BODYWORK FOR MEN by Blake Hampton & Mike Clark :: Frequently Asked Questions

BODYWORK FOR MEN

by Blake Hampton & Mike Clark

Copyright © 2006-2009, Bodywork for Men by Blake Hampton & Mike Clark. All Rights Reserved.

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 am through 6:00 pm

Sessions Begin Every 2 Hours
8:00 am — 10:00 am — Noon
2:00 pm — 4:00 pm

Weekends
Saturday by Appointment only;
Closed Sundays/All Major Holidays

In-Call/Out-Call
In-call Studio Sessions Only;
no service to hotels or private residences

Online Scheduling Available
Click here to BOOK NOW

Payments Accepted
Cash at time of session;
— no personal checks please —

Or

You can Pre-Pay for any service via Pay-Pal with a credit or debit card now. You do not need to be a Pay-Pal member to utilize this service.

Q: Am I, the client, naked during the massage?
A: Yes — But only if you wish to be. You can be fully draped (under a blanked, sheet or towel) during the massage. Or you can lay on top of the sheets in the nude if you wish. Our Studio is kept at a comfortable temperature to allow for this and our Massage Table (and Thai Yoga Floor Mat) has a heating pad underneath it to provide added warmth.

Q: How Hung Are you?
A: We are both fourteen inches... Just kidding! Our penis size should not have anything to do with a good massage session. We don’t ask what your penis size is because our massage is not focused on your genitals.

Q: can i touch you during the massage?
A: Often it’s very nurturing to touch each other during a massage. Most therapists don’t allow you to touch them at all and will stop the massage if you do. We don’t mind if you touch us. Just keep in mind that your session is not about our bodies, it’s about letting us touch yours. This is not a sexual massage, so you will not receive or be allowed to perform any type of oral or anal penetration. We are not escorts; we simply provide a blissfully therapeutic nude massage with a sensual touch.

Q: Is there a release during the massage — What happens if I get an erection?
A: The power of sensual touch should be a big part of our normal, everyday life. But all too often it is not. We, as Americans are often touch deprived — meaning we don’t touch each other as often as we should. When you’re a baby, you’re passed around from person-to-person and touched very often. Wanna see relaxed? Just look at a sleeping baby in the comfort of his mother’s arms.

Yet as we become adults, we stop touching as if society has a no touch rule. Often during a massage, men become aroused and erect. This is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a normal reaction to the sense of touch and the blood being pushed around.

We are interested in providing a more holistic approach to every massage session — holistic here meaning whole-body). Every square inch of your body will be touched during the massage (if you wish). Our sessions include the sensual side of touch as well as the therapeutic. We believe that sensual energy is healing energy and can benefit your whole body and create a sense of peaceful well-being when done with respect and understanding. Our intention is to get your body, mind and soul to a place of deep relaxation so that your body’s stressors and tension can be released.

Many times in our culture (especially for men) there is a connection in our minds that the intimate and sensual nature of a good massage will be accompanied by sexual behavior. There is an anticipation of a “Happy Ending” or a “Rub-and-Tug” at some point during the massage. This is not the case with our massage practice.

The intimate nature of this massage and the sensual strokes you will receive can provoke a strong sexual energy that will add to the healing process. While mutual touch is allowed during the massage if needed, and draping is optional — this is a non-sexual experience. The massage will not lead to any type of genital expression or climatic ending. Should you become aroused during the session, enjoy the sensations you’re feeling, but focus on the healing purpose of the appointment.

Q: Are you an Escort or a prostitute? Will I get in Trouble for seeing you? Is this legal?
Why should i get a massage rather than going to see an escort?
A: Our focus is on the combination of therapeutic massage therapy with the addition of sensual touch. This type of work is just as effective as penetrative oral or anal sex in making your body feel wonderful. However, this work is much safer for you; there is no risk of disease or catching an STD and there is far less guilt or shame involved.

Whereas prostitutes and escorts serve our most basic physical desires, we have special skills and advanced education for navigating the realms of energy centers, human sensuality and heart-based intimacy. We are trained professionals and are highly educated. We are licensed to do this work and it is perfectly legal.

