10 Wicked Reasons You Should Be Masturbating More Often

The Author

Alexandra Jamieson

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About Me

Alexandra Jamieson is a functional nutrition coach, chef, and mom. She is the co-creator of the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me, and the author of the new "self-health" book Women, Food & Desire. Alex has been seen on Oprah, Martha Stewart Living, CNN, Fox News, USA Today and People Magazine. Alex offers remarkably sane — and tasty — advice on how to detox, live healthfully and feel fantastic. She lives in Brooklyn where she juggles, somewhat gracefully, raising her 8-year-old son, trying new gluten-free recipes, running her company and riding her bicycle to the food co-op.

Masturbation is both a powerful healer and an incredibly uncomfortable topic to talk about.

Yes, everyone masturbates!

And yes, we should also be doing it more.

According to Indiana University’s National Survey Of Sexual Health And Behavior, more than half of American adults report masturbation between one and four times a week.

Masturbation though has developed a bad reputation mainly because religion and culture tell us it’s a sin. As a result, many of us feel at least some trace of shame, guilt, or even fear when practicing this very natural act.

But with all it’s incredible and scientifically proven benefits it’s time to finally embrace masturbation!

MUST READ: The Incredible Benefits Of Mutual Masturbation

10 Good Reasons To Make Masturbation A Habit

#1 It Makes You Relaxed

According to the 2009 University of Michigan study, orgasms cause the body to release dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin (the “love and bonding” hormone).

The boost of these hormones in turn lowers cortisol, a main stress hormone. Chronically elevated cortisol levels lead to inflammation, stress-eating, insomnia, and weight loss resistance.

This means your pleasure-powered workouts will help lead to a toned body.

#2 It Makes You Eat Healthier

Higher levels of oxytocin make us feel happier, which keeps those emotionally triggered food cravings for sugar, cheese, and other “comfort foods” at bay.

Oxytocin levels are usually increased simply through the physical stimulation of the clitoris, vagina, cervix, and breasts.

So, even if you don’t reach climax, you’ll still release this powerful neurotransmitter.

#3 It Improves Sperm Quality

Why? There is less DNA damage and fewer motility problems with fresh sperm.

#4 It Is Physically Healing

The gut and the mind are inextricably linked. In my book Women, Food, and Desire, I tell the story of a client who wasn’t dating, and wasn’t masturbating.

She had been suffering from bloating, gas, and a frustrating “muffin top” that wouldn’t budge for years. I introduced her to a regular self pleasure routine.

After a couple of weeks of regular self-pleasure, she noticed a marked difference in her digestion, and her bloating had reduced greatly.

#5 It Makes You More Self Confident

Masturbating leads to increased self-confidence and a positive upward spiral of self-care.

When you know what you need to bring yourself pleasure and orgasm, you strengthen your emotional intelligence and connection to your body.

Knowing how your body works and what you’re capable of, regardless of your relationship status, helps you make better decisions and create stronger boundaries about dating and mating.

When you can bring yourself physical pleasure, you don’t need someone else to validate that you’re sexy. You know it.

MUST READ: The Art Of Self Pleasure {4 Unique Ways To Pleasure Yourself}

#6 It Makes You Want More Sex

Another study reveals that sexy daydreams release testosterone in women.

This means that when you read i.e. erotic fiction your body will begin anticipating an encounter, your libido will increase and your juices will literally start flowing.

#7 It Makes You Feel Less Pain

Orgasms (and to a lesser extent simple sexual arousal) increase blood flow to both your brain and reproductive organs, which helps soothe menstrual cramps and headaches.

MUST READ: Painful Period? 6 Natural & Powerful Ways to Liberate Yourself from Period Pain

#8 It Is Kind Of Like Meditating

Sexual pleasure is a great way to clear your mind of excessive anxiety. It brings you to the present moment; kind of like meditating!

The physical release triggers stress relief and can be a great way to get in touch with your body (and out of your head).

Being in the moment, and focusing on what feels physically good to you, is a wonderful intentional practice with many benefits.

MUST READ: 5 Ways Meditation Will Help You Have Mind-Blowing Sex

#9 It Keeps Your Sex Life Alive

Especially if you’re single, or in a long-distance relationship, self-pleasure is a great way to help keep your sexual energy stay alive.

By self-stimulating you’re keeping your reproductive tissues flexible, strong, and healthy. The more solo-sex you have, the more you’ll want sex. This is really helpful for couples that are separated, and for singles looking to keep their sexual energy high.

#10 It Feels Awesome!

Yes it does! .. and we all need more pleasure in our lives, am I right?

By Alexandra Jamieson | Featured Artist: Franz von Bayros | Originally posted on MindBodyGreen

For unique ideas on how to masturbate check out this video…

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