The happy ending massage...

Now you're talking! This is "hands down" one of the most basic and beloved things you can do for your partner--- learn to give him or her a decent massage...

It's not really hard to learn basic techniques...you'll then develop your own style... and before you know it... you'll be a Master Masseuse... and your mate just won't believe his good fortune.

In this section, we tell you how to set the stage, get started on the basics, select perfect massage music, and then we point you toward several great resources... oh, yes, also a word about massage & sex.

And don't miss our most excellent new resource for creating a true "happy ending massage": Better Sex.

SETTING UP YOUR "PARLOR"

Of course, a massage can be given anywhere; on the bed, on a mat on the floor, even in a chair. In the beginning, just set up on the bed... lay out a soft old blanket first to protect your sheets from the oil. This will do until you are sure you guys like the massage thing (heh heh)...

Later, a portable padded massage table with sheepskin or fleece covers is an awesome investment in pleasure.

Now then, what other massage supplies do you knead?

- A candle or two-to create a romantic, relaxing glow

- Massage oil- (Warm the oil bottle up in a dish of hot water.)

We recommend these to get you started:

Sex oil - Pheromones massage oil (citrus-basil) $8.99
Special Features: Pheromone; Weight: 4 oz; Fragrance: Citrus-basil; Product Type: Oil; Manufacturer: California Exotic

Sex oil - Sensual massage oil (pleasure garden) $17.99
Fragrance: Pleasure garden; Product Type: Oil; Manufacturer: KamaSutra

Sex oil - Tantric massage oil (nirvana) $10.99
Weight: 8 oz; Fragrance: Nirvana; Product Type: Oil; Manufacturer: California Exotic

Sex oil - Sex chakra spritzer $17.99
Special Features: Aphrodisiac, Aromatherapy; Weight: 8 oz; Base: Water; Product Type: Oil; Manufacturer: Angelic Aromas

Don't forget to add music to the mix--any soft, relaxing CDs you both like...soft jazz, new age or light classical work best... Check out our favorites below, including "Music for Massage"

To set the stage: you want to create a calm, peaceful sanctuary where you will be undisturbed for an hour. Put the kids to bed, the animals outside. Unplug the phones. Cut the lights, fire up the candles, spin some erotic tunes, and dive right in... Sublime!

LEARNING BASIC MASSAGE TECHNIQUES-DVDS

We thought about this and decided two things:
1. You must learn how, and
2. We can't teach you here in our website.

So we suggest here a selection of massage DVDs so you can learn basic technique in the privacy of your home: ***Warning, some of these sets are explicit guides to sensual and erotic massage.

The Ultimate Sexual Massage DVD - Teaches More Than Massage! $19.95
The Ultimate Sexual Massage DVD begins where other massage programs leave off. Follow Tina and Al as they learn from an experienced couple how to attain new heights of senses.

An Instructional Massage DVD That Includes A Music CD $19.95
This Magic Touch DVD and CD Set was created for the Sensuous Soul in you. This CD and DVD set help you get in the mood for romance. Play the CD anytime and anywhere.

Lover's Massage DVD $24.99
The Lover's Massage DVD helps you learn how to give your lovers a massage. The lover's massage dvd will give you step by step instrucions on massages for lovers.

Erotic Massage- DVD $22.99
The Erotic Massage instructional dvd video will give you a step by step instruction on how to give an erotic sensual massage. Erotic massage will enhance your sex life.

ABOUT MASSAGE & SEX...

Massage is a natural prelude to sex, leads right into it... it's such a sensual and relaxing experience...then those hands tend to keep on wandering, don't they?

If you and your mate are interested in a true "happy ending massage", you might investigate this most excellent resource: The Better Sex Collection.

We also included some sexually oriented DVDs above to help you guys delve a little further into the mysteries of sexuality. And, in case you missed it, we provided much information and resources in our section The Sensuous Woman. Plus, for a look at the lighter side of sex, and some fun massage games, visit our Naughty Playroom...