We use our hands, feet and forearms (not our genitals) to channel sensual energy throughout the body during the massage session. While we believe that escorts serve a purpose in society, we much prefer to provide something a little more real and much more substantially healing — a gentle, soothing, nurturing touch that leads your body and heart to a healing space.

By being grounded in clear commitment for the highest good of our clients, we become channels for divine energy. This allows our connection to move beyond the physical realm and into the spiritual. In Buddhism, we call this METTA (loving-kindness)

Q: What happens during the massage?
A: We start by working on your neck, back, buttocks, legs and feet, using long strokes and medium-to-deep pressure. Then you slowly turn over onto your back, and we slowly massage the feet, calves, legs, arms, hands, chest. There is contact with the genital areas if you wish, however this does not result in a release. It is a thorough, relaxing session. You will feel completely relaxed after your session.

Q: Do you use oil or lotion during your massage?
A: Both. We use plant-based Biotone massage oils and lotions that are heated and soothing to your skin. Unlike baby oil and other petroleum-based lotions, plant-based-oils are all natural and usually organic. They are easily absorbed into the skin and will not leave you feeling greasy.

We use a unique blend of cold-pressed sweet almond and kukui oil which softens the skin while protecting delicate dermal tissues from drying out. Coconut and Olive Oil allows the ideal balance of glide and firmness, while Vitamin E supplies natural antioxidant properties.

Our oil and lotion is lightly scented with a blend of the following essential oils: eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, vanilla, peppermint, sandalwood, patchouli, ylang-ylang, lime and bergamot. If you have any allergies or do not wish to use oils please let your therapist know.

It is generally advisable for you to leave these treatments on your skin after the massage to moisturize your skin and to nourish your body. However, they do not have sunscreens blended in and you should try not to be exposed to the sun for very long up to 3 hours after a massage.

Q: is a shower available before or after my massage?
A: Yes. But we recommend that you shower before you arrive and that you refrain from wearing cologne, strong scents, hair products or smoking cigarettes before an appointment. A shower is available if you request it, however our appointments are stacked tightly together throughout the day. We can provide you with a warm, moist towel to wipe off any oil or lotion that didn’t absorb into your skin.

Q: I think I have a cold, A sore throat or I’ve got the flu. is it okay to get a massage?
A: No. Please stay home and get well soon. It’s important to remember that other people are affected by cold germs too. Get lots of vitamin C, plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids to flush out the toxins and eat hot chicken soup!

some other Questions

Q: DO I REALLY HAVE TO FILL OUT ALL Of Your NEW CLIENT PAPERWORK? I just want a Massage!
A: Yes. As Licensed Massage Practitioners (LMP), we are required by Washington State Law to have all Clients fill out a Letter of Informed Consent, a Health History Form and we must give you a copy of our Studio Policies for you to sign. We must also document all sessions and keep up-to-date records of your treatments. If you’ve been to other LMPs and they have not made you go through this process, they are breaking the law. We follow the rules, so you should too. Plus, do you really want to go see a “bodyworker” who does not have your best interest at heart?

Q: When can i get a massage? do you only work weekdays? can i get a massage after 6 pm?
A: We work Monday through Friday and take the weekends off to rest and recuperate. We do not work on major holidays. Sessions start at 8:00 am continue every two hours: 8 am, 10 am, Noon, 2 pm and 4 pm. We close the studio at 6:00 pm.

Being a massage therapist is a physically demanding job. We generally don't do more than 3 to 4 sessions per day, per therapist.

Q: What do you do at night? Can we be friends? Can i take you out for a drink? would
you like to go out on a date with me? A: Not only are we business partners, but we are life-partners as well. We generally are up every morning at 4:00 am to take yoga classes before work (or we spend that time meditating and getting ready for our day with you.) During the evenings, we go to the gym to keep our bodies in shape. Exercise is our way of blowing off steam at the end of the day. Yoga is our form of stress relief. We generally don’t go out with our clients for drinks and since we are in a monogamous relationship, we don’t date our clients either. We like to keep our clients as clients... and our friends as friends. Weekends are spent at home with our pets, family and friends. You can often find us hiking in the mountains on the weekend — or at our Buddhist Temple.

