Erotic massage is the use of massage techniques by one person on another person's erogenous zones for their sexual pleasure. The process may achieve or enhance the recipient's sexual excitation or arousal and sometimes achieve orgasm. The person providing the massage is called a masseur male or masseuse female. Massages have been used for medical purposes for a very long time, and their use for erotic purposes also has a long history. In the case of women, the two focal areas are the abdomens and pubis , while in case of men, the focal areas are the male breast muscles and nipples, male genitals , the anus , and the prostate.
When the massage is of a partner's genitals manual sex , the act is usually referred to as a handjob for penises and fingering for vulvas. Today, erotic massage is used by some people on occasion as a part of sex, either as foreplay or as the final sex act , or as part of sex therapy. There is also a large commercial erotic massage industry in some countries and cities, which may call their establishments massage parlours , spas, or saunas. An erotic and sexual massage may be provided by independent providers or providers of broader sexual services, through erotic massage agencies, or by organized massage parlors or brothels.
It takes many forms, from massage techniques that aim to integrate the sexual, spiritual, and physical, to massage with the purpose of achieving orgasm through a handjob , oral sex , or sexual intercourse. A 'happy ending' is a colloquial term for the practice of a provider offering sexual release to a client. This is sometimes offered as an addition to any other type of massage, typically in the form of a handjob. The documentary Happy Endings? The film focuses on "full service" massage parlors, although "rub and tug" massage parlors where only handjobs are offered are also covered.
Prostitution in Rhode Island was legal at the time of filming. In many jurisdictions, an erotic and sexual massage is regarded as a sexual service, the legality of which varies between jurisdictions. In some jurisdictions, an erotic massage may be legal, while prostitution may not be.
Erotic massage may be used in sex therapy as a means of stimulating the libido or increasing the ability of a person to respond positively to sensual stimulus. In some cases, erotic massage can be a form of foreplay without sexual gratification , intended to heighten the sensitivity of an individual prior to another engagement where sexual arousal and fulfillment is intended.
