Would you like to make your skin glow, your hair shine, feel more relaxed and happy and improve your sex-life into the bargain? Well, the solution is in your own hands...
Masturbation is the best way to get to know your own body. Sex therapists agree that intimate knowledge of your own body, and understanding what turns you on, is the key to improving your sex life. As an added bonus, apart from being fun, masturbation is a great health and beauty booster.
Did you know that orgasm makes your hair shine and your skin smooth? This is due to the increased production of the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. And these hormones don't only make you glow with health, they also help lower stress and keep your bones and muscles healthy, leaving you feeling inside and out.
Worried about those wrinkles? Forget Botox - orgasm gets rid of the tension that constricts blood vessels in the brain, and helps prevent frown lines from deepening. It also releases painkillers into the bloodstream, making it a great cure for period pain and headaches.
There are major health benefits, too. Orgasms can extend your life, helping fight cancer and heart disease. The endorphins released stimulate immune system cells called 'natural killer cells' which help combat cancer. Orgasms also boost your circulation, helping the body rid itself of toxins that can make you feel ill.
Furthermore, sexual arousal releases a hormone that not only makes your skin glow, but improves your memory and concentration and is also thought to help fight depression.
Increase your orgasm potential
If you've lost the desire for sex, you're not alone. 40 per cent of women suffer from some degree of sexual dysfunction and many more women admit they don't regularly achieve orgasm. There can be medical or psychological reasons for orgasmic dysfunction and, if you're concerned, you should consult a GP. However, getting to know your own body will help you achieve orgasm more easily, both alone and with a partner.
There are four stages of arousal:
- Arousal/excitement
Women's nipples and clitoris swell
- Plateau
Pulse rate and breathing increases and the skin flushes
- Orgasm
Rhythmic contractions through body
- Resolution
Your body returns to normal
Top orgasm tips
Relax
Set the mood by having a bath with essential oils like sandalwood or ylang ylang, renowned for their aphrodisiac qualities. Make sure you've got the house to yourself or are in a room with a lockable door where you won't be disturbed. You may want to have a glass of wine to help you get in the mood, but don't have too much; alcohol inhibits orgasmic function
Engage your mind
Women tend to have a more holistic approach to orgasm; the mind needs to be engaged as much as the body. Put on some music that you find sexy then start thinking erotic thoughts. You may want to remember a particularly arousing experience you've had. Alternatively, there's a plethora of erotica designed for women, like Black Lace books. You may find that a sexy video will help you get in the mood, too
Explore
Don't just go straight for your clitoris. Start by stroking your neck, breasts and anywhere else you enjoy being touched. As you get more aroused, move your hands lower down. Many women find stimulating the pubic mound arousing
Lubricate
Now move on to your genitals. Lubricant can make things far easier, and there are numerous kinds available, so you should be able to find one that you particularly like.
After lubing your fingers, start caressing your clitoris and labia. You may want to slide your fingers inside yourself, but bear in mind that only 25 per cent of women climax through penetration alone. Most women can achieve orgasm far more easily through clitoral stimulation
Try some toys
It's entirely possible to climax by using your fingers alone, but some women enjoy the additional stimulation that a sex aid can produce
There are a host of other sex toys out there, and numerous online shops that deliver toys in discreet packaging, so there's no need to be embarrassed about buying a toy.
Emily Dubberley is the founder of text-based sex website, Cliterati which contains over 1,000 erotic stories for women.
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