Q: how do i know that i’M booked or not? will i get a confirmation or a reminder? A: When you schedule online, you will get an automatic email confirmation within a few minutes. If you do not receive a confirmation, don’t assume you are booked. FIRST, check your SPAM folder to see if your confirmation is there. SECOND, log back into our scheduling software and see if the appointment you scheduled is now unavailable. If it is, then you should have received a confirmation. THIRD, contact us via email to see if we have you listed on our books yet. The day before your appointment, you will receive a appointment reminder.

Q: what if i need to modify, reschedule or cancel my session? can i do it online A: Yes. Your email confirmation will come with instructions on how to do this. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours before your session or you will be charged full price. This charge will be placed on the credit card you gave us at the time you booked your appointment.

Q: Will i get your phone number? What if I need to call you? A: We prefer to keep in touch via email. But once we've set up an appointment, you'll receive an email that has directions to our studio and our phone numbers. Privacy is important to us, so we don't list our numbers on this website to cut down on Junk Mail and Random/Prank Phone Calls

Q: i’d like to book an appointment how much notice do you need?
A: Often we need at least 48 hours to schedule your appointment. But since we book all sessions online, all you need to do is take a look at our schedule to see our availability. We can sometimes book same-day sessions, but we are usually booked in advanced most days and generally can only fit you in on that day if we've had a cancellation.

Q: How far in advanced can i book?
A: Up to 60 days in advance.

Q: where are you located? A: Our studio is located on Capital Hill. We are close to the Broadway Market/QFC Grocery Store and the Starbucks near Denny and Olive. Our studio is located in a private and quiet residential area. You'll find plenty of on-street parking. Keep in mind, there are pay meters or 1- to 2-hour time zones surrounding us, so you will need to arrive in time to look for parking. Your safest and easiest solution is to pay for parking at the Starbucks Parking Lot. Two-hours is $5.00. Another solution is to walk or take the bus. We are only minutes from downtown and very easy to get to from the highway.

Q: will you massage me in my hotel room or at my private residence? A: No. We do not do outcalls, because it has become increasingly unsafe. We only provide in-calls at our Capital Hill Studio.

Q: What if I arrive Early? Should I just go ahead and buzz your Unit?
A: No. Please show up on time and try not to arrive more than 5 minutes early. If you do happen to show up earlier than expected, please wait in your vehicle, walk around the block or have a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Sometimes previous appointments do run late and for your privacy and the discretion of others, we ask that you don't sit on the steps of our building or linger out front.

Q: How should I prepare for my massage?
A: Step One — Prepare Your Body! Take a shower. Get Clean. Brush your teeth. Try not to wear any heavy scents, colognes or deodorant if possible. We encourage you to do an enema beforehand if you wish to indulge in a prostate massage. But again, it’s not a requirement. Typically taking a bowel movement before you arrive for the session is sufficient for our work. But if you feel “clean-out” you’ll be more relaxed during the prostate massage. Most guys really enjoy asshole stimulation as well as a prostate massage. Your asshole is a virtual pleasure center just waiting to be explored. If you have fears or anxiety around that exploration, this session can be a way for you to move past those issues. Many guys have tried ass-play before and, unless they really knew what they were doing, it probably hurt. We have a great deal of experience with prostate massage and ass-play. If you’re anxious about this, we’ll talk though it before the session and work together to make the experience pleasurable for you. So before you rule it out, let’s talk it through. We’re not going to force you to do anything you don’t want, but we want you to make your decisions from an informed place, not from past bad experiences. All too often in life, we make our decisions from the past and that’s often the place where our deepest wounds are. The present is a place of healing.

Step Two — Try To Relax! A lot of guys tell us they get really nervous or anxious before their massage. Don't worry, that's a normal reaction. Explore your feelings, why are you nervous? Is it your first time? Don't know what the session is going to be like? Relax. There is nothing to worry about. You're in a private, safe space with no distractions. Our sessions are confidential and what happens between us during the sessions stays within these four walls. Rarely will you bump into anyone you know as you're walking in or walking out, because we try to space the sessions far enough apart. Before each session, we'll sit down and talk for a second and go over any boundaries, likes, dislikes, fears, etc. – So relax and anticipate feeling totally rejuvenated and refreshed afterwards.

Q: What should I expect during my massage? what are you going to do to me?
A: One massage doesn't fit all. Therefore you won't receive a "canned" massage. Our touch is very intuitive and we blend a variety of techniques together to make your experience unique and powerfully soothing. During the typical massage you'll experience a blend of:

Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Therapy
Tantric,Taoist or Body Electric Techniques
Chakra Balancing
Prostate Massage
Reiki
Quantum Touch
Shamanism
Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)
Thai Yoga Stretching
Russian Gymnastic Stretching
Shiatsu
Acupressure (not acupuncture)
Warm Oil/Lotions
Aromatherapy with organic essential oils
Ethereal music to cultivate greater peace in the body
A combination of various breathwork (Pranayama) and Energy Work
Mind-Body Connection through guided or passive Meditation

Q: I’ve heard about Swedish, Deep Tissue and NMT? Can you explain Each?
A: Swedish Massage is normally performed using oils and lotions to glide over the body with therapeutic stroking and kneading of muscle tissue to promote stress relief. It is used to improve circulation, relieve muscle pain and tension, increase flexibility and induce relaxation. It combines three basic strokes to the skin: long, firm strokes; kneading strokes; and small circles. This is the most common form of massage and is used to introduce touch to the body.

Deep Tissue Therapy is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. It is performed with little to no oil after the muscles have been warmed and stretched. This invigorating experience is a process of detecting stiff or painful areas and determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature underneath. It can release tension in the tissues, or have a psychological release. It will loosen bonds between the layers of connective tissues.

Neuromuscular Technique (NMT) is a deeply relaxing therapeutic massage that works to correct postural dysfunction. Through a process of accessing and treating your problem areas, working light to deep, NMT allows new neurological information to restore your muscles and fascia (connective tissue) back to optimum health. NMT releases trigger points, relaxes chronic tension and enhances your body’s own self-regulating ability to heal.

Q: can i extend my session once we’ve started? A: Ask. We generally leave plenty of time between bookings. So if we’re free, you're welcome to stay longer. All we ask is that you compensate us for our time accordingly. Our rates are $80 per hour (or $40 per 1/2 hour, so it’s easy to calculate. We don’t have any hidden fees that you need to worry about.

Q: Are you guys gay, straight or bi-sexual? What does this make me? I’m curious, but I’m not gay! Are you going to try to push an agenda on me? A: In terms of our sexual orientation... we just use the term sexual. We don't like the connotations that come from a antiquated classification system. You are, who you are. We are generally aroused by the sexual nature of life itself. We have both had many deeply satisfying experiences with men and women. We also get "turned on" by a great work of art... a cool song... the beauty of nature... a great play or movie... So why label who you are? We’re not going to label you while you're here or try to push you to accept what this work means to you. That will come with time and with your own deepening knowledge of yourself.

Q: how long have you guys been doing this kind of work?
A: We have both been healers for as long as we can remember. Even before we started doing bodywork or went to massage school, we both had many experiences with friends, lovers and non-paying clients who trusted us to walk them through emotional territory. People have always gravitated towards us for various reasons. We were the ones they could to talk to, we were the shoulders they could cry on and we were the ones that they were able to trust with their deepest, darkest secrets. We have always been very comfortable in our own skins and with our sexuality. People are often amazed at how frank we both are when discussing our sexuality. When we decided to look into bodywork, we both sought the best massage schools we could find and we've been practicing massage since 1995. We are both licensed, insured and nationally certified. We both continue our education by taking courses in various techniques and use most of them in our practice as a means to healing you.

Q: do i have to be a certain age or weight or look?
A: No. As long as you are above the legal age (18+), it doesn't matter to us how old you are, how you look, your weight, nationality, height, education, creed, career, class or sexual preference.

