intended to promote positive self-image and acceptance of the body, and help to reattach a wholesome view of sexual energy within the body. Body Electric practitioners can be trained in this form, so you might want to ask if they are certified in this discipline. In the middle of Reiki and Energy Work lies the massage style of Body Electric. 

It is becoming increasingly demanded in the massage business. In fact, its demand has increased by over 20% in the last 3 years. To understand the difference between different forms of sensual massage, you must experience them all. It is undoubtedly the best way you can feel the difference between the forms.

Enjoy! 

Electric Massage Chairs

At this age and time, people seem to be always busy for the most part. Hurrying after the hustle and bustle of the bright city lights, getting busy climbing up the corporate ladder, adopting the modern lifestyle – all those can strain your body ultimately. We all know how stress can destroy us. Although the effects do not instantly crop up, they can be very alarming and life-threatening in many cases.

The good news is, with all the strenuous activities that the modern day demands you subject yourself to, comes a handful of ways to relax, chill, and shake off the stress. A weekend getaway someplace where there is peace, a relaxing trip to the spa, or simply a whole-day sleep treat are just some of the ways you can help your body recuperate from the stress. Let’s face it, however, that not all of us probably enjoy those options. With that, there’s electric massage to turn to.

Yes, acquiring an electric massage apparatus is one of the best alternatives you can give yourself as a reward for working hard. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a massage without having to sacrifice much of your precious time.

Electric Massage Equipments

There are a variety of electric massage equipments available in the market. There’s an electric foot massager, an electric massage chair, an electric massage bed, and even an electric pet massager.

The foot takes a lot of the weight of our busy lifestyles. That’s why it deserves some pampering with the electric foot massager. It is a simple equipment that seeks to ease sore and tired and battered foot. The brand of relief that you can get from an electric foot massager is definitely worth every penny that you will spend.

To improve your sense of wellbeing, even in the midst of a demanding lifestyle, an electric massage chair is ideal. Not only does an electric massage chair keeps you relaxed but also regulates blood circulation, resulting to better health. While the electric massage chair cannot duplicate the relief that you can get from the intensity of human massage, it goes as far as giving you an effective release of stress.

If you find the advantage of an electric massage chair lacking, you can turn to an electric massage bed for that full body relief. The electric massage bed will give you relaxing sleeps, which will help prepare your body for more challenges ahead. The electric massage bed has a lot of health benefits, especially in alleviating stress and body pains. It also helps regulate your blood circulation as well as provide therapeutic relief to your battered body.

Mind you these are never as good as the real thing (where have we heard that before), but on a budget or during a late night they are a perfect alternative. And par the course, you get what you pay for.

Reinventing and rebranding the words "gay massage"

Bodywork done in a discreet setting of either the masseur or clients preferred location. A gay massage is a surrendering to pleasure and relaxation. Although a professional exchange, it is often one of the best and most anticipated indulgences. The client chooses a masseur based on the services offered, the sexiness and desirability of the masseur. It is an immersion of feelings, an exchange of trust and established flowing of energy. The gay massage provides a comforting sense of sameness, an appreciation of differences, and understanding. The gay massage is an acceptance of limits and boundaries. It is a balancing act between fantasy and reality and a wonderful way to pass the time.

The session is often intense in that the client is transported through touch, energy, ambiance into their own personal nirvana. Mutual touch may or may not be permitted during the experience. Either way, the massage is a healthy way of pampering the senses that range from softly sensual, roughly erotic to purely professional, therapeutic and healing. The massage experience is an understanding of need and the desire to leave satisfied. The gay massage is a creative way to touch performed by the same sex.

Top Scientists Get to the Bottom of Gay Male Sex Role Preferences

It’s my impression that many straight people believe that there are two types of gay men in this world: those who like to give, and those who like to receive. No, I’m not referring to the relative generosity or gift-giving habits of homosexuals. Not exactly, anyway. Rather, the distinction concerns gay men’s sexual role preferences when it comes to the act of anal intercourse. But like most aspects of human sexuality , it’s not quite that simple.

I’m very much aware that some readers may think that this type of article does not belong on this website. But the great thing about good science is that it’s amoral, objective and doesn’t cater to the court of public opinion. Data don’t cringe; people do. Whether we’re talking about a penis in a vagina or one in an anus, it’s human behavior all the same. The ubiquity of homosexual behavior alone makes it fascinating. What’s more, the study of self-labels in gay men has considerable applied value, such as its possible predictive capacity in tracking risky sexual behaviors and safe sex practices.

People who derive more pleasure (or perhaps suffer less anxiety or discomfort) from acting as the insertive partner are referred to colloquially as “tops,” whereas those who have a clear preference for serving as the receptive partner are commonly known as “bottoms.” There are plenty of other descriptive slang terms for this gay male dichotomy as well, some repeatable (“pitchers vs. catchers,” “active vs. passive,” “dominant vs. submissive”) and others not—well, not for Scientific American , anyway.

In fact, survey studies have found that many gay men actually self-identify as “versatile,” which means that they have no strong preference for either the insertive or the receptive role. For a small minority, the distinction doesn’t even apply, since some gay men lack any interest in anal sex and instead prefer different sexual activities. Still other men refuse to self-label as tops, bottoms, versatiles or even “gay” at all, despite their having frequent anal sex with gay men. These are the so-called “Men Who Have Sex With Men” (or MSM) who are often in heterosexual relations as well.

Several years ago, a team of scientists led by Trevor Hart at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta studied a group of of 205 gay male participants. Among the group’s major findings—reported in a 2003 issue of The Journal of Sex Research —were these:

(1) Self-labels are meaningfully correlated with actual sexual behaviors. That is to say, based on self-reports of their recent sexual histories, those who identify as tops are indeed more likely to act as the insertive partner, bottoms are more likely be the receptive partner, and versatiles occupy an intermediate status in sex behavior.

(2) Compared to bottoms, tops are more frequently engaged in (or at least they acknowledge being attracted to) other insertive sexual behaviors. For example, tops also tend to be the more frequent insertive partner during oral intercourse. In fact, this finding of the generalizability of top/bottom self-labels to other types of sexual practices was also uncovered in a correlational study by David Moskowitz, Gerulf Reiger and Michael Roloff. In a 2008 issue of Sexual and Relationship Therapy, these scientists reported that tops were more likely to be the insertive partner in everything from sex-toy play to verbal abuse to urination play.

by Jesse Bering

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