As an LDS woman I understand your point. My first massage was uncomfortable.

However, as a Massage Therapist, I can tell you from first hand experience both as professional and as a client, the massage is a medical professional experience. It is a common health service and I think more people should be getting them. While in college for this, I recieved massages once a week and I was at the top of my game health wise. I lost weight, corrected lifelong posture problems, intense regular pains vanished and I found I was much more active, had more energy and was overall happier. I know why because I went to school and understand how massage effects the body. I also understand that it's easier to be unclothed during the process because the therapist can get a better and deeper feel of the tissues underneath. You wouldn't believe some of the knots people carry around that they don't even know about.

If you're concerned about removing your garments, then don't. Kindly explain to the therapist your beliefs and views and ask that the massage be done over the sheet. We don't get offended. We also don't take a peak at your bum if you do get undressed, LOL I promise. Once you get into therapist mode, the body isn't anything sexual, sensual or otherwise. If anything, it's a big mold of clay that you have to shape and work. It's work, nothing more.

While I agree totally to the first poster's comments (I'm married to a massage therapist who went through the same thing), I'd like to emphasize that unless you go in expecting a good experience, you are going to have, at best, an uncomfortable experience. Your own frame of mind determines much of what you go through and whether it's positive or negative for you. It'll be like your haircutting experience. Perfectly passable, but you were so uncomfortable you never went back.

Also, go to a large chain of massage clinics. They're usually less pricey than the freelancers and have a large variety of therapists to choose from. The chain my wife works for (email me if you'd like more info) is in 48 states and usually has at least 20 therapists per office and a front desk staff that assists first timers in picking the right therapist and the right massage. Heck, it could be that all you need is a chair massage and the only parts of you that are touched are your shoulders, neck, back, and head...and that's with your clothes on.

A large part of the problem you probably have is the perception that massage has some direct connection with sexuality. This isn't uncommon, and even extends to the licensing of the professionals. (Our local jurisdiction requires massage therapists, who go through classes on anatomy, ethics, and business management, to get licensed through the vice squad as "adult entertainers") More often than not, though, it's the client of the therapists that usually initiate inappropriate behavior (due to above mentioned misconceptions) and usually are ejected from the therapist's office with strict instructions to never return. See, these people earn their living doing massage, and if they are caught doing sexual things with clients (and there's undercover cops that go in for massages if they suspect things are hinky) they not only loose their license, they face jail-time and fines and generally can't work as a massage therapist ever again. That, more than anything, made me more comfortable than any other fact, recommendation, or feel-good speech when my wife decided to go into the field.

Hope that helps. :)

I got my first massage just a few months ago, and would really like to do it again. Like you, I was nervous about the nudity issue, mostly because I'm fat and have body issues and was afraid the person giving me the massage would be disgusted she had to touch me. However, if she was, she certainly gave no indication whatsoever, and the massage felt wonderful. I have to admit, though, if it was a guy doing it I'd be uncomfortable. Maybe if I got more used to it I'd be okay with it, but for now I think I'll just stick with a female. I really need to get another massage.... It REALLY felt good.

My wife and I always go for "couples massages" where we're in the same room with two massage therapists. Having me in the room at the table right next to her helps my wife feel more comfortable, and it gives us a common experience we can share.

Oh please! Get over it! There is nothing to be uncomfortable about. It is just flesh touching flesh.

Having been in the hospital many times, I have learned to distance myself from my body in medical situations. I really do consider a massage a medical situation. The person is a professional. Find a woman massage therapist whom you can relate with. Maybe start with several chair massages, and then once you are more comfortable with your massage therapist, you can go for a full body massage.

Nobody has suggested the best solution, which is for your husband to learn what he's doing. I bought some massage books a couple of years ago -- and a table! -- and have been giving my wife massages almost weekly ever since. It turns the nudity/intimacy issues from a demerit to a benefit.

Squicks?

Starfoxy;

I love a good professional massage. But when I got my very first one many years ago I had some of your same reservations. I told my therapist I only wanted touched on my head, hands and feet. Seriously. And I loved every minute of that. Once I felt totally comfortable setting personal boundaries that fit for me, then I was able to go for the full body job the next time. I just needed to know my limits would be respected. That might seem prudish to some, but it is what worked for me.

Another tip - don't know what kind of insurance you have but if I get massage through my chiropractor's office it is a covered health benefit.

Thanks for the comments all. I think I might go ahead and get one. The couples massage sounds the most appealling, that is, if I can talk my husband into it. If or when it happens, I'll let you know how it turned out.

Eric, yes squicks. You need to brush up on your slang.

Belladonna- thanks for the insurance tip.

i'm still young person i like to read a massage
and i don't have a word to say to you
i have 14 years old guy
i;m a nice guy i don't have a problem i respect my parent