MUSIC FOR MASSAGE

We recommend these great music CDs for your massage parlor:

Music for Lovers (Stephen Halpern)- Sensuous, mystical, a fitting tapestry for serious love-making

Enhancing Intimacy (Stephen Halpern)- Exotic and erotic, this lush and lovely CD is entwined with subliminal suggestions to promote intimacy and caring.

My Music for Massage (Various Artists)- Soothing and beautiful backdrop for a sensuous massage

Music for Massage: The Light Touch for Health & Harmony- Lay down for your massage and take a wonderful, relaxing trip down a lazy river.

Reptile (Eric Clapton) - It's sexy. It's light. It's dark. Listen to it by candlelight... on the massage table... One of our all-time favorites.

MASSAGE & SENSUALITY KITS

Sensual Kit - Treasure trove gift tin (Strawberry) $40.99
Flavor: Strawberry; Special Features: Edible; Weight: 2 lb; Product Type: Sensual kit; Manufacturer: KamaSutra

Kama Sutra Weekender Erotic Massage Kit $29.95
A travel-sized collection of erotic elixirs to explore with your lover including Oil of Love, Pleasure Balm, Honey Dust and more. The perfect size for your next romantic weekend.

Kama Sutra Massage Oil Therapy Kit $29.95
Make your next vacation better than a trip to the spa with the five scented oils of the Kama Sutra Massage Therapy Kit!

Kama Sutra Bedside Box $37.99
She wants this Bedside Box from Kama Sutra, as the Kama Sutra Bedside Box is full of premium Kama Sutra products with bedside portions of some of Kama Sutra?s best sellers

You'll both enjoy the massage thing...it can be an earthy expression of love and caring between two people...and make sure he learns how, too...

Getting An Erotic Gay Massage

If you are looking for a m4m massage, you can get an erotic massage from some of the sexiest men around. You can find a masseur who is in your local area who will be able to provide you with what you need when it comes to massage services. If you are a gay or bi man who is looking to spice up his life with a massage from a handsome, young or mature man, then this is where we recommend you visit: www.gaymassagenow.com.

You can choose from an erotic massage as well as even a sensual massage when you are looking for a gay massage. You are not required to become a member of the website, it is absolutely free and you may contact the massage professional directly. Browse their services, massage styles and personal photos. Be sure the masseur has more than one photo to guarantee credibility.

See one you like in your area? Next, be sure to ask them directly how "erotic" the massage experience is and if they use the entire hour. Some may perform a a quick rub 'n tug while others perform a hybrid massage that combines an authentic technique, like swedish, with erotic elements. Remember that an erotic massage comes in many degrees from sensual to hardcore and you might it differently than the masseur. Making sure you are on the same page is imperative.

If you are looking for the ultimate in satisfaction when it comes to an erotic massage, then be sure to find the right type of massage with the type of masseur who will really give you the "pleasure" you are seeking, whether therapeutically or erotically. There is nothing quite like getting the services of a professional when you are looking for the perfect massage and these men are those who are well practiced in the craft of giving all types of massages for gay men, ranging from shiatsu to reiki. Quick tip: the best erotic masseurs are also trained in more than 2 or 3 disciplines.

Gay men have many choices today when it comes to finding the perfect gay massage thanks to the internet and the opportunity for them to find someone who they will be able to find attractive and also provide them with the services that they require. GayMassageNow.com simplifies the process with more ways than any other site to find the right massage therapist for you.

Always ask questions; do not assume anything. You will find that most masseurs welcome the questions. Unlike the straight community, m4m masseurs are used to the queries and do not shy away from them. When, and only when, you feel comfortable with the masseur you've selected you can approach an invitation for him to visit your home for a massage. Need a table or prefer the bed, ask that too.

Remember, you will never know how you will connect with an individual until you experience them. Worst case, you try someone new. To minimize this, simply ask questions, take your time, and go with your gut.

