What came before: Destigmatizing Sex Work: Introduction and Destigmatizing Sex Work: Strippers


As I was gathering information for this post, I realized that many of the specialties which will be covered in this series overlap. This is why it's taken me so long to post again. In this part, Sexual Healers, I will cover: Tantrikas, sexological bodywork/erotic massage, and sex counseling.


Tantra and Tantrikas have tradition thousands of years old. Born out of defiance to the ascetic and one-sided traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Tantra is simultaneously sects of Hinduism and Buddhism and its own spirituality. White Tantra, the spiritual part of the Tantra whole, emphasizes the Divine Male Principle AND the Divine Female Principle also known as Shiva and Shakti (illustrated and reinacted in the position of Yab-Yum). Their divine union, the great sexual rite and the creative, positive, life-affirming energy that comes out of that is covered by Red Tantra. Red Tantra is the part that us Westerners are most familiar with. Familiar as far as having heard of it and the various positions that are supposed to give you such orgasms as to shake the Earth from its orbit.

Which can definitely happen. But not without White Tantra. You need the Red and the White, so basically Pink Tantra. This is why those who only go after one side of Tantra, whether Red or White, will never be fulfilled. Western skeptics would be quick to say, "That's why it's just crap. It's bunk." So on, so forth. You've all talked to people like that. Well, the problem is, they're just lazy. And this is the problem, especially with Americans and sex. Always looking for the quick fix, which does not and will never exist. Reading a couple articles in Maxim or Cosmo will not make you a Tantra master. However there is a group of people, Tantrikas, who have taken the time to learn the practice in its totality, not just the bite-sized bits.

Tantrikas are sexual healers and counsellors. Their expertise can help a person breakthrough fears, doubts and hangups about sex, spirituality and overcoming skepticism about combining the two. Because they work with sex, sexuality and sex energy, I classify them as sex workers. Like any other sex worker, they run the risk of being arrested by the police thanks to the laws surrounding sex in this country.

Sexological bodyworkers and erotic masseuses/masseurs truly give you that full body massage other massage therapists would never give. I know for a fact that within the clinical massage therapist community, erotic masseurs are looked down upon. CMT students are told to keep that wall between clinical and erotic up and reinforced. "We don't do that" is a common mantra among many, but not all CMT, carefully ignoring that all massage has erotic elements to it. I went to an orientation at a massage therapy school that really stressed this separation. I can understand them wanting to protect their students against any possible unwanted advances from clients, however, that may happen anyway as the touch of a masseuse may be the only caring human touch they have. That in itself is will be highly erotic to the client.

Joseph Kramer, Ph.D, founder of California's famed The Body Electric School defines sexological bodyworkers as such:

Sexological bodyworkers are somatic, erotic educators assisting individuals, couples, and groups to deepen their experience of embodiment. As trained sexologists certified by the State of California, we offer experimental learning opportunities that consciously access profound ecstatic and erotic states. Our sessions involve a variety of educational modalities, including breathwork, touch, erotic massage, pelvic release bodywork and masturbation couching. This profound work often requires homework assignments. Healthy sexuality must be nurtured. It develops over time. Sexological Bodyworkers believe that sexual heath and erotic education are basic human rights.

The degree program requires hundreds of hours of training so it is not to be undertaken by the less than serious. Professional distance is still required through this program and the Bodyworkers are clothed. Those professionals who are erotic masseuse may not wear clothes during a session and may very well act as sexual surrogates, though professional distance is still in place.

Preparation is a significant ritual used by Bodyworkers, masseuses, and Tantrikas usually consisting with a ritual bath. Not only does this clean the client's skin, but it is the first step in relaxation. Washing away the stresses of the day will go a long way in helping one enjoy the massage. A genital massage is the standard obviously in this line of massage therapy. The sexual energy raised is potent. A person will feel refreshed, reinvigorated, creative and most importantly relieved. Such a treatment is unique to the receiver as their response will indicate whether they're ready to move on, stay where they are or go back to an earlier stage. The professional in charge must have honed their empathic and observation skills.

Because they work with sexual energy, and give genital massages, this can leave them open to persecution under our archaic sex laws. Even in the absence of intercourse, the genital massage is a form of masturbation, which is a form of sex. If it is a paid service then the authorities could charge a person with prostitution. In this country women and men in this line of work always have to stress that sexual intercourse is not a part of this service (which it's not) so the authorities won't come kicking their door down.

In Georgia, the state law says that masseuses/masseurs must be fully clothed up to the neck, arms covered with sleeves. In some states men and women cannot massage each other, but must receive the service from a professional of the same sex.

Though not as stigmatized as other sex workers Bodyworkers, Tantrikas and masseuses have their work misunderstood by the average public who would sooner assume than actually research. Their work is much needed in this time of stress and repressed sexuality that can often turn destructive. Knowing that you can surrender yourself and relax in the hands of these trained professionals is refreshing indeed. Think of them as nurses without the chilly sterile feel of a hospital.


Links of Interest

White Lotus East
Sacred Sex Secrets
Goddess Temple
Tantra Information
The Body Electric School
Joseph Kramer's Sexological Bodywork