I went to bed a little earlier than usual today, around 11:40 pm. I do not remember exactly when I fell asleep. I do not remember what exactly I dreamt about, but towards the morning, when I was almost about to wake up, or you can say half asleep, I saw having some steamy intimacy with an imaginary person, he did not have a face. But I woke up, half asleep, feeling my underpants gliding against my inner walls but not causing any friction, like a soft and moist piece of cloth.

I quickly woke myself up completely and brought myself back to senses. But, the dream was not complete, so I felt weird and went to the washroom. The weather was just as pleasing and helping as ever, birds chirping, the outside was not completely bright yet everything was fully visible and the coolness in the air was making me want it more than ever.

In the washroom, I opened my braids and freed my hair as I prepared. Then, I slowly ran my hands through my body first touching my cheeks, then lips, as if somebody was caressing me, somebody I love, somebody who’s touch would feel calming yet raising every hair on my body. Then I took my fingers to glide over my neck followed by my chest and breasts. While my right hand was busy doing this, my left hand took the lead in squeezing my waist like somebody would, when they pull somebody closer. All of this was happening over my night dress, a knee-length long brack dress. I then removed my dress and took a good look at myself, the marks of chicken pox, the stretch marks, the body hair, nothing disgusts me. As if I love them, as if I want them to stay right there, I do not wanna get rid of any of them. I moved my fingers over the linings of each of the round marks of chicken pox from over 7 months, the long stretch marks on my outer thighs and as my nail tips touched my skin onn those places, it felt erotic and so calming that i would die to feel that again.

Then, I sat down on the marble floor of our bathroom and slowly, with my right hand, I spread my legs. While my left hand was squeezing my left breast, my right hand was playing with my labia and clit, bringing those muscles together and then separating them with my index and middle finger while my thumb played with the clit. I could feel myself aroused, so i first gently thrusted my middle finger of right hand (since, i have long nails on my left hand), then, i pulled that finger out and thrusted again, then, i inserted another finger, the index finger of my right hand inside me and kept going, each time faster and deeper than the earlier one. After a few minutes, I came. When I came out from the bathroom, it was 6 am.

My hand muscles were sore, but worth it. This calmed me a lot. It has been a really long time since I have felt this kind of calmness. This also put me in a good mood for the rest of the day.

I was reading a novel that I am supposed to beta read. It is an controversial yet excellent novel for its literature quality. But as the novel is not yet published to the mass, I will not be able to share the name with you. It has its flaws, I agree, but at the same time it made me feel things I never knew existed. It made me feel that there lies a world beyond our known ones which is above all the boundaries created by the society.

I can not put it into words but I was so overwhelmed by the novel that I i could not hold myself back from pleasuring me physically.

So, I chose a time when my mom will be extremely busy with morning chores and my sister would be sleeping sound, the mid early morning, 8:30 am.

I went inside the washroom. Pulled my t shirt up and my solid maroon coloured shorts down and sat down on the porcelain floor. I started off with my left hand grabbing and massaging my left breast with olive oil, while my right hands were busy with the right one. As I proceeded, my hands became warm along with my breasts, then I started pinching my nipples and twisted them, they became hard.

After a while, my right hand slid down to touch my clit and i started massaging it in round motion, first anticlockwise, then clockwise. It was sending an unbearable tingling sensation to my entire body everytime I let my fingers press and creat a round motion on my clit whichI can not explain in words. I kept on massaging my breast and clit with slight nipple-pinching from time to time. This kept going for a while and I released. Then, I started thrusting my middle finger of my right hand, followed by my ring finger. After that, I pulled them out a little then again thrusted them in, together, then again, pulled them out. I kept on going until i released again.

I got up, tried to get my senses back. Took a shower. Wore my clothes and came out.

It has been a really long time since I have released twice in the same session. It felt amazing to have explored my body, my senses and most importantly, me, to such extend that led me to taste heaven and come back.

Everyone masturbates, right? Or do they? And why is it so embarrassing to talk about? Should we be doing it more?

Well, here are my answers: yes, everyone masturbates. But 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. Men masturbate more frequently than women do, and it’s time to change that.

Through working with thousands of women as a health coach (in addition to my own personal experience), masturbation has been both an uncomfortable topic to talk about — while also being a powerful healing technique. It’s time to finally embrace it.

Masturbation has gotten a bad reputation, mainly because religion and culture tell us it’s a sin. The Bible doesn’t explicitly talk about masturbation, although there is some stern warning against “spilling your seed on the ground.” The Catholic Church decided that masturbation (sometimes referred to as “onanism” after Onin, a Biblical character) was a sin deserving of eternal damnation.