Lastly, enjoy your experience!

Facial Scrubs for a Man

Exfoliation (n): a lacking process in the grooming routine of most men. It’s the cold, hard truth. Thankfully many companies are trying hard to rewrite the lexicon of men’s hygiene with Sea Salt Body Scrubs. Products, formulated especially for men, give guys every reason in the world to start exfoliating: there’s seaweed to nourish the skin, vitamin C to improve elasticity, pro-vitamin B5 to aid in moisture retention, and chamomile to sooth the skin. This may not mean much to you, but the benefits of all this are healthier, younger-looking skin that’s smooth and cared for.

Here is one product you might want to try:

THE BASICS

Company: Anthony Logistics
Price: $26
Official Site: Anthony.com

UNIQUENESS

One major distinguishing characteristic for Anthony Logistics Sea Salt Body Scrub is the maker. Many mainline cosmetics companies have men’s brands that are really no more than women’s products reformulated and repackaged for guys. But that’s not so with this product: Anthony Logistics was created by a man (Anthony) for men; you can tell in the universal application of the product. Created for all-over use, this Sea Salt Body Scrub can be used on anything from the face to the feet. Most brands try to sell you something for individual areas, but knowing guys prefer a one-stop shop, Anthony Logistics put it all together in one bottle. To some, these two defining characteristics may not necessarily seem all that special, but when you use the product -- and you should -- you can feel confident that you’re getting a more masculine, genuine product than you would with other well-known brands.

DURABILITY

If given the chance, Anthony Logistics Sea Salt Body Scrub could become a mainstay in many men’s grooming routines. Given that it’s formulated especially for guys, you can immediately appreciate the look and the feel of the product: The packaging has an almost-medicinal look to it, and the sensation of the scrub on the skin offers a refreshing experience with each use. Sitting in your shower, it’s a grooming product that won’t embarrass you and will always be used. Those latter criteria should be further elaborated upon too, to prove the long-standing appeal of this body scrub. While most exfoliants are formulated for certain areas (the face, the body, the feet), Anthony Logistics Sea Salt Body Scrub cuts through all the bull to offer guys one product, with universal applications. And that all-in-one usefulness is what gives this product ageless appeal.

The Massage Road Less Traveled: Lymph System Massage

In the 1930s, a Danish doctor, Hans Vodder, noticed the connection between swollen and blocked lymph glands and colds, infections and other ailments. Since the lymph system is designed to remove bacteria and toxins from the body, he reasoned that massaging the lymph system would improve the flow of lymph and benefit the patient. Together with his wife, a massage practitioner, they developed a specific technique that massages the lymph nodes and lymph system using light rhythmic strokes. A characteristic of lymph system massage is that the strokes are always with the muscle fiber, rather than cross-fiber, because the lymph system runs in the direction of the muscle fiber. Rated Light

Instructions

Stage 1: Face

1 Cover your face with facial moisturizer.
2 With the sides of your index fingers, massage your forehead in an up-and-down motion. After the forehead massage, rub your temples and work your way down to the bottom front of your ears.
3 Massage your cheek bones from the outside of your nose to the outside of your cheeks below your outer eye. Continue using the sides of your index fingers but use a vibrating touch.
4 When you reach the outside of your cheekbones, lower your jaw and open your mouth. Place three fingers in the hollow below your outer cheekbone and massage with circular motions. While doing this, place your thumbs below your ears and behind your jaw and vibrate. Move your fingers toward the center of your cheekbones, and vibrate your thumbs down your jawline until they meet together at your chin.
5 Relax your neck muscles on your right side by tilting your head to the right. Take your left hand and stroke your fingertips down the right side of your neck and then across the shoulder. Do this eight times on the right side, then repeat the steps with your left side.

