The Power of Male to Male Touch: Why Men Should Embrace Regular Male Massage

British men are possibly some of the most touch deprived people on the planet when it comes to platonic male to male touch. The British reserve, confines of traditional masculinity and a lingering undercurrent of homophobia work in unison to police male touch.

Yet the importance of touch should not be underestimated. From the moment we enter the world, human touch is a fundamental need deeply ingrained in our biology and psychology. It's a universal language learned before we can even speak, a means of communication that transcends cultural barriers and connects us all on a primal level.

When we are deprived of touch, the impact on our mental health can be profound. Studies have shown that touch deprivation can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, emphasizing the crucial role that human contact plays in our lives. So why does our society strive to limit touch, particularly between men?

Traditionally the British approach to touch, compared to many other cultures around the world, is reserved. We value our personal space and greet those we’re not close to with handshakes over hugs or kisses. Physical contact between men in particular is often kept to a minimum in public settings. Male hugs are often brief and accompanied by back slaps so as not to appear too intimate or sexual. Beyond this, acceptable touch between men is often limited to certain contexts, such as in sports or when socialising under the influence of alcohol.

In recent times the increasing acceptability of homosocial behaviour or 'bromances' has challenged these norms, especially among younger generations. However, many older men still hesitate to engage in non-sexual touch with other men due to fears of being perceived as homosexual. This fear stems from society's restrictive expectations of 'manliness' and the stigma surrounding male vulnerability.

For men in relationships with other men, affectionate touch is often restrained in public for fear of verbal or physical attack. While many equal rights have been won by the UK LGBTQ+ community, homophobia is still rife with homophobic hate crimes statistically on the rise. The simple act of holding hands in public becomes far more problematic for two men compared to their heterosexual or lesbian counterparts, even in cosmopolitan London. This contributes to 'minority stress' which negatively effects the mental health of gay men.

The typical male approach to dealing with stress often involves stoicism, silence, and emotional withdrawal. Seeking help for mental health issues is commonly viewed as a sign of weakness, further perpetuating the cycle of silence and suffering. As a result, men are more likely than women to respond to stress by developing disorders such as hypertension, alcohol and drug abuse. Men are statistically more likely than women to die from suicide as they struggle to cope with the pressures of modern life.

Thankfully times are changing and here at Male Massage London we are proud to be part of that change. We offer all men a safe space to experience therapeutic male touch in a private setting free from judgement. While the physical benefits of massage might be most immediately appealing to men, the psychological benefits should not be underestimated. From reducing stress, managing anxiety and depression to increasing body confidence and self-worth, massage can have a tremendously positive effect on the inner self.

By embracing regular male to male massage, men can reconnect with their bodies, practice self-care, and break free from the confines of traditional societal expectations. In doing so, men can foster a healthier relationship with male to male touch and, ultimately, with themselves.