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If you thought that the only way to have an orgasm is through direct genital touching only, think again! There are plenty of other techniques out there to help you have a much better orgasm experience that involves very little genital contact at all. One secret to improving your pleasure is through breathing, or "breath work," which describes various breathing techniques that can help to manage stress and anxiety, improve mindfulness, and help you to channel your life force. For anyone who struggles with mindful sex, or staying present for pleasure, breath work can help you to relax into your experience and allow your body to take over, leading to deeper feelings of pleasure. There are lots of different ways you can practice this breathing exercise to find what feels best for you, so read on for some great tips on how to use breathwork for better orgasms.
How It Works
Take deep, slow breaths during sexual activity. Focus on each breath, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. The slower you breathe, the deeper you’ll inhale, which will send more oxygen throughout your body. That’s important for arousal because blood flow increases when you are aroused—including to your genitals. Studies suggest that deep breathing helps with arousal and orgasm by releasing nitric oxide into the body. Nitric oxide, in turn, relaxes smooth muscles, which can further increase blood flow. Breathing is an easy way to gain these benefits without medication or medical treatment. Try breathwork while masturbating, meditating, or during yoga to get the hang of it when you're solo.
There are other benefits, too: Regular deep breathing has been shown to have positive effects on mental health and cardiovascular health by lowering heart rate and controlling anxiety levels. Plus, there’s evidence to suggest that it can improve sleep quality (which is also great for a healthy sex life!). It’s no wonder we use it in yoga practice as a relaxing respite from daily life. Want proof? Next time you're about to hit snooze on your alarm clock, try doing some regular breathing instead. Consider it an addition to your self-care practice.
Breath Work Techniques to Increase Pleasure
Exhale completely, emptying your lungs all at once. After you exhale, inhale for four seconds—then hold your breath for four seconds. Repeat 10 times, and notice how it helps you concentrate on more than just getting off—because now you have to work for it! Now switch up your breathing pattern: Inhale through your nose for four seconds, then exhale through your mouth for eight seconds. Do that five times before going back to round one. At first, your brain will be confused about whether or not you’re supposed to be having sex right now. It may feel a bit weird at first, but then everything will start to feel good . . . really good. Enjoy!
There are numerous breathing exercises that can help you increase your pleasure, whether you're looking for stronger orgasms or improved sexual stamina. One of these techniques, which is especially helpful if you're orgasmically challenged, is called 4-7-8 breathing. This exercise takes only seconds to do and has helped many people achieve lasting relief from tension headaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia—and it can help you have better sex too. To perform 4-7-8 breathing, simply breathe in deeply through your nose for four seconds. Then hold your breath for seven seconds. Finally, exhale slowly through your mouth for eight seconds. Repeat three times to experience its benefits.
Want to bring more mindfulness (and pleasure!) into your sex life? Get the Lover app here for custom courses, activities, and exercises designed by doctors.