The Kama Sutra and Masturbation: Five Pieces of Ancient Wisdom about Pleasure

The is no sensual text quite like the Kama Sutra for increasing pleasure and intimacy. While the Kama Sutra doesn’t touch on masturbation outright, it does touch on genital touching in general and is very sex-positive. While written for couples, there is a lot of information and guidance that can be applied to self-love, so much in fact that it was easy to find five ways the Kama Sutra elevates masturbation. Here’s five of the biggest game-changers the ancient text delivers for an extraordinary experience with the self.

#1: Open the Mind and Hear

Like any person searching for enlightenment, it’s important to have an open mind and heart. Masturbation is a simple function, but it doesn’t have to be routine or boring. By approaching the sensual art of self-pleasure in the same way a man would pleasuring a lover, he can find a greater sense of pleasure and ecstasy.

#2: Remove Guilt from Self-Pleasure

Unlike other sacred traditions which villainize bodily pleasure, the Kama Sutra celebrates it. Sex is a healthy activity that honors the body. It both relaxes the nerves and stimulates blood flow around the body. Aside from physical benefit, intimacy with the self is a beautiful thing and removes societal conditioning like blame, shame, and guilt from sexual urges and pleasure. Once the mind is free of guilt, it can truly explore all the goodies the Kama Sutra provides masturbation.

This removal of guilt allows a man to draw-out and enjoy the process of self-pleasuring. They can relax and go slower, which is not only good mentally, but physically as well. Men who utilize a “death grip” or stroke fast and furious are more likely to cause tiny tears in the skin that lead to scarring or decreased sensation. This acceptance of masturbation as a positive and healing act keeps the penis is tip-top shape for intimacy with a partner as well.

#3: Embrace Diversity

The Kama Sutra has no shortage of positions for couples to try. From the Padlock to the Rocking Horse, there are tons of ways to enjoy intimacy with a partner. Applying this to self-gratification, one can experience new solo sensations by experimenting with hand positions, pleasure aids, different lubricants, different locations for masturbation, and even exploring other erogenous zones in tandem with masturbation.

Guys who use their left hands should switch to the right for all the new feels. Use a penis sleeve instead with lube to upgrade self-pleasure to exciting heights. Masturbate in the shower instead of only in bed. Maybe it’s time to switch things up and stroke with the left hand while stimulating the perineum with the right. If the Kama Sutra teaches anything, it’s to experiment and explore!

#4: Get Tantric

Tantra is a game-changer and is all over the Kama Sutra. Using tantra, men are encouraged to enjoy the journey (of a thousand strokes) rather than stroking fast and orgasming in under ten seconds. Tantra engages the mind and prolongs the pleasure. Here’s how to implement some tantric methods when masturbating:

- Fantasize before even touching the penis. Use the mind rather than pictures or movies.

- Slowly undress and pay attention to the feeling of air on the genital area.

- Using a lubricant, slowly stroke the penis while continuing the internal fantasy.

- When the release is near, slow down or completely stop stroking the penis until ready to begin again.

- Repeat until ready for release.

Slowing down the process not only makes the penis more sensitive in general but also intensifies the orgasm. It’s next-level masturbation.

#5: Keep it Clean

It’s only natural that a text about sex includes properly cleaning and anointing (a fancy word for moisturizing) the body before and after sex. Men who solo play should clean up with a gentle wash and thorough rinse. Afterward, air dry or pat dry the penis with a soft towel. Then, reward the penis by applying a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). to keep it protected, smooth, and always ready for action. Products like this not only keep skin soft and supple but also prevent against peripheral nerve damage and keep bacteria at bay ensuring he is always prepared for pleasure.

Self-Gratification Pros and Cons: Health Benefits vs. Risks

It seems only yesterday that self-gratification was either talked about only in secret or was considered the butt of a joke. Once considered taboo, there were several myths and old wives’ tale about self-pleasure that proclaimed that self-gratification could make someone go blind, lose their fertility, or grow hairy palms.

Let's take away the myth and shame and get down to what self-gratification is, what the benefits are, what to watch out for, and how to keep the member is in good shape.

What is Self-gratification?

Self-gratification is a healthy practice in which a person intimately touches their own genitals for pleasure. People self-pleasure for many different reasons, for everything from relaxation to learning about their own bodies. It’s an entirely healthy and normal practice for males and females alike.

Pros of Self-gratification

There are several pros to engaging in self-gratification. Here is a list of the five most common benefits of self-gratification.

1) Release Sensual Tension. The most obvious benefit is to release sensual tension. This can happen anywhere between two people, and if not remedied, can result in paralyzing anxiety and performance fails. Remember that quip in There’s Something About Mary, when Chris Elliot advises Ben Stiller not to go on his date "with a loaded gun," and encourages him to take care of himself first? This is what he was talking about.

2) Reduces Stress. Self-gratification has been shown to lower blood pressure and release dopamine into the system, creating a relaxed mood.

3) Improves Sleep. Many men self-pleasure before bed to get quality shut-eye. Research shows that coming releases a slew of sleep-friendly brain chemicals into the system, most notably norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, nitric oxide and the hormone prolactin. These all cause the body to relax and make the person feel safe; and they also trigger the release of melatonin, the primary hormone that regulates sleep.

4) Improves Body Awareness and Self-Esteem. Self-gratification has also been shown to help people be more in touch with and feel better about their bodies, promote intimacy, and improve communication regarding likes, desires, and dislikes with a partner.

Cons of Self-gratification

While self-gratification is a healthy, positive practice, too much can cause a lot of trouble in a man’s life. Here are a few of the most common drawbacks.

1) Disrupting Daily Life. When self-gratification is a man’s sole focus, he may do irreparable damage his daily life. Missing work, avoiding social events, and using it as a way to avoid relationships are just a few of the ways a man who is stroking excessively will interrupt his life.

2) Chafing. Too much of a good thing is just too much! Even with lubricant, overworking the manhood can cause irritation and chafing, making any contact quite painful.

3) Loss of Sensitivity. As a man’s self-gratification frequency increases, he often has to raise the intensity in order to come. This often results in "death grip," which is where a man grips the member so tightly that it becomes desensitized. Not only is it an ever-growing problem, but intimacy with a partner becomes less pleasurable and often, even initial arousal is difficult.

4) Feelings of Guilt or Shame. Whether it's due to religion, upbringing, trauma or abuse, or from a partner, some men feel guilty or ashamed of self-gratification. A man who feels this way may want to see a therapist to work through these feelings to enjoy a healthy relationship with self-pleasure.

Self-gratification and Male organ health

Self-gratification is a healthy activity that not only feels good but also strengthens and tones the body. Also, men who come regularly have been shown to have lesser instances of prostate cancer. Regular self-pleasure can also enhance intimate relationships with partners.

Men should be sure to properly care for their member after self-gratification. Clean with a mild soap, rise, and apply a moisturizer. Men should use a specially designed male organ health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep the member soft, smooth, and ready for action. Look for a crème packed with vitamins A, C, D, and E, which are well-known for their skin-soothing and strengthening properties. Be sure to select a crème that also has a natural base like Shea butter which locks in moisture and keeps it from dryness.