Stage 2: Upper Body Lymphatic Massage

1 Rub your arms and upper body with massage oil. Holding your left arm in front of you, take your right hand and using your fingertips, lightly stroke the inside of your arm from your wrist to the inside of your elbow. At your inner elbow, massage in a circular motion for about 60 seconds, then continue up your arm to the armpit. When you reach your armpit, do the circular motions once again and then pinch and squeeze your skin. This forces the lymph fluid out into circulation.
2 Use light strokes to move from the armpit, across your breast to to the center of your chest. Repeat this entire process with your right arm.
3 At the center of your breast bone, massage in a circular motion.
4 From the center of your abdomen, use strokes that go across your rib cage and out towards your armpit.

Stage 3: Lower Body Lymphatic Massage

1 Rub massage oil over your legs. Use your left hand and massage your toes with circular motions. Be sure to get in between toes as well. Using light strokes with your fingertips, move up to your ankle where you will use circular motions around the entire ankle. Continue upward from ankle to the calf. Be sure to get the front and back of the calf.
2 Massage from the calf to the knee, and at the knee use circular motions. Use the palms of your hands and stroke from your knee to your upper thigh. When you reach the top of your thigh and you are below the buttocks, use firm circular motions.
3 On the front of your thigh stroke upward and across the groin area. Try to do both sides at the same time. Move the palms of your hands upward, across the groin area, until they come together at your abdomen. Go over your groin area several times as many lymph nodes are in this area.
4 When both hands meet at your abdomen, stroke downward to your groin area once more.

Sports massage is not just for the jocks

Sports massage is short hand for two very different types of massage: pre-event massage, and post-event massage. They are designed to address the needs of a client either before or after major exertion.

Pre-Event Massage:
We all know the most important thing before exercise, right? Warm-ups! Pre-event massage is a pre-warm-up warm-up. It should be very energetic, and give special note to any area of the body that is especially important to the event. A baseball pitcher is going to need special attention on the pitching hand, but a marathoner needs extra time on the thighs and calves. The purpose of every technique in pre-event massage is to get the blood moving and the muscles warmed up. Properly warming and stretching the muscles can go a long way to preventing injuries.

There are four techniques that are especially good for pre-event massage: rocking, tapotment, petrissage, and friction. Keep in mind a good pre-event massage shouldn't take much more then fifteen minutes.

Rocking pretty much what it sounds like, and will normally be the first technique used. It is the gentlest technique common to pre-event massage. The therapist gently rocks the torso from side to side, with one both hands placed on the midline of the body for even movement. Arms and legs can be rocked as well. This technique gets the blood moving, and relaxes muscles, while at the same time letting the body 'know' someone is working, so the athlete doesn't tense up at more vigorous techniques.

Tapotment is a series of brisk percussive movements. There are many different forms of tapotment. Two common forms which are good for pre-event massage are cupping and hacking. Cupping is performed by cupping the hands, with the thumb held next to the index finger. Strike the body lightly with the rim of the cupped hand. Make sure the cupping is neither to hard nor to soft. If you hand 'bounces' back from contact, and a hollow popping sound is made, you have it right. Hacking is performed by holding the hands facing eachother with thumbs up. Hands and fingers should be loose, hacking with the hands tight could cause injury. Strike the body with the outside (pinky) edge of the hand. Sometimes the third and fourth fingers will hit the body as well. Like with cupping, if done right the hand should 'bounce' back, though there will not be a popping sound. Tapotment should never be done on the head or neck, and only lightly over the kidneys.

Petrissage is the classic shoulder massage, kneading and pulling to loosen and stretch the muscles. Petrissage over the arms and legs is very good for pre-event massage, as well as shoulders. Petrissage is difficult over the back because of how flat the muscle normally is there. Don't work deep in pre-event massage, keep a steady pressure and don't stay in one spot for more then a minute, just work your way smoothly over the body.

For friction, just place your hands flat on the body and rub. Friction over clothing can be irritating for the therapist, because of the way wrinkles in the fabric get in the way. Friction is a good finishing technique for sports massage. Work you way over the body smoothly using strong pressure. Friction is the best technique for hands and fingers, just be careful that the hand if properly supported while you work.