By the time World War I came around, onanism was being called “self-abuse” and described in medical texts as more dangerous to young boys than lying or stealing. Girls and women aren’t even mentioned, as if “the fairer sex” couldn’t even possibly do something so dirty.

So it stands to reason that most of us would feel some traces of shame, guilt, or even fear when practicing this very natural act. But take heart from the animal world and modern science! Dozens of mammal, bird, and insect species have been documented to masturbate in captivity and in the wild. From penguins, to dolphins, horses, and even porcupines, mother nature has no judgment when it comes to wrapping your hand, wing, or fin, around your own personal magic wand.

In honor of National Masturbation Month, here are ten great reasons that masturbation should be an essential part of your wellness and self-care routine:

1. You’ll get a healthy dose of dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin.

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 work outs will more easily lead to a toned body.

2. You won’t get as many junk-food cravings.

Higher levels of oxytocin makes us feel happier, which keeps those emotionally-triggered food cravings for sugars, 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. For men, frequent masturbation improves sperm quality.

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

4. Pleasure is physiologically relaxing, which has a positive effect on the microbiome.

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 took her to Babeland, a clean, well-lit sex store, and we spoke with a knowledgeable staff member who helped her pick out her first nontoxic vibrator.

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

5. Women who masturbate regularly are more likely to feel positively about their body.

This, unsurprisingly, leads to higher 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, regardless of your relationship status, helps you make better decisions and 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.

6. Daydreaming kicks life up a notch.

Another study reveals that sexy daydreams release testosterone in women, which means that when you read erotic fiction, or watch any kind of porn that excites you, your body will begin anticipating encounter, which naturally raises your libido and quite literally gets your juices flowing.

7. You will feel less pain. Really.

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.

8. Sexual pleasure brings you in the present moment.

Sexual pleasure is a great way to clear your mind of ruminating and excessivea nxiety. It brings you to the present moment, kind of like meditating! But if sitting on a meditation cushion isn’t doing it for you, grab your bottle of lube.

The physical release doubles as 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.

9. You can keep your sex life alive and kickin’ — no matter what.

Especially if you’re single, or in a long-distance relationship, masturbation is a great way to help your sexual energy stay alive. Self-stimulating keeps your reproductive tissues flexible, strong, and healthy. The more solo-sex you have, the more you’ll want because your brain is thinking about sex more often. This is really helpful for couples who are separated or for the single person who wants to present the best version of themselves while dating.

10. It feels awesome!

And we all need more pleasure in our lives, am I right?

So join me and thousands of others as we celebration the 20th anniversary of National Masturbation Month!

Everyone masturbates, right? Or do they? And why is it so embarrassing to talk about? Should we be doing it more?

Well, here are my answers: yes, everyone masturbates. But 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. Men masturbate more frequently than women do, and it’s time to change that.

Through working with thousands of women as a health coach (in addition to my own personal experience), masturbation has been both an uncomfortable topic to talk about — while also being a powerful healing technique. It’s time to finally embrace it.

Masturbation has gotten a bad reputation, mainly because religion and culture tell us it’s a sin. The Bible doesn’t explicitly talk about masturbation, although there is some stern warning against “spilling your seed on the ground.” The Catholic Church decided that masturbation (sometimes referred to as “onanism” after Onin, a Biblical character) was a sin deserving of eternal damnation.

By the time World War I came around, onanism was being called “self-abuse” and described in medical texts as more dangerous to young boys than lying or stealing. Girls and women aren’t even mentioned, as if “the fairer sex” couldn’t even possibly do something so dirty.

So it stands to reason that most of us would feel some traces of shame, guilt, or even fear when practicing this very natural act. But take heart from the animal world and modern science! Dozens of mammal, bird, and insect species have been documented to masturbate in captivity and in the wild. From penguins, to dolphins, horses, and even porcupines, mother nature has no judgment when it comes to wrapping your hand, wing, or fin, around your own personal magic wand.

In honor of National Masturbation Month, here are ten great reasons that masturbation should be an essential part of your wellness and self-care routine:

1. You’ll get a healthy dose of dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin.

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 work outs will more easily lead to a toned body.

2. You won’t get as many junk-food cravings.

Higher levels of oxytocin makes us feel happier, which keeps those emotionally-triggered food cravings for sugars, 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. For men, frequent masturbation improves sperm quality.

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

4. Pleasure is physiologically relaxing, which has a positive effect on the microbiome.

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 took her to Babeland, a clean, well-lit sex store, and we spoke with a knowledgeable staff member who helped her pick out her first nontoxic vibrator.

