I love massage. After my car accident it was the only way to relieve the pain in my neck and back. I can say though, that massage can hurt, which is sometimes good, but sore areas should only be worked on for very brief moments; you shouldn't be in agony for an hour that's not good mentally or physically. I had a great massage in Japan, but I didn't like the way they washed your feet...I am ticklish!

As for being touched by strangers I can understand peoples feeling of being uncomfortable. You are being touched in a very personal way and you have to be able to let go and just let another human touch you. For me massage is almost spiritual, I have cried just from the feeling of relief and like a giant weight was lifted from me. My massage therapist who I have known for over 2 years says that people have all different emotional reactions to massage and being touched. I didn't suprise him with my tears. He said to just let them happen.