Men sometimes develop an erection when receiving a non-sexual, therapeutic full-body massage. While an erection can signify physiological stimulation, it does not always imply the existence of emotional or sexual desire. The parasympathetic nervous system can be activated by touching any part of the body, resulting in a partial or full erection. A therapist may use professional assessment to distinguish between a physiological reaction to contact and improper sexual intentions.
Although both male and female clients may experience physical arousal, arousal in women is usually less noticeable. Some men avoid getting a therapeutic massage because they are afraid of getting an erection or the massage therapist’s reaction to it. For those who have no malicious motive, learning about natural body function will help to alleviate this anxiety and open the door to a new level of relaxation through somatic-based therapies.
If either the client or the doctor experiences some pain during an erection, it must be treated.
Discomfort on the client’s or therapist’s part will distract the therapy’s attention, resulting in decreased effectiveness.
If a man shows no signs of humiliation or distress as a result of his erection, and the therapist is at ease, it is not appropriate to discuss it.
If the therapist senses any client distress, such as body agitation or facial flushing, it is better if the client expresses his or her dissatisfaction.
Because stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system is the antidote to a parasympathetic reaction, modifying the technique used will prevent a spontaneous erection.
Increased massage speed and pressure will stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Note that this rise should be gradual, as it is not meant to scare or hurt the customer.
Ben E. Benjamin, Ph.D. and Cherie Sohnen-Moe characterise “The Intervention Model” in The Ethics of Touch, which is based on fundamental communication skills. The Intervention Model includes eight steps to direct a practitioner’s evaluation and subsequent action in response to ethical dilemmas when a client’s purpose is uncertain. Depending on the specifics of the case, it may be possible to proceed sequentially from step one to step eight, to stop after step one or two, to repeat the steps in a different order, or to skip steps that are irrelevant. When presenting a client with an erection whose purpose is unknown, the following description of The Intervention Model has been slightly changed.
Step One: Use assertive behaviour to end the therapy. • Assertive behaviour is shown by addressing the client with body language that is consistent with verbal communication.
Maintaining assertiveness may be as simple as maintaining eye contact, standing in a comfortable yet grounded stance, and speaking clearly.
Shrinkage or quiet speech conveys passivity, while shouting or unwanted contact conveys hostility. Both should be avoided.
The therapist confirms ethical boundaries by changing the drape to ensure the client is adequately protected. Adjusting the drape often physically prevents the source of arousal if contact has led to a sexually aroused state. Maintaining protection is critical at this stage. If the therapist is feeling intimidated, putting himself in a position where he or she has quick access to an exit will provide protection if the client becomes aggressively aggressive.

Step 2: Explain the action
What are you going through
A client’s answer may or may not be clear, depending on their comfort level and purpose. It’s crucial not to give the client an answer right away; instead, wait for a direct response. The practitioner may make an appropriate decision if the client’s purpose is clarified.
Step 4: Educate the customer
Some people have unexplained emotional and physiological reactions when receiving somatic therapy. When a therapist is aware of a client’s needs, he or she may exchange details with the client in order to educate them. • “Sometimes clients become aroused as a physiological reaction to touch,” for example, are educative statements for a client experiencing an accidental erection. It’s a natural reaction from the body.”