Looking for feedback on massage and touch in your own community

Hello friends,
I have decided to re-start my massage therapy practice but with an emphasis on massage toward women and children. I'd like to eventually travel to different countries to teach massage to women who may not have access to it. The power of touch is amazing and can be healing mentally as well as physically. I strive to teach these women basic techniques so they can administer massage to their peers as well as their children. I see a village or town where all the women know this skill and can trade it with each other. I truly believe that even a short, mindful period of something as simple as just holding hands can lead the way to mutual support, friendships and healing.

But first I ask for your help. I need to know how massage and touch is perceived and accepted in your community? Is massage accepted as a legitimate practice or is it stigmatized to mean a sexual experience? Also, is there a traditional form of massage or touch that is practiced where you live?

Any input at all about the perceptions, reactions to and practices of massage and touch in your surroundings would be very, very much appreciated. Please know that this information is only for my eyes and is to better understand the ways to teach and administer massage/touch in different cultures so I can better my skills and learn new ones.

Many thanks and many blessings,
Erin Dhruva