Post-Event Massage:
Post-event massage is part of cooling down. After a long workout, toxins build up in the muscles and need to be flushed out (the burning in your muscles when you exercise or shortly after is some of those toxins eating at the muscles). Cooling down also lets the body relax gradually, and (again) makes future injuries less likely. As an added bonus, when cooling down you can find injuries that went unnoticed during the event, and can make sure they get treated promptly and properly. Some techniques of post-event massage are: shaking, stretching, petrissage, effluerage, and compression.

Shaking, as above, helps open everything up.

Having the therapist stretch the muscles while the athlete is passive really allows the blood vessels to open up so the toxins have somewhere to go. Stretching in post-event massage should be done very carefully, and should not actually push the muscle to it's limits. Most athletes know how to stretch after an event. If an athlete prefers to allow you to stretch them while they are passive, and you do not have training in stretching and massage, ask the athlete to direct you in how and how far a stretch should go.

Petrissage should be slightly deeper then in pre-event massage to reach the toxins buried in the muscles, but becareful not to go so deep as to cause pain.

Effluerage means long sweeping movements up the body. Effluerage on the arms and legs should always be done in the direction of the heart. Effluerage increase blood flow, creating a strong current to pick up the toxins that have been removed from the muscles, so they can be carried to the liver and cleaned up.

Compression just means direct, unmoving pressure on the body. Don't use to much pressure. If you press your thumb on your arm for a few second, when you remove your thumb there should be a white spot in the shape of your thumb where the blood was forced out of the area. It should take less then ten seconds for the blood to return.

Please be careful in offering sports massage if you are not a trained therapist. It is possible to injure someone if you are not careful and do not know what you are doing.

Gay Sex Tours: Thailand

Straight or gay — the distinction isn't made in Thailand as it is in the U.S. In this largely Buddhist country, sex and sexuality come without the guilt and other baggage that accompany them here. Many Thais engage in sex with both men and women, without worrying about how to label themselves.

Thailand does have a gay culture, but much of it has been created by westerners. As a visitor, looking for nightlife, for gay sex, or for gay friends, this is largely the culture you'll most readily find. Here you'll meet outgoing and friendly Asian men who are interested in meeting westerners.

This can give the impression that most Thai men who we'd think of as gay are looking for westerners. That's not the case. But those you meet will often be interested in meeting Americans.

Thai culture does not place a premium on youth in the way that western societies do. If you're over 35, you probably feel over the hill in the U.S. You can still be quite desirable in Thailand. This comes as a pleasant surprise to middle-aged and older gay Americans!

Until quite recently, the visible, public gay establishments in Thailand were virtually all commercial: bars, go-go clubs, saunas, and massage parlors. These still account for the majority of gay spots, and you won't really have seen gay Thailand until you visit a go-go boy bar. But the largest cities now have a few discos, bars, or coffeehouses that lend themselves to non-commercial encounters, as well. The largest cities have gay karaoke bars and other establishments just for local gays. The best way to find them is to ask some locals.
Public discretion

"In America, you can say anything but you can't do it. In Thailand, you can do anything but you can't talk about it," noted one observer.

What two adults do in private is their own business in Thailand. Public displays of sexual affection, however, are considered highly inappropriate. Kissing in public is frowned upon.

This isn't an anti-gay prejudice: Heterosexual kissing is also unacceptable. In fact, it's amusing for American visitors to see two Thai men walking down the street arm-in-arm, when heterosexual Thai couples never do so. What's going on? The two men are non-sexual friends, and thus aren't crossing the line.

