Shiatsu (or acupressure or pressure point massage) is a manual therapy, in which a therapist uses his or her thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows and even knees to make circular movements to improve the function of organs and to stimulate general health. It is also sometimes called ‘acupuncture without needles’. There is also such a thing as Yoni Shiatsu, or pressure point massage for the vulva.

Holistic therapy

Shiatsu is a holistic therapy. In a holistic therapy body and mind are not considered separate, but as one. This means that therapists often work with energy points, energy paths or meridians. Shiatsu is an Eastern therapy that revolves around energy. According to the premise of Eastern medicine, we consist of energy. And that energy can be influenced by what we eat every day, by proper breathing and a natural attitude to life.

Tree-hugging hippy massage?

I thought it all sounded a bit vague at first. But this massage technique, also known as ‘trigger point therapy’, is great for arousal and limiting pain during sex.

Yoni is Sanskrit for vulva, or the external parts of the female genital organ. A vulva massage can help build enough erotic energy before touching the clit directly. This is super useful because many vulva owners report that direct stimulation is too intense or sometimes even painful. This technique is a good way to warm yourself up and let your erotic energy flow to the vulva and clitoris. You can do this alone or with a partner. The purpose of a vulva massage is to ensure that enough blood flows to your clitoris and to relax the pelvic floor muscles. This will get you excited and make penetration less painful.

A shiatsu massage is very similar to tantra massage, but is based on pressure points. Shiatsu literally means ‘finger pressure’.

Misrepresented

When I went deeper into Yoni Shiatsu, I also came across a lot of ‘Shiatsu vulva tightening’ creams and sprays. I strongly advise against such remedies! Not only do they often not work, they are usually downright bad for your health. Although they are often plant-based and made from natural raw materials (although they sometimes also contain bleach), they usually work by dehydrating the vagina. It is much better to train your pelvic floor muscles. These remedies put Yoni Shiatsu in a bad light and that is completely unjustified.

Because even if you have no ‘problems’ in the low regions, it also helps to relax and just get a better bond with your pussy.

Do a Yoni Shiatsu massage in 6 easy steps

On average, it takes 20 to 45 minutes for a woman to be sufficiently aroused for penetration. So take your time and follow these 6 steps:

1. Create the right atmosphere
   Don’t forget how important atmosphere is. Therefore, first pay attention to the space in which you will be doing the vulva massage. Make sure it feels super relaxed and that you have a place where you can relax. Dim the light, light candles, create a nice scent, put on some relax music, a satin kimono … everything that relaxes you.
2. Get yourself a good lubricant
   Lubricant is an essential element for yoni massages. Always take a good quality lubricant. I recommend a silicone-based lubricant because it will last longer. An excellent brand is Pjur. If you’re more into oil, try unrefined coconut oil (available at the grocery store). Remember that you can never use oil in combination with condoms if you want to use them after the massage.
3. Begin with breathing exercises
   Whether you do the yoni massage alone or with a partner; first sort out your breathing. Relax. Sit quietly and breathe in deeply (5 seconds) and then exhale (5 seconds). I myself use an app on my Apple Watch to do breathing exercises for a few minutes. If you are sufficiently relaxed, proceed to the next step.
4. Massage other body parts
   Always start by massaging other parts of your body first. Warm your entire body. Don’t feel how your hand touches your arm, but how your arm touches your hand. Experience the feeling of skin against skin, the warmth of your body or that of your partner. Work slowly towards the lower regions. Make long circular movements and wait as long as possible before touching the outer labia. Then work from the outside in. Build up the energy.
   Now make small circular movements with your thumbs (make sure you use enough lubricant) on the outer labia. Take your time. Vary the pressure.
5. Make larger movements over the entire vulva
   Keep working from the outside in and start massaging the entire area first. Work in smaller circles towards the clitoris. If you’re doing it with your partner, watch the breathing. Is your partner still relaxed? Is she starting to get excited?
   A good method is to keep your hand and a cup shape (hollow) and thus cover the entire vulva. Now gently rub the entire vulva. Then flatten the hand and increase the pressure. Make smooth up and down movements. This ensures a good blood supply. Continue to massage until you and / or your partner are fully aroused.
6. Now tak a sex toy
   Once you are completely aroused, you can also grab a sex toy. For example, hold a vibrator against the outer labia, make small movements around the clitoris and experience the feeling of this stimulation. If you like strong vibrations, take a wall vibrator (I love my LELO wand vibrator myself). If you’re into some softer vibrations, I can recommend Bloom’s ‘The Orchid’.