PLEASE NOTE: Our table has a weight limit of 250 lbs. Since we will be on the table with you at certain points during the session, we have to respect the safety guidelines set up by the table manufacturer. If you are over the weight limit, we will not perform certain moves and will modify the massage to fit within our physical limitations.

Q: I'm new to all this male-to-male stuff. is that okay?
A: Yes. Many of the men who visit us are bisexual, straight or curious and come for their first (second and third) male-to-male experience. You may arrive feeling nervous but you'll soon relax beneath our talented hands. We are friendly and eager for you to relax and enjoy your time with us.

Q: Are you hiv- and std free? how often are you checked? are you clean? will i catch anything from you?
A: This is a question we are always taken back by, because our massage is completely non-sexual and there is no risk of the spread of HIV through general touch (such as that received through massage). But we are happy to answer this question to put your mind at ease! We both get tested every three months at the Harborview Public Health Clinic for HIV and all STDs. We do not practice or engage in unprotected sex to insure our safety and the well-being of others we come into contact with. We are very meticulous about hygiene and cleaning. The sheets are changed between each session and washed with bleach, borax, oxy-clean and detergent in very hot water each day, then dried on the highest heat to kill anything that washing didn't get. We wash and clean the table each day, as well as all the surfaces in the studio and bathroom. Everything is sterilized and treated to make sure you don't walk out of our studio with anything you didn't come in with.

Q: do you work on hiv+ men or men with sexually transmitted diseases?
A: Yes... and no. In order to create a safe, hygienic atmosphere, we ask that you be absolutely honest about your HIV status or about any current contagious skin conditions that are communicable through touch (e.g. Herpes, Crabs, Scabies, Shingles, Molluscum, Warts, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, etc.). If you have one of these conditions, please stay home.

If you haven't been tested recently, we encourage you to get tested BEFORE your massage and be comfortable sharing that information with us when you come. Our sessions are completely safe, because they are not sexual in nature and there are no fluids exchanged. We are massage therapists, not escorts. We have the safety of everyone else (and ourselves) to keep in mind, so we don't want to spread anything to you or to anyone else through touch. So please know your status before you come to the session.

If you are living with HIV, you are probably already seeking proper medical attention along with as many alternative therapies (nutrition support, regular exercise, yoga, acupuncture, massage, meditation, etc.) as you can possibly afford. Massage helps to reduce stress in your body, reduce pain, increase peace of mind, push out any toxic build up or cellular debris, drain and help circulate lymphatic fluid and help release vital hormones to help calm your body.

Please let us know your most current CD4 count and Viral Load on the day of your appointment. And be mindful of any fluid exchange that might occur during the session. Since we will probably be naked together and touching, we ask that our safety be your utmost priority and that you do your best to not expose us to the virus.

It is important that you feel loved, nurtured and respected during the massage. Please check-in with us during the massage and let us know if you feel any pain or discomfort so that we don't end up making you feel worse than you felt when you came in.

Healing should be blissful, not painful. We’re happy to help you on your healing journey and we are flattered that you chose us to help you find peace and comfort. Massage (or any other touch therapy) can be extremely beneficial if you choose to receive it.

If you're feeling sick in any way (fever, cough, sore throat), it's best to stay home and recover. Massage will only aggravate the condition and could make you sicker or slow your recovery process. In such circumstances, please call to reschedule.

Q: Are you discreet? will my secret life with you remain secret? A: We are always very careful to protect your privacy and ours. We will not call you or send you emails without permission. Everything that happens when we are together is legal and remains confidential.

Q: Can i refer my friends/partner to you? A: Please do! We love referrals...and if three of your friends book an appointment with us for 90+ minutes, you'll receive a 60-minute massage for FREE! Just make sure the person you refer knows that they have to tell us that you sent them. We wish we could read minds, but we’re not that good... yet!

Don’t see your Question?

Shoot us an email! If you still have more questions, please Contact Us. We are always happy to answer questions for you and help you feel more comfortable with the experience.