Turn on the Touch: Sensual Massage Workshop

Have you ever wanted to connect with a partner through touch that wasn’t specifically sexual but still fostered intimacy? Have you thought about giving the gift of massage but didn’t because you had no idea how to ‘do it right’? Grab (consensually of course!) a partner and join us for our massage workshop designed to teach you how to both give and receive a massage that engages the senses and puts you into a state of relaxed bliss.

Our Lotus Blooms sex educator, Jay, has a background as a massage therapist, and combines both these foundations to bring you this hands-on workshop. Designed to help people find new ways to draw closer together through the use of touch and massage, this workshop will address the following:

• Experiment with different tools (palms, soft fists, knuckles, etc) to create a range of sensations on your partner

• Practice helpful positioning to maintain comfort and flow while giving a massage

• Slowing down to notice & heighten the experience of sensations and your senses

• Learn ways to ‘listen’ to your partner’s body by paying attention to their responses to touch

What to expect from this workshop:
This is a hands-on sensual massage class, but it is not a sexual massage class. Everyone will remain clothed and we will not be touching nipples or genitals when practicing these techniques during the workshop. That can be saved for homework. ;) The focus of the content will be on learning and improving massage skills to use sensually; rather than focusing on how to touch genitals in a massage-like way. You will get a chance to practice on the person you came with & can opt in and out as you choose.

The tone of class will be taught with couples & romantic partners in mind, since body massage tends to be (at least) a two person activity. All relationship dynamics and configurations are welcome - come with your triad or part of it, your date, or best friend!

Who is this workshop for:
You will need a partner for this workshop, so tickets are sold in 2s! Your workshop partner can be a life partner, a date, or even a friend. You’ll just need someone who you are comfortable touching and being touched.

What to bring:
Per couple, please bring a pillow or bolster or 2 and one yoga mat (or something comparable to sit on) so that techniques can be practiced comfortably on the floor if possible; chairs will also be available and able to be used while practicing. Attendees are welcome to wear whatever they like, but gym/yoga clothes will be the most comfortable/work the best for giving and receiving massages. If you’d like to practice with oil/lotion, please bring that as well. Bring some cozy, comfy socks if you’d like to take your shoes off and tend to get chilly!

Meet your Educator!
Jay Sheffield (they/he) is an educator at Lotus Blooms who is passionate about helping visitors make informed decisions and feel more connected to their bodies and desires. Previously, Jay worked as a DC-licensed massage therapist practicing consent-based bodywork, with a sliding scale prioritizing QTBIPOC. Jay loves dancing, eating, traveling, and spending time with their cats, the ocean, and their loved ones.

Massage Workshop Medical disclaimer: By joining this class, you are assuming all medical responsibility. This class assumes any attendee would have clearance from a doctor and that massage is not contraindicated for any condition. Lotus Blooms and Jay Sheffield are exempt from all liability, past, present and future.

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The Fine Print: Lotus Blooms’ workshops are open to people of all genders and sexual orientations, individuals, couples, or groups. Due to state law, attendees must be over 18 to come to the workshops or shop in the store. Workshops are currently held at  Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop, 102 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314, one block from Lotus Blooms. Workshops generally run about 60 minutes plus time for Q&A. Afterwards, attendees will be walked over to shop Lotus Blooms with a 15% discount. 

If you are running late:
Because the topics of sex, sexuality, intimacy, etc are so personal and often taboo in our society, our staff and educators work very hard to create events that make people feel comfortable learning and sharing. Much of the working agreements and standards of behavior tend to take place at the beginning of our short workshops. As such, if you arrive more than 15 minutes after the workshop is scheduled to begin, we will not be able to allow you to join this time around and your tickets will be forfeited. We hope that this helps to encourage people to come on time and enjoy the entirety of the event, and create a comfortable space for everyone attending!