Playing with yourself- Pleasuring oneself
- Wanking
- Jerking off
Whatever you want to call it, it has been around a long time and has been depicted in art since prehistoric times including rock paintings of male masturbation and a clay figurine from the 4th millennium BC from a temple site of Malta depicts a woman masturbating. However male depictions are far more common.
In early times people seem to have connected human sexuality with abundance in nature. In ancient Egypt when masturbation was performed by a god it could be considered a creative or magical act.
Yet for many years it has been such a taboo subject. Religious groups have condemned masturbation, claiming it inhibits self-control and promotes sexual promiscuity. In the 18th and 19th centuries some described it as heinous, deplorable and hideous, but during the 20th century these taboos generally declined.
There has been an increase in discussion and acceptance of masturbation in art, music, television, film and literature. And present day religions are now varying in their view. But with all the negative messages we received as we were growing up is it not surprising that a lot of us are still feeling shame and embarrassment about this very natural and healthy activity.
Firstly we should all understand that masturbation is not only enjoyable but it is also great for our health. We also have to learn our own bodies and know what turns us on so that if or when we speak with a partner about what we like we will be able to communicate with them better.
Masturbation promotes the release of endorphins which in turn improves one’s mood with the feeling of being happy and this can help with depression and relieve stress. It also produces a chemical called Oxytocin which works as a natural pain reliever which can also reduce headaches and any muscles pain.
For women it can strengthen the pelvic floor muscle, help relieve pre-menstrual cramps and for men it can help combat premature ejaculation by training to last longer and can help prevent the development of prostate cancer as cancer causing chemicals can build up in the prostate if men do not ejaculate regularly.
Different strokes for different folks.
Female techniques can include stroking or rubbing of her clitoris maybe sliding a finger or two into the vagina. A vibrator or dildo can help with giving more of a fullness sensation and also can provide g-spot stimulation. They can also be a trio of fun with vibrations to the g-spot, clitoris and anal stimulation.
Whilst male techniques can and do differ as it may be dependent on if he is circumcised or not. Some techniques which may work for an individual can be difficult or uncomfortable for another. The most common technique is simply to hold the penis with a loose fist and move the hand up and down the shaft. The speed varies from person to person.
Masturbation sleeves are also a common sex toy that can be used by men. Available are sleeves that can give the sensation of vaginal or anal intercourse as well as oral sex.
Sometimes a person may need a little help when masturbating, and not necessarily another person. They made need visual stimulation. This is where pornography comes in handy. Books, magazines and/or DVD movies can get you hot and horny and ready for a solo play. Of course you can also use your own imagination and let your inner fantasies come out.
Depending on time and moods the way you masturbate is completely an individual thing. You might like it to be straight to the point and just get an orgasm out. Or you might like the edging method, which is when you play for awhile then stop to reduce the excitement then starting playing again and repeating this a couple of times until you reach orgasm. It is rare that people quit stimulation before they reach orgasm/climax.
Everyone will have their own technique, but make sure you don’t stop at just one, explore and enjoy yourself.
By Jenifer Grant