I'm pursuing training in Massage Therapy

[Balugon]

So while thinking about how nice it would be to have someone give me a massage one day, because i was stressed out, it got me thinking about how nice it would be to be able to give my wife a real nice massage. And so i started watching videos online of how to massage, and i started thinking about how i could go about finding people to practice massage on so that i could get good before i met my wife. This then led to me thinking about incorporating "free massage" at my prayer table at school that i was planning on setting up like i did last year. Which then led to me thinking about ministry opportunities with massage therapy- and then i got stoked.

So now i have visions in my head of "soaking" music being on (music to soak in the presence of God and have a whole room just filled with Him), aromatherapy ministering to people by pleasant relaxing smells (which reminds me a lot of anointing oils), and Jesus' healing hands being able to minister to people while I myself give them a normal massage. It also could open up the conversation just casually to my faith and why I'm giving free massages and could be a huge door to reach people.

There are, though, obvious parts of massage therapy that the devil has been tempting me in (wanting to view women a certain way). And what's more, I think God may be calling me to even higher ground than i normally go to spiritually, so it's been an interesting past couple weeks as I have started researching and preparing to be able to give my first massage.

And why mention all this? I just wanted people's opinions on the trade of massage itself, and what they think of my pursuit. I've already prayed about it a couple times, and I feel so far that God reminded of the story of Sampson, and just reminded me that he may want to use me mightily in this like he did Sampson with his strength, but I'm gonna have to be careful and stay in prayer so that I don't end up getting brought down by a woman hang-up. And I have acknowledged this warning from God back to him in prayer, because the last thing I would want to do is destroy the most beautiful marriage I might have some day with the greatest woman ever, over a sin like that. But I figure in the end- if non-christians could practice massage safely, and have been doing it for 1000's of years already, then it would be like a slap in the face of God to say that someone, by the Spirit of God, wasn't able to do better than them. But anyway, so that's a minor update about something that is going on in my life. Oh, and right now I'm not going for a professional certificate from an institution, I'm gonna learn from books and online and practice on friends, but at some point I think I might plan on getting a certificate, so people can feel more at ease knowing I'm entirely legit.

 

[kevlite2020]

I don't know you personally, but I think this sounds like an awesome idea. The amazing thing about God is that He can use any profession, any situation, any thing at all to minister to people!

When you talk about the things the devil is putting on you, are you talking about physical intimacy that comes with massaging someone? I'm not a professional masseuse or anything but back in college, I was known as the guy to get massages from, because I loved doing it on the side, and the physical feelings were always there when I massaged a good looking woman and it's hard, maybe impossible to ignore that. It comes down to setting clear boundaries, having self control, and having the right reasons for doing this.

If you are doing this because your heart is on the Lord and you want to use this creative idea to minister to people and help them grow in their faith in Christ, if you keep your focus there, I'm sure you will be absolutely fine. As far as boundaries, maybe make it very clear that all you will massage is say shoulders and back. If you start offering to massage people's legs as well, it's just covering too much body area and you are going to be tempted to do more.

Hope this is helpful bro, and good luck in this. It really is a great idea in my opinion. I've seen people in that new age spiritual but not Jesus type movement who own massage parlors and salons and say it is a spiritual experience and all that. I think while they are going around it the wrong way, they have a point. If you invite Jesus into a massage room I think there is really a good double benefit, of getting physical relief from back pains and spiritual healing from fellowship in Jesus.

 

[Beauty4Ashes]

That's great. If you want to do it for the right reasons.

My mom is a massage therapist, though she doesnt practice as much anymore due to arthritis. She is really into soaking music and whatnot as well.

Also my current massage therapist is a christian and she told me the story behind her becoming one. Her son was born with some sort of twisted spine birth defect and she was told he would never walk. But then she took him to a massage therapist who said she could help and eventually showed the lady how to give her baby massages at home. Eventually her son was completly healed. She took him back to the doctor who said he was 100% healed. She decided after that to go to school to get certified so she could help other people because she realized how powerful massage could be.

anyways good luck to you!

 

[StarryEyes]

if it's God's will for you, then go for it!

 

[Apollo Celestio]

I can see things initiating, but I don't see it going anywhere past that. In faith stages that is.

 

[white dove]

One of my cousins does this. It can be a very fulfilling career if this is something you have a great passion for and if you are willing to take on both the highs and lows of it.

What can be annoying to some people who pursue this kind of job is having friends and family constantly come to them for freebies. You may start to resent it after awhile or you may be completely fine with it. As far as questionable grounds, you'll have to decide what kinds of massages you will be willing to perform on people (also, full-body does not include genitals; just an FYI). There are so many different kinds now. You also have the option of, say, starting up your own business so that way, you can make your own rules (if you have a personal issue with your clients remaining in their clothing - as this is not typical in the majority of spas and such). But something to think about: Both nudity and touching do not have to be sexual and touching does not have to be sexual to be pleasurable. However, some people are very sensitive to the touch. These are some crucial things to remember. After awhile, you may just see flesh as flesh, if that makes any sense.

Touch is a powerful thing; it is, as you know, a very healing thing, as well. For the most part, human beings require it.


Gosh, you remind me of my ex a bit, just reading your OP lol!


Anyhoo, pray on it some more and see if God is indeed calling you to this. If this is simply a matter of wanting to be able to offer your spouse a wonderful massage, I would not worry about this or concern yourself with this at all. It's a great sentiment, but in reality, it will be much more pleasurable to discover your wife when it is the right time to do so. It's not terribly difficult.

 

[ulu]

Just try not to rub people the wrong way.

 

[radhead]

I would like to get a massage. I admit, I would prefer it to be from a female if given the choice. Maybe that's wrong. I don't know.

However, I can remember once in grammar school, standing in line after lunch in grade school. One of my friends was behind me and he just started rubbing my back in a friendly way. It was totally out of the blue. I really enjoyed it and appreciated his friendly gesture.

So I realize that touch does not always have to be sexual.

 

[latteda]

My sister is a massage therapist. She can work wonders.

 

[Balugon]

Just try not to rub people the wrong way.

lol, bad puns. But its funny, if u rub the abdomen in one direction it feels good, but if u rub it the other way, it can get all the half digested food moving around and feels blah.

 

[welshman]

There is nothing wrong with sports massage or massage therapy for physical purposes. I have had loads of sessions over the years when playing sport. There are many Christians that are in this profession.

What strikes me from your post though is that your intention is to be able to give your future wife a massage once you marry? For that reason I would say that you should just wait until you are married and be open with her and get used to giving her a massage, improving with her as you go along. A massage that you will give your wife is a whole lot different to one that you will give to a client.

What also stood out to me is that you said the devil is trying to get to you through this. I take it that you mean you are having or struggling with lustful thoughts because of massaging or thinking of massaging someone? That to me would be a real red flag, even if you want to use it as a witnessing tool. There are plenty of other ways to witness to someone than giving them a massage.

I would personally wait bro until you are married, than to practice on different people now (especially women that you could possibly lust over). It is all well and good being able to give a good massage. However, I doubt your wife would be too pleased to know you were so good because you practiced on loads of different women (that you also lusted over). One of the best parts of marriage is to grow closer together through intimacy.

Just my thoughts that's all.

So while thinking about how nice it would be to have someone give me a massage one day, because i was stressed out, it got me thinking about how nice it would be to be able to give my wife a real nice massage. And so i started watching videos online of how to massage, and i started thinking about how i could go about finding people to practice massage on so that i could get good before i met my wife. This then led to me thinking about incorporating "free massage" at my prayer table at school that i was planning on setting up like i did last year. Which then led to me thinking about ministry opportunities with massage therapy- and then i got stoked.

So now i have visions in my head of "soaking" music being on (music to soak in the presence of God and have a whole room just filled with Him), aromatherapy ministering to people by pleasant relaxing smells (which reminds me a lot of anointing oils), and Jesus' healing hands being able to minister to people while I myself give them a normal massage. It also could open up the conversation just casually to my faith and why I'm giving free massages and could be a huge door to reach people.

But man, let me tell ya, there are obvious parts of massage therapy that the devil is trying to get me on, especially being a guy. And what's more, I think God may be calling me to even higher ground than i normally go to spiritually, so it's been an interesting past couple weeks as I have started researching and preparing to be able to give my first massage.

And why mention all this? I just wanted people's opinions on the trade of massage itself, and what they think of my pursuit. I've already prayed about it a couple times, and I feel so far that God reminded of the story of Sampson, and just reminded me that he may want to use me mightily in this like he did Sampson with his strength, but I'm gonna have to be careful and stay in prayer so that I don't end up getting brought down by a woman hang-up. And I have acknowledged this warning from God back to him in prayer, because the last thing I would want to do is destroy the most beautiful marriage I might have some day with the greatest woman ever, over a sin like that. But I figure in the end- if non-christians could practice massage safely, and have been doing it for 1000's of years already, then it would be like a slap in the face of God to say that someone, by the Spirit of God, wasn't able to do better than them. But anyway, so that's a minor update about something that is going on in my life. Oh, and right now I'm not going for a professional certificate from an institution, I'm gonna learn from books and online and practice on friends, but at some point I think I might plan on getting a certificate, so people can feel more at ease knowing I'm entirely legit.

 

[Balugon]

Welshman, I honestly think that being able to have strong physical closeness in a marriage that doesn't have to be sexually related is a great idea and a worthy goal. And I think massage therapy and learning how to massage professionally would be a great way to become more comfortable in that area, because it does require ethical practices. I'm choosing not to learn "erotic/sensual" massage techniques, even if some massage books have them, because I don't want to learn "partner" massage, at least not until I'm married. I don't want any chance of the two starting to get skewed together before i get normal massage down, so I don't go there. And massage books say that you actually learn massage a lot better if you massage many people and learn the in's and out's than if you only practice on one person.

As for lusting, it's simply a matter of proportion. If the devil knows you are going somewhere where there is a higher risk of temptation, he will try to get God to allow him to tempt you more in that area. It happens in every area of life- eating habits, fear, anger, etc. But it doesn't mean you shouldn't learn how to go to a grocery store just because you might buy too much, that's silly. I'm not saying I'm going to allow myself to sin every now and then, but what I am saying is that massage is a neutral ability that was given for man to use, and I know God can take care of helping me get past bad thoughts the devil might try to give me ideas with. I'm really not horribly worried about it- as long as I choose to walk with God in it, then I'll be fine. And if for any reason i find myself getting too much under fire, then i can take a step back for a while or realize that it isn't going to work and pursue other interests. no biggie.

Anyway, still currently pursuing, and I must say, I've tried some techniques in the book I've been learning out of on myself, and wow, did they feel good.

 

[healing123]

I am a christian massage therapist . I use this gift to heal and bless others and also in introducing others to christ.He touched many and healed them. So He uses our hands to do the same , temptations are there but we need to work with His presence. So we are more tha conqurers in Him

 

[BRISH]

Well, beyond all the what if's and what could be's (thats up to you to stay in prayer over ........

.....there is nothing like the human touch when the receiver is needing it in a way to let them know they exist and that you, a stranger in particular, care.


I've learned that you don't have to give a 30 minute massage to breakdown barriers. It can be...anything that is followed through on at THAT moment. I dont really know how to explain it.


Ive had some cry just because I sat down on the floor to wash their feet and took my time doing it.

Moments where I didn't have the words to give to console, so I just placed my hand on the side of their face...and they literally fall on you wailing. It's just those slight touches that tell them you care and allow them to open up, let go, or listen.

I am not tooting my horn. I do want you to know though that your'e right in how it could affect people.

I admire the intention behind your interest. I think it could be a very touching ministry.

(pun not intended, but I like it anyways )

Added:

In other words, going into this with the right spirit and motivations will help guide you along the way about what to say and how to go about things. Good luck in whatever you choose.

 

[BRISH]

On a side note:

Be careful about just going around massaging people. You could make someone sick for a couple weeks if done wrong. Some have even done it on purpose..releasing poisons into the body.


(for those thinking "hey! that sounds like me when I got sick"....I'm just sayin lol)

 

[lostaquarium]

On a side note:

Be careful about just going around massaging people. You could make someone sick for a couple weeks if done wrong. Some have even done it on purpose..releasing poisons into the body.


(for those thinking "hey! that sounds like me when I got sick"....I'm just sayin lol)

Just out of interest, how do you release poisons by doing massage?

 

[GQ Chris]

Is it a legit massage business?

 

[Inkachu]

Why don't you restrict your services to men? That would cut down a huge portion of the temptation/awkwardness issue. IMHO the fact that you even mention being "brought down" by a woman tells me you may not be emotionally mature enough for something like this at all. Women don't bring men down; men are brought down by their own choices regarding women.

 

[BarelyBreathing]

I just had a strange thought pop into my mind when I saw this thread.....

This is a guy who is worried about temptation and being male while giving massages, yet he is a proud nudist who has absolutely no temptations or wrong thoughts walking around naked with women? Maybe I just don't get it, because I am female.

 

[kevlite2020]

I just had a strange thought pop into my mind when I saw this thread.....

This is a guy who is worried about temptation and being male while giving massages, yet he is a proud nudist who has absolutely no temptations or wrong thoughts walking around naked with women? Maybe I just don't get it, because I am female.

This thread is fairly old, may have something to do with it