Henan man finds breast massaging a stimulating profession
Staff Reporter 2013-07-27 10:00
Only three registered breast masseurs in China are men. (Photo/CFP)
Professional breast masseurs who help a new mother to produce milk for her infant by massaging her breasts are not uncommon in China, though it is rare for the job to be done by a man. A 29-year-old man surnamed Yang is one of the only three registered breast masseurs in China, reports the Henan-based Zhengzhou Evening News.
In China, which remains a conservative society where anything to do with the body is concerned, many would be against the idea of a man performing such a task. Indeed, Yang said both his parents and his girlfriend disagree with his job, but says he finds it — stimulating.
"I understand that this job is to help babies, especially when parents are worried about the quality of baby formula. This is a honorable job and is a business that has just emerged, so I chose it," he said.
Yang said the job requires a working knowledge of where acupuncture points are located around the breast in order to stimulate milk production by massaging the points. Yang's instructor told him a man can be good at this job as he may have more strength.
"Clients were surprised when they found I was a man," Yang said of his first days on the job — in Chinese, it is not always immediately apparent whether someone is male or female from their name alone. He said husbands may be opposed to hiring a male breast masseur initially but have been known to change changed their mind after Yang persuaded them that the baby's health is the priority.
Yang earns 200 yuan (US$33) for a 90-minute massage session. How many customers has he had? Only two so far, but he says his clients have been satisfied with his service.
