Everyone’s sexual journey is deep and unique, often shaped by experiences such as trauma, stress, or depression. The good news is that if you're looking to find and reconnect with your sexual self, you're not alone.
Research shows that 40% of women will experience some form of sexual difficulty during their lifetime. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves to explore and embrace their sexuality in a healthy and fulfilling way. Guide women to embrace their bodies, respect their experiences, and express themselves authentically. Here are four transformative sexual healing practices from experts that hope to bring liberation and empowerment to women.
What Is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a deeply personal journey that is different for everyone, as our sexual abilities are shaped by unique life experiences, relationships, and beliefs. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sex therapy, and its manifestations vary from person to person. However, at its core, sexual healing involves reconnecting with one’s sensuality and rediscovering pleasure, ecstasy, sensation, and intimacy.
Sex therapy involves rewiring the nervous system back to its natural state of pleasure and intimacy, especially after experiencing trauma or long-term stress. This process involves somatic exercises designed to remove trauma from the body, allowing the mind to recover as well. To truly heal and empower your sexuality, you must transcend the constraints of the physical body and tap into your inner self.
Methods to promote sexual healing
1. Movement exploration
Use the power of movement as a therapeutic tool. Dancing in your own private space, even if it feels awkward at first, can be deeply liberating. It's not about perfection. Rather, it is an opportunity to release pent-up sexual energy and reconnect with your body, mind, and expression. Trauma may leave us feeling stuck or sluggish, but the body thrives on movement. Experiment with various styles of music and let yourself be guided by the mood of the moment. Whether it's a gentle sway or a wild release, let movement be your way to rediscover your vitality and sex appeal.
2. Explore breathing techniques
Harness the transformative power of breath to reconnect with the present moment and develop awareness of your body and its sensations. "Breathing is the essence of life energy and the way to achieve balance in a matter of minutes. Try box breathing, a simple yet effective technique. First, exhale slowly, emptying your lungs completely. Then, use your nose Take a deep breath and count to four. Hold your breath again for a count of four, then slowly exhale through your mouth for a final count of four. This conscious breathing not only activates the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes relaxation, but also increases blood circulation. Enrich your sexual experience. Experiment with different breathing methods to find what works best for you, opening up a deeper connection with your body and its inherent vitality.
3. Embrace self-exploration
Take the opportunity to get intimate with your body through self-pleasure. Taking the time to explore your desires and preferences is a profound journey of self-discovery. Reconnecting with your body through physical self-pleasure is an effective practice that heals from within. Set the mood with soothing music, let yourself relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Slowly experiment with different forms of stimulation and notice what ignites your senses. If you are considering a sex toy, my suggestion is to choose a crystal wand so you can control your pleasure with more touch. Remember to go at your own pace, prioritizing gentleness and sensitivity to body cues. This practice is especially beneficial for those experiencing numbness or discomfort, promoting a deeper connection and understanding of the body's needs and desires.
4. Create a good environment
The environment we find ourselves in every day can have a significant impact on our mood and health. Environment can influence people's emotions more than willpower. Inject romance and self-care into our lives: "Take a moment to declutter your space, light candles to set the mood, indulge in fresh flowers, play music while you cook, put on some lingerie and enjoy yourself, and if that lifts your spirits, It's even possible to put on makeup, even for remote workdays". Especially when work is at a standstill, pay attention to the little things: from the clothes you wear to the amount of natural light you receive, the state of your workspace and the quality of the air you breathe. Creating a good environment can greatly improve your happiness and rekindle your passion for life.
5. Practice journaling
Our inner thoughts tend to trap us and keep us stuck in a cycle of rumination and self-doubt. Journaling provides a way out of this mental cycle by allowing us to explore and process our emotions, identify recurring patterns, and rediscover our true selves. My suggestion is to write down our feelings on paper to help release them from the body. Journaling provides us with a safe and private space to confront any trauma or challenge we may be facing.
If you don’t know where to start, start by setting aside 1-2 minutes to write without inhibition or judgment. Let your thoughts flow freely on paper without any editing or censorship. This simple form of self-expression can be extremely cathartic and inspiring.
Please remember that while this article is intended to inspire personal growth, it is not a substitute for professional psychological or sexual health treatment. If you're struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or chronic stress, don't hesitate to seek support from your doctor, therapist, or a trusted loved one. If you are having suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately.