Sex therapist reveals why ‘hands-free masturbation’ might actually be good for you
Topics: Women's Health, Sex and Relationships, Health, Mental Health
Madison Burgess
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Topics: Women's Health, Sex and Relationships, Health, Mental Health
A sex therapist has lifted the lid on a little-known masturbation technique that's completely hands-free - and it turns out, there are quite a few benefits.
Yep, you read that right - if you're in a rush, you can enjoy a bit of 'me time' without even taking your underwear off, and no fancy sex toys are required.
The method we're talking about is called syntribation and it involves crossing your legs and squeezing your thighs, often paired with some rocking or grinding to stimulate the clitoris and vulva.
You may have actually been doing it long before you learned its fancy name, as it's often the first way women accidentally learn to self-pleasure.
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By squeezing your thighs together and contracting your pelvic floor muscles, blood begins to flow your genitals which increases arousal.
On top of that, you're also indirectly stimulating your vulva and clitoris through the muscle movement and pressure, which can even lead to orgasm.
Speaking to Women's Health, sex therapist Kimberly Thomas explained that there actually a slew of benefits associated with syntribation.
Firstly, it's good for those who are new to masturbating and might be slightly afraid of just heading to Ann Summers and picking up a bright pink vibrator.
Thomas explained: "Syntribation is also a safe way to explore your own sexuality, build familiarity and comfort with your sexual self, and gain sexual confidence."
The method also allows for people with physical disabilities that impact their ability to touch themselves to still experience sexual pleasure manually, the expert added.
Secondly - it's discreet. While of course, you shouldn't be doing in this public as it's still masturbation, it's certainly a lot quieter than your average sex toy.
For example, if your roommates in and you don't want them to know what you're up to.
Thomas added: "Please keep in mind that people around you are not consenting to being around you as you masturbate, so opt for more independent settings."
While no specific studies have been done on mental health and syntribation, the method does fall under the masturbation umbrella, which has been proven to release good hormones like dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin, as well as reduce cortisol levels.
Healthline notes that sexual stimulation brings on a number of benefits, which include relieving built-up stress, sleeping better and boosting mood.
Finally, the expert notes that syntribation can be extremely versatile and doesn't have to look one way.
You can do it with or without your clothes on and even try to incorporate another object such as a pillow to grind against.
Fellow sex therapist, Rachel Zar, told the publication: "If vibrating is too overwhelming of a sensation, you can also place a pillow or a folded blanket in between your thighs to increase the pressure."
And it doesn't have to be solo - you can also try syntribation with your partner, either as foreplay, or even just crossing your legs during sex.
Zar added: "'Getting the blood flowing between your legs will allow you to already be aroused and primed for increased pleasure right from the start."