Masturbation Vs. Meditation: Exploring The Benefits Of Two Personal Practices

Masturbation vs Meditation: Which is Better?

Masturbation and meditation are two very different practices, but both can have benefits for mental health and stress relief. While meditation is often recommended as a way to calm the mind and reduce anxiety, some people find it difficult to achieve the desired results through this method alone. In contrast, masturbation is a physical act that can also provide stress relief and improve mood, but it is rarely suggested as a treatment for mental health issues by medical professionals. So, which is better? The answer may lie in combining the two practices...

Masturbation can be a form of meditation

Meditation researcher and teacher Lorin Roche says that as long as you are "tuned into your body and tracking your physical feelings, a sexual sensation or desire is as valid to meditate on as your breath or a mantra". Being mindful is about blocking out distracting thoughts and focusing your full attention on the sensations of the moment. Masturbation can be the perfect vehicle for this, especially for people with less experience with meditation.

Stimulating the nerves in your genitals makes it easy to focus your attention. Rather than thinking about comebacks to your boss or other worries, you are focused on the physical sensations in your body. As the brain shifts away from these negative thoughts, the body's relaxation response kicks in.

Masturbation can also be a great form of self-care. It is convenient, feels good, and doesn't have to cost anything. It can help with insomnia, improve energy levels, and reduce anxiety.

However, it is important to note that masturbation as meditation is not about seeking a quick release. There should be a leisurely, yet intense quality to the practice. It is not just about what happens in your sex organ but the feelings that emerge throughout your body.

Masturbation can also be a great way to get to know your body and improve your relationship with your sexuality. It can be a way to explore new sensations and deepen your pleasure.

So, if you are looking for a way to reduce stress and improve your mental health, why not give masturbation meditation a try? You might be surprised at the results.

Both can reduce stress and tension

Masturbation and meditation have been found to have a similar effect on the body, helping to dial down stress and tension and minimise pain.

Meditation teacher David H. Wagner explains that being mindful involves blocking out distracting thoughts and directing your full attention to the sensations of the moment. Solo sex can be an effective way to achieve this, as it is much easier to focus your attention on the physical sensations in your body. This shift in focus from negative thoughts to physical sensations triggers the body's relaxation response.

Research has found that mindfulness may work by activating parts of the brain responsible for controlling stress and focus. Masturbation, or more specifically, sexual arousal, releases a cocktail of hormones that increase your heart rate and blood pressure, albeit temporarily.

Meditation researcher and teacher Lorin Roche asserts that any sexual sensation or desire is as valid to meditate on as your breath or a mantra, as long as you are tuned into your body and tracking your physical feelings.

Overlap in Benefits

Both practices can help to reduce stress and tension, and both can be done solo. However, it is worth noting that the benefits of each practice may differ depending on the individual and their specific needs and circumstances. For example, someone with anxiety may find it challenging to clear their mind and focus during meditation, whereas masturbation may provide a more accessible avenue for stress relief.

Additionally, while meditation is often touted as a cure-all, it may not be the best solution for everyone. In some cases, masturbation may be a more effective way to manage stress and improve overall well-being.

A Prescription for Masturbation

Daily masturbation can be a form of self-care that is convenient, pleasurable, and affordable. However, it is important to be mindful of potential challenges, such as maintaining desire and avoiding compulsive behaviour.

Overall, both meditation and masturbation can be valuable tools for reducing stress and tension, and individuals can explore which practice works best for their unique needs.

Meditation is not always accessible

Meditation is often touted as a cure-all for a variety of mental health issues, from anxiety to insomnia. However, for some people, meditation is not always accessible. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a lack of guidance or instruction, difficulty concentrating, or a history of trauma or negative self-talk that makes it challenging to clear the mind.

In such cases, masturbation can be a more accessible form of self-care. It can be easier to focus on physical sensations than to quiet the mind, especially for beginners to mindfulness practices. The intense physical pleasure of masturbation can also make it easier to let go of distracting thoughts and worries, providing stress relief and improving mood and energy levels.

Additionally, masturbation can be a useful tool for those who struggle with traditional meditation practices. For example, people with anxiety or trauma may find it challenging to sit with their thoughts and may benefit more from the release of hormones and the body's relaxation response that comes with masturbation.

Furthermore, masturbation can be a form of self-exploration and a way to get in touch with one's body, which can be especially beneficial for those with body image issues or a history of sexual trauma. It can help individuals identify triggers and provide a mindset to help conquer sources of distress.

While meditation has its benefits, it is not the only path to stress relief and improved mental health. Masturbation can be a valid and effective alternative for those who find meditation challenging or inaccessible.

Masturbation can improve sleep

Masturbation can be an effective way to improve sleep quality and fall asleep more quickly. This is mainly due to the release of certain hormones during orgasm, which promote relaxation and reduce stress.

The first of these hormones is oxytocin, which is associated with improved sleep quality and quality of life in both men and women. Additionally, oxytocin helps to reduce cortisol, a stress hormone linked to poor sleep. The second hormone is prolactin, which is heavily involved in making people feel sleepy. Prolactin levels follow a circadian rhythm, with the highest levels occurring during sleep and the lowest during the day. Finally, endorphins are released into the bloodstream during orgasm, resulting in feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Research supports the positive impact of masturbation on sleep. One study found that both men and women perceived masturbation with orgasm to improve sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and sleep quality. Another study by Dr. Andrew Huberman revealed that masturbation leading to orgasm before bed increased sleep quality by 47%. Furthermore, over half of the participants in a general adult population survey reported that masturbation with orgasm improved their sleep quality, and nearly half stated that it helped them fall asleep more quickly.

It is worth noting that masturbation without orgasm may not provide the same sleep benefits and could even have negative consequences. Men, in particular, tend to judge masturbation without orgasm as frustrating and report that it delays sleep onset and impairs sleep quality. Therefore, if you are considering incorporating masturbation into your bedtime routine, it is important to take your time and create a relaxing environment to increase the likelihood of experiencing the sleep-promoting benefits.

Meditation and masturbation can be done together

Meditation and masturbation are two practices that may seem like strange bedfellows. However, they can actually complement each other and be done together. This combination is known as masturbation meditation or mindful sex, and it involves concentrating on pleasurable sensations that ground you in your body, rather than just using your breath as a focal point during mindfulness exercises.

Benefits of Combining Meditation and Masturbation

Meditation and masturbation together can lead to numerous health benefits, especially during stressful times. By being tuned into your body and tracking your physical feelings, you can block out distracting thoughts and direct your full attention to the sensations of the moment. This can be especially helpful for people with less experience in meditation, as stimulating the nerves in your genitals makes it easier to focus your attention.

Techniques for Combining Meditation and Masturbation

The basic technique for combining meditation and masturbation involves starting with a deep breathing exercise and then mindfully touching different parts of your body, such as your head, arms, feet, legs, and belly, before moving on to your genitals. It is important to use your breath or hand as an "anchor" to remain present in the moment and avoid getting caught up in goal-oriented sexual touch. Orgasming is not the goal of this practice, but rather exploring solo touch for your own interest and learning about yourself.

Long-Term Benefits of Masturbation Meditation

According to experts, masturbation meditation can help people become more aware of what feels good and shift the way they approach sex as a whole. It can help center your focus on pleasure rather than performance and is especially helpful for those who have trouble relaxing during sex or experience sex-related performance anxiety. Masturbation meditation can also help people confront and overcome negative thought patterns and deeply ingrained belief systems about their bodies and self-pleasure.

Frequently asked questions