Sex For Stress-Relief

If you want to live a stress-free life make sure to include plenty of exercise, rest, healthy eating habits and don’t forget the sex. Numerous studies on sexuality confirm that there are many physiological and psychological benefits to having a healthy sex life, particularly when it comes to managing stress.

There are many health benefits to sex, especially when practiced in loving and intimate relationships. Besides being a great stress reliever, sex has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, increase blood circulation, strengthen the heart and lower blood pressure. If paired with deep breathing such as tantric breath, sex can boost overall energy, uplift the mood and treat anxiety. Many people take short sips of air or forget to breathe altogether as they are about to orgasm. What happens is that their bodies don’t get enough oxygen, which is why sexual energy that is released during orgasm often remains trapped in the lower chakras, rather than rising to nourish the heart and mind. From a physiological perspective, deep breathing before, during and after sex increases the production of endorphins such as oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. When combined these hormones are what are known as the “cocktail of love”.

Orgasm was regularly prescribed to women of the Victorian era, up until 1952, to treat a condition called hysteria. Nervousness, faintness, irritability and insomnia were the main symptoms, caused by the “stress of modern-day life”. One physician wrote that hysteria was an illness that was caused by sexual repression and deprivation, particularly among virgins, widows and nuns. Women sought relief in monthly visits to the physicians office for a pelvic massage, who would manually stimulate their genitals with a device that caused “hysterical paroxysms”, otherwise known as orgasms. Nowadays, we are more educated about sex, however this has not changed the fact that still so many women suffer from some form of sexual disorder or another, from anorgasmia and even sexual arousal disorder!

While sex can be great for relieving stress, stress can also dampen the desire for sex. High levels of distress and fatigue can easily kill the mood so it’s important to keep stress levels in check. Practicing some form of meditation, exercise and rest can make a world of a difference when it comes to reawakening the passion and excitement. For increasing sexual desire and arousal, try the meditation, as well as Rhythmic Breathing to cultivate more calm energy. Also, deep tissue massage or the  Tantra sensual enhancement massage not only help relieve stress by releasing emotional issues and tensions, they stimulate the production of the right kind of hormones that get us “in the mood”.

In pursuit of living a more balanced and stress free-life, the formula generally includes meditation, exercise and diet, with sex remaining relatively obscure in the background. For the most part, I’m sure it’s no surprise to most people that sex relieves stress on many levels, both psychologically and physically. In tantric practices, sexual energy is cultivated, rather than released through orgasm. This energy acts as a powerful healing force that can relieve stress, help raise vitality, intelligence and lead to enlightenment. Osho says, “One tantric sex experience, and even for days you will feel relaxed at ease, at home, non-violent, non-angry, non-depressed. And this type of person is never a danger to others. If he can, he will help others to be happy. If he cannot, at least he will not make anyone unhappy”