Masturbation: A New Form of Sex Therapy

"The role of masturbation in one's life can have dramatic psychological benefits. A new form of sex therapy has enabled people to replace harmful substance addictions by forcing themselves to masturbate daily. This act transfers the pleasure stimulus to an activity that is healthy and can lead to an intimate relationship with others."

Source: ESO, Extended Sexual Orgasm, by Alan Brauer, M.D. and Donna Brauer, p. 48

Healthy Development

It should be noted that masturbation is considered a "normal" process in sexual development and maturity, often beginning at a young age when we 'happen' upon the pleasures of masturbation.

Most people learn to have their first orgasms through masturbating or playing around. Evidently masturbation holds a certain cornerstone in the physiological and psychological sexual development.

An authority on the physiological benefits of masturbation, James Weinrich states:

"Experiments in primates show that if this sexual rehearsal play is interfered with, the result can be an adult who cannot or does not function sexually as well as other individuals who were permitted such play."

Source: Sexual Landscapes, James Weinrich, 2013, p. 244.

Psychological Benefits of Masturbation

1. Releases mood-elevating hormones that help ward off depression and lead to more happiness.

2. Releases sexual tension and often produces a pleasant, tranquil feeling.

3. Transmutes your sexual energy to achieve higher states of consciousness.

4. Directs, utilises and focuses your sexual energy for success in your work, relationships and in the world.

5. Helps you become more comfortable with your own sexuality.

6. Curbs impulses to have inappropriate sex with someone.

Masturbation is Educational

It prepares you for sex with partners, and allows you to experiment in a safe environment with methods and sensations that are stimulating. It is an important choice to feel comfortable, know your body better and take care of your sexual health.

Masturbation can help you to explore and be in control of your own sexual needs. You can learn about the sexual responses of your own body, and thus be better prepared for sexual activity with a partner at a later time. If you don't know what makes you feel good, how can you communicate to a partner what you enjoy?

Masturbation makes sexual fun with friends more enjoyable because you will already know what it takes to please you. Play with friends whenever you have a chance.

Masturbation as exploration of the body is common between the ages of 3 and 6. In the teens masturbation becomes more sophisticated and sexually motivated. Both guys and girls masturbate, it is a normal and healthy part of sexual development. Surveys have shown that 80% of males and 59% of females have masturbated by age 18.

Never Feel Shy or Guilty

Masturbation is not evil, dirty or harmful. It will not make you go blind, drive you insane, stunt your growth, give you an STD, make you sterile or get you pregnant. All that is utter nonsense.

Masturbation is that wonderful gift you give to yourself over and over. You should enjoy it in all of its many forms. Your penis is yours. The intense sexual feelings that your penis can give you are necessary to promote healthy behaviour, and they should encourage you to find new ways of expressing them.

Orgasm, especially after hours of masturbation, makes you feel very relieved and complete. It is incredibly rewarding. By recognising and experimenting with your body, you will gain that intimate relationship with yourself. Let pleasure only be your guide!

The only real problems that come with masturbation are psychological and are the result of unhealthy or weary attitudes toward doing it (if you do it but are ashamed) or abnormal practices (for example, public masturbation). Masturbation is a very personal thing and should not be done around people who are not willing partners (think safer sex activity).