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

5. Women who masturbate regularly are more likely to feel positively about their body.

This, unsurprisingly, leads to higher 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, regardless of your relationship status, helps you make better decisions and 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.

6. Daydreaming kicks life up a notch.

Another study reveals that sexy daydreams release testosterone in women, which means that when you read erotic fiction, or watch any kind of porn that excites you, your body will begin anticipating encounter, which naturally raises your libido and quite literally gets your juices flowing.

7. You will feel less pain. Really.

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.

8. Sexual pleasure brings you in the present moment.

Sexual pleasure is a great way to clear your mind of ruminating and excessivea nxiety. It brings you to the present moment, kind of like meditating! But if sitting on a meditation cushion isn’t doing it for you, grab your bottle of lube.

The physical release doubles as 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.

9. You can keep your sex life alive and kickin’ — no matter what.

Especially if you’re single, or in a long-distance relationship, masturbation is a great way to help your sexual energy stay alive. Self-stimulating keeps your reproductive tissues flexible, strong, and healthy. The more solo-sex you have, the more you’ll want because your brain is thinking about sex more often. This is really helpful for couples who are separated or for the single person who wants to present the best version of themselves while dating.

10. It feels awesome!

And we all need more pleasure in our lives, am I right?

So join me and thousands of others as we celebration the 20th anniversary of National Masturbation Month!

Everyone masturbates, right? Or do they? And why is it so embarrassing to talk about? Should we be doing it more?

Well, here are my answers: yes, everyone masturbates. But 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. Men masturbate more frequently than women do, and it’s time to change that.

Through working with thousands of women as a health coach (in addition to my own personal experience), masturbation has been both an uncomfortable topic to talk about — while also being a powerful healing technique. It’s time to finally embrace it.

Masturbation has gotten a bad reputation, mainly because religion and culture tell us it’s a sin. The Bible doesn’t explicitly talk about masturbation, although there is some stern warning against “spilling your seed on the ground.” The Catholic Church decided that masturbation (sometimes referred to as “onanism” after Onin, a Biblical character) was a sin deserving of eternal damnation.

By the time World War I came around, onanism was being called “self-abuse” and described in medical texts as more dangerous to young boys than lying or stealing. Girls and women aren’t even mentioned, as if “the fairer sex” couldn’t even possibly do something so dirty.

So it stands to reason that most of us would feel some traces of shame, guilt, or even fear when practicing this very natural act. But take heart from the animal world and modern science! Dozens of mammal, bird, and insect species have been documented to masturbate in captivity and in the wild. From penguins, to dolphins, horses, and even porcupines, mother nature has no judgment when it comes to wrapping your hand, wing, or fin, around your own personal magic wand.

In honor of National Masturbation Month, here are ten great reasons that masturbation should be an essential part of your wellness and self-care routine:

1. You’ll get a healthy dose of dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin.

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 work outs will more easily lead to a toned body.

2. You won’t get as many junk-food cravings.

Higher levels of oxytocin makes us feel happier, which keeps those emotionally-triggered food cravings for sugars, 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. For men, frequent masturbation improves sperm quality.

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

4. Pleasure is physiologically relaxing, which has a positive effect on the microbiome.

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 took her to Babeland, a clean, well-lit sex store, and we spoke with a knowledgeable staff member who helped her pick out her first nontoxic vibrator.

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

5. Women who masturbate regularly are more likely to feel positively about their body.

This, unsurprisingly, leads to higher 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, regardless of your relationship status, helps you make better decisions and 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.

6. Daydreaming kicks life up a notch.

Another study reveals that sexy daydreams release testosterone in women, which means that when you read erotic fiction, or watch any kind of porn that excites you, your body will begin anticipating encounter, which naturally raises your libido and quite literally gets your juices flowing.

7. You will feel less pain. Really.

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.

8. Sexual pleasure brings you in the present moment.

Sexual pleasure is a great way to clear your mind of ruminating and excessivea nxiety. It brings you to the present moment, kind of like meditating! But if sitting on a meditation cushion isn’t doing it for you, grab your bottle of lube.

The physical release doubles as 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.

9. You can keep your sex life alive and kickin’ — no matter what.

Especially if you’re single, or in a long-distance relationship, masturbation is a great way to help your sexual energy stay alive. Self-stimulating keeps your reproductive tissues flexible, strong, and healthy. The more solo-sex you have, the more you’ll want because your brain is thinking about sex more often. This is really helpful for couples who are separated or for the single person who wants to present the best version of themselves while dating.

10. It feels awesome!

And we all need more pleasure in our lives, am I right?

So join me and thousands of others as we celebration the 20th anniversary of National Masturbation Month!