There are millions of articles (and plenty on Cosmopolitan.co.uk!) that tell you how to achieve shuddering orgasms, whether you're hoping to obtain that big 'O' from G-spot, clitoral or penetrative stimulation. But now it seems more and more couples are turning to the Karezza technique, which insists upon lovemaking WITHOUT the toe-curling climax.
REALLY?
Karezza, coined by Dr Alice Stockham way back in 1896, promises to strengthen relationships, encourage emotional intimacy, cure sexual dysfunction and reawaken sexual desire in women.
How? By placing the emphasis on affection, rather than climax. That means NO oral foreplay, NO pornography, NO orgasms and NO finish line to lovemaking whatsoever. Sounds pretty radical to us…
THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO MASTURBATION
Deb Feintech, a counselor from Portland, Maine, explained to ABC News that the Karezza trend has been reignited, as plenty of couples are turning to the anti-climactic sex technique in a bid to repair broken or damaged relationships.
"The people most interested are men. It's very radical for them, but they are finding the emotional intimacy far outweighs any of the thrill of the chase and the mating mind."
"They wake up every single morning and they are not even thinking about genital stimulation. They are snuggling, holding and breathing with eye contact and flow. It's very conscious - from the genitals to the heart."
Colour us intrigued…
Karezza, as it has no finish line, allows sexual energy to flow for far longer than usual and that, according to the experts, puts an end to partners becoming bored with one another. It also allows the brain to release ocytocin, the 'love' hormone – cue contentment and happiness all day long.
It's a very different story to the ACTUAL orgasm, which affects the brain as dramatically as an epileptic seizure would. The brain becomes unbalanced and, thanks to all those rising and falling hormones, men and women find themselves suffering the equivalent of a biochemical hangover.
YOUR GUIDE TO FANTASTIC FOREPLAY
Hmm… so it's an acute burst of contentment and happiness, followed by sleepiness, irritability and more.
If you and your man fancy trying out Karezza, you need to make sure you follow the rules. No oral foreplay, no orgasm, no talking. Instead, you need to make sure you achieve the following:
Smile at one another, make eye contact a HUGE priority, spoon for at LEAST twenty minutes, listen to each others heartbeats for a few moments, synchronise your breathing, caress each others nipples and breasts and, of course, gently place your palm over your lover's genitals in a comforting gesture.
It's basically a very long and intense cuddle – and there ain't nothing we love more than a good old squeeze.
The most important Karezza guideline of all? Make your time together at bedtime a priority, even if one of you has to get up afterwards – it's all about forging a romantic and loving atmosphere, rather than a wham, bam and thank you ma'am attitude in bed.
It's Pride And Prejudice versus Fifty Shades Of Grey, we guess…
NAIL THAT SEX POSITION: THE G-SPOT JIGGY
Would YOU ever try Karezza? Do you think sex can ever be any good without orgasm? Let us know your thoughts below, or tweet us at @CosmopolitanUK
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