I’ve fallen out of the habit of late, but conscious self-pleasure ritual was an essential part of being able to change my pattern of premature ejaculation.
This was affecting how I could enjoy sex, and how my lover could enjoy it also, affected my libido and confidence sexually with women; even at one point affected my ability to gain an erection.
Being already a qualified practitioner of Chinese Medicine and Taoist Qigong Arts, and reading old texts on sexual alchemy, I knew there was a way I could utilise these practices to help with this. But there was some key missing links, as my knowledge of Taoist sexual alchemy was theoretical and historical.
That’s when I started delving into the practices of tantric yoga and pranayama. With these practices and my knowledge and experiences in the Taoist arts, I was able to develop a practice that really did work.
Self-pleasure was a big part of that, as I learned to become consciously aware of my body/nervous system’s signals, and was able to re-develop the sensuality of the whole body, not just the penis.
Using the various breathwork techniques from both traditions (actually very similar), I was able to learn to sublimate the Qi effectively.
I’m not going to say it ‘cured’ me, but sex became a whole lot more pleasurable, was able to last longer, and retain the jing (vital essence) even with ejaculation. Which is what’s important from a Taoist health perspective.
I’ve taught other men these techniques, and I think self-pleasure is a great way to break porn addiction. Maybe I’ll write an article about that soon....
Great meditation!
I'd love to read an article on self pleasure for men. Being a woman, I obviously intimately know from personal experience what women can feel emotionally and energetically when practicing yoni exercises and during self pleasure, but (despite being married 😂) what men experience when practicing conscious sex techniques and breath is still a bit mysterious. I have a feeling it's not as different as I think!
Thats amazing that you had the knowledge, desire, and ability to combine concepts (that you are right, are not so different!) to help yourself with something that was disruptive to you and got in the way of your own pleasure. It's so important that we are good to ourselves, and that kind of self love that is patient enough to be accepting and healing is really quite beautiful.
I can relate as well to the similarities between Taoist philosophy, qigong and tantra/yogic philosophy. Prior to being a yoga practitioner and teacher, I practiced and taught traditional chen style Taijiquan as well as qigong. When I found yoga, I was thrilled because I was like... This is the same! I know this!
Life is so funny. And just... Really cool.
Thanks for sharing your personal experience. 😊 ♥️ And for your support, as well.
OK, guess I'll write something more about that then. 😉
yeah, even though the outer forms are different between Tai Chi and Asanas, internally there are similar things going on. Although one of things I didn't like about the Tantric stuff I learned was the focus on sublimation upwards, when in Taoist Neigong we always return the energy down and circulate, always.
Different uses for different needs, I guess.
😊🙏🏽☯️🕉
You know, I never recognized that difference... In fact, now that you say it, I think that I prob ly incorporate more qigong into my yoga practice than I realize. For instance, I still breathe into my dantien, and allow the energy to flow from there. Hm. I have some things to think about apparently. 😂
Cheers, I look forward to chatting more!