If you're seen walking arm-in-arm with a Thai boyfriend, people can figure out what's going on. Your boyfriend may not mind, so if he takes the initiative in this direction, go right ahead. It's better for you not to initiate any public displays, however: You could put him in the uncomfortable position of having to choose between either offending you, or acting in a way he feels in inappropriate and embarrassing.
Modesty

Public discretion continues briefly in the bedroom. "I came out of the bathroom, and my date was already under the sheets," recalls Mike, a gay American visitor to Bangkok. "I peeled off my shorts, got in with Chai — and discovered he was still wearing his t-shirt and underwear! I thought he must have lost interest somewhere along the line."

No — Chai was just being Thai. "A few kisses, a little cuddling, and that underwear was quickly gone. He turned out to be a real acrobat! We were on the floor, on the dresser, in positions I'd only dreamed of. There wasn't an inhibited bone in his body!"

Public nudity is verboten in Thailand. The country's few nude beaches are created, and largely populated, by Westerners. Even in the same-sex locker room at a gym, men often change clothes under a towel, and shower in private.

If you bring home a date, you may not see him naked before he gets under the sheets. But once things get started, anything can happen.

Well, perhaps not anything. Few Thai men are interested in S/M, B/D, water sports, or much of anything beyond vanilla sex. Many are interested in being only a top, or only a bottom. If you're versatile, you're pretty sure of having a fun and uninhibited time. If you have specialized interests or expectations, discuss them in advance to avoid disappointment all around.
Katoeys

Cross-dressing is far more accepted, and publicly widespread, in Thailand than in any other country. Males who cross-dress are referred to as katoeys, or ladyboys. Drag shows are popular at gay clubs, and also in many establishments catering largely to a straight clientele.
For Thais themselves

While Thais do not, by and large, make moral judgments about being gay, there remains a strong pressure to marry and have a family. Since they aren't into labeling themselves, it's common for Thai men to have predominantly same-sex relationships while in their twenties, then to marry and have kids, without feeling like they've switched from gay to straight.

An increasing number of Thai men do identify as gay. Frequently, just as in the U.S., they'll leave their hometown to get breathing room. Those in the plains and hills of the north and northeast generally move to Bangkok or Chiang-Mai. Those in Bangkok may go abroad for a few years.
Safety

Theft is rare, violence even rarer. But of course, there are no guarantees in life. It's always wise to keep valuables in the hotel safe when traveling, and not to tempt fate. Someone who came home with you only for love might reconsider if he sees a wallet on the dresser with the equivalent of a month of his wages — and realizes that to you, it's little more than enough for a night on the town.

The bars know who they hire, so taking home a bar boy creates an extra element of protection. In addition, it's common for hotels to request the ID's of overnight visitors, and your guests should be ready for this.

Fetishes Part 1: "The Doctor"

From golden showers to role playing, fetishes are becoming more mainstream than ever. Here is an interesting email received and shared to us by a GMN member...

Hi Jared,

I discovered your hot website today and thoroughly enjoyed reading about your medical exam fetish. I read one of your stories and it gave me an immediate hard on. I, too, have a very strong med exam fetish. I've had it for as long as I can remember. Although I prefer to play the role of the doc, I can understand how thrilling it is to feel vulnerable, exposed and be totally controlled by a clothed authority figure whose orders you must follow without question. There's just something very arousing about being naked and touched in sensitive areas and have your anus exposed and probed. I've played the patient enough times and almost always get a hard on even before I am asked to remove my shorts.

