Massage, Sensuality, and Eroticism | Differences and Similarities

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In everyday language the difference between sensuality and eroticism is somewhat blurry. Both words are typically used in a sexual sense, although there are some subtle differences.

When we look at the exact meaning of sensuality we find, for instance, the following definition: “The enjoyment, expression, or pursuit of physical, especially sexual pleasure or satisfaction.”

Following the definition given above, it’s clear that sensuality is often connected to sexuality, although it’s not necessarily always the case. For instance, a Swedish Massage, Lomi Lomi Massage, or Esalen Massage session can be highly sensual, but usually it’s not at all sexual.

The meaning of eroticism however is less ambiguous, being defined as: “The quality or character of being erotic, that is, relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement.”

Nevertheless, when it comes to massage and bodywork, the adjective forms of sensuality and eroticism, that is, sensual and erotic are often used interchangeably. One would see labels like Erotic Massage, Sensual Oil Massage, Sensual Massage, Sensual Erotic Massage, or Erotic Sensual Massage. You would sometimes also encounter sensual erotic massages being labeled as Sexual Massage.

Whatever the case, in practice, when the words sensual, sexual, or erotic are used in relation to massage, bodywork, and somatic practices, individually or in combinations, they often all point to the same thing: it’s about sensual wellbeing and pleasure connected to sexual healing and/or sexual arousal and excitement.

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