The other day an employee behind a desk saw my business name on my credit card and said, “Oh, cool! You work for a massage parlor!”
I paused for a millisecond before I corrected him with a smile: Thanks, it IS cool to have my own massage practice.
This person means well, I get it. They, and so many others, are understandably naive to the toxic connotations associated with certain words in the massage industry.
Because I care about you and about the integrity of massage therapy, I am here to say:
FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS USE THE WORDS PARLOR AND MASSEUSE.
My face cringes when I hear these words, and saying them out loud just now kind of makes me want to vomit in my mouth.
This might sound like a strong reaction.
Sadly, there is sufficient reason for it. Thousands of illicit massage businesses (known as “parlors” filled with “masseuses”) are operating in our country, and unfortunately Iowa is no exception.
Prostitution and human trafficking, under the guise of “massage” is a serious problem in our society. Illicit massage businesses rank 2nd among the 25 types of human trafficking.
Like I said, vomit.
I and so many others worked hard in our massage therapy programs to become licensed massage therapists who work in professional massage studios, spaces, and clinics. It disgusts and saddens me deeply to know that the field of my work - that is so healing and restorative - is somehow able to be used as a catalyst to destroy women.
In the spirit of protecting and preserving the integrity of this work, I encourage all of us to use appropriate words that promote healthy massage in this world that simply needs more of it.
As bleak as the statistics are, I’m glad to point out some helpers who are working to rescue women from these horrific situations.
To contribute to the healing process of women who have been saved from human trafficking and exploitation, one organization I love to support is Thistle Farms.
Their premise? Love heals.
I encourage you to take 3 minutes and 23 seconds to have a look and a listen:
Share this post