I have much experience playing the role of the doctor and although I don't have a medical background, I've done much research and reading about performing physical exams on men that I am quite convincing to my patients. I try to make my exams as realistic as possible because I know that the more real it appears, the more turned on the patient will be. I know because that's just how I want it when I am being examined. Like you, I do not become aroused when I am being examined by my real doctor but the first thing I do when I get home is jerk off while I think about him touching my cock and balls and insertnig his gloved finger into my ass. I always pay close attention when I am being examined by my actual doctor and copy his style and technique when I examine my med fetish patients. I always start my exams with my patient fully clothed but as soon as I collect all the info about his medical background, I ask him to strip down to his shorts. I don't usually allow gowns unless my patient is turned on by them. Once all the routine checks are done, I order my patient to remove his shorts just before the genital exam. My patient then remains nude for the rest of the exam. Penile, scrotal and testicular exams are very thorough and drawn out, as well as the visual examination of the anus and the temperature is always taken rectally. I offer my patients the choice of a very real exam, very similar to what would be given in an actual medical office, or, the long version that includes other procedures not normally performed by a real MD, such as shaving of the scrotum, buttocks and anal area, enemas, rectal exam with proctoscope and speculum, and collection of semen sample. All this is done while still keeping the exam somewhat realistic, even though these are not usually part of a man's physical exam. My DRE's are long and thorough, with the goal being to extract semen through prostate stimulation without actual ejaculation. It is a huge turn on for me to be in control of a nude, embarrassed and very submissive patient who is so aroused that his penis is erect almost from beginning to end. My exams do not include injections or pain of any kind. They will include the careful insertion of a small thermometer into the urethra if the patient requests it, with rectal temperature taken simultaneously.

If you are ever in the my area, you're welcome to schedule an exam with me.

I'd love to hear more about your exam fantasy. Please share more of it with me as you're communicating with someone who is into this as much as you, if not more. No need to feel ashamed or embarrassed with me. Tell me exactly what turns you one about this and how your ideal medical exam would go. Please be open.

Regards,
The Doctor

How Can I Find the Right Massage Therapist?

1. Identify your goals and health status The first thing you should do is set goals for the massage session(s). Are you interested in:

Reducing stress? -Reducing muscle contractions or tightness? -Living without chronic or acute pain? -Improving your work performance? -Enhancing your general health and well-being? -Improving your ability to participate in sports? -Secondly, think about why you want to see a massage therapist:

Did a licensed medical professional such as physical therapist, medical doctor, or chiropractor suggest you try massage? -Are you managing any conditions your doctor is not aware of but hope that massage might alleviate? -Do you know someone who has many of the same aches and pains as you and who has benefited from receiving massage therapy? -Are you looking for a sensual touch by a man? -Your answers to these questions will help you determine what skills you are looking for in a massage therapist. (You may want to look at the explanation of massage styles in our Learn:Styles link above)

2. Get some names Many people are most comfortable getting a personal referral from a friend. Sometimes your friend can answer questions about the massage therapist and explain how they benefited from visiting this therapist.

Another great source for referrals is right here - Gay Massage Now. Our directory of masseurs can help you narrow down your search.

Remember: Most advertising venues do not screen for therapists. It will be up to you to do some homework.

3. Consider your personal preferences You may want to include or eliminate potential therapists or styles based on personal preferences. For example:

Would you be most comfortable with a certified therapist or someone self-taught? Is location important? (If you plan to go once or twice a week, you may want to find a therapist close to work or home.)

4. Make a phone call to find out more about the therapist If you don’t already have this information, call and ask about:

Style or techniques used
-Philosophy of care
-Years in practice
-Specialty areas, experience with particular conditions
-Training, advanced certification
-The type of atmosphere and room decor
-Does he use a massage table?
-If there is any doubt or apprehension on your part, it is always appropriate to clarify the style or techniques that the massage therapist uses.

5. Ask about costs and logistics Ask about the fee. Specifically, ask:

What lengths of sessions are available and what is the fee for each. Typically, therapist will offer you a number of options, generally 30, 45, 60, 75 or 90 minutes. Ask if the rate is for hands-on time or if the intake is included in the time. -Are there different fees for different techniques? -Are there any additional fees? -Do they offer any special or discounted package rates? -Also ask about logistics:

How far in advance do you generally need to make an appointment? -What does the scheduled time mean—when you should arrive or when you should be ready to start the massage? -What is the cancellation policy? -What is the therapist’s draping policy? -Finally, to arrive more relaxed, get clear directions and learn about parking options.