Nuru massage

What nuru massage is

Nuru massage is a Japanese style of body to body massage that uses a clear, slippery gel, usually made from seaweed, on a waterproof mat. Nuru is a Japanese word meaning smooth or slippery, and that is a good description of how it feels. It is thought to have grown out of the bathhouse culture of Japan, and it has since spread to cities all over the world, including London.

Most people have seen it mentioned before they have ever tried it, and there is a good deal of hype around it. At its heart, it is simply a form of massage that uses the whole body, with a product that lets two people glide with very little friction.

The gel

Traditional nuru gel is odourless, colourless and water based, and is usually made with an extract of nori seaweed. Good versions are designed to stay slippery for a long time, and a little water will revive the slipperiness when it starts to dry. Compared with oil, it has one big benefit, in that it rinses off easily and leaves little residue.

Not all gels are the same. Check that the product is made for use on the body, and if you are sensitive to seaweed or iodine, or tend to react to cosmetics, say so before you begin and test a small patch of skin. If you have a shellfish or seafood allergy, or any skin condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt. Water based gel is usually compatible with condoms, while oil is not.

Practical things that matter

The setup is what makes nuru different. It needs a waterproof mat, usually an inflatable one, plus a warm room, a bath or a good shower and a lot of towels. That is why it is much easier in a space that is prepared for it than in a standard hotel room. If you have an outcall in mind, have a realistic think about the bathroom floor, your neighbours and the state you will leave the room in.

The slipperiness is great fun but it also needs care. Floors, mats and shower trays can become dangerous, so move slowly, and rinse the floor if the gel gets on it. Older knees and bad backs deserve some respect here. A session typically takes an hour or more, including time to set up and shower, so allow for it when choosing the length of your booking.

How it compares

Nuru is closest to body to body massage, but with gel instead of oil, and it tends to feel more playful and less meditative than tantric massage. If you would like to see them side by side, our guide to erotic massage in London compares the four main styles. There is no best one, only the one that suits your mood and your room.

You can see who mentions nuru on our nuru massage page. Since it takes specific equipment and experience, relatively few ladies tend to list it, so it pays to have a second choice in mind.

Consent, hygiene and health

Shower beforehand, and again afterwards. Keep your nails short, and take off watches and jewellery, since they scratch and they can catch on the mat. Do not go ahead if you have a rash, an open cut or any symptoms of infection. Close skin contact can spread some conditions, including herpes, and condoms do not protect every area. Regular check ups at an NHS sexual health service are a sensible habit if you see new partners.

Talk about boundaries before you begin. A massage this close may feel very intimate, and that does not mean anything further has been agreed. An escort's rate pays for her time and companionship, not for any particular outcome. Each lady decides what she is comfortable with and can say no at any time, and if she stops, the right thing to do is say thanks and enjoy the rest of your time together in some other way.

How to ask

If nuru appears on her profile, you can simply mention it when you meet. Something like, I saw you enjoy nuru, how do you like to set it up, shows interest and respect at the same time, and gets the practical conversation going. When you are ready to book, call us with her name and a time. We check she is free, confirm the price and arrange the rest.