How could a ritual hand sign add sparks to your orgasm? It turns out that the 108 mudrās of Buddhism and Hinduism are an ancient form of electrical engineering. When you extend a finger, it’s like raising an antenna. When you join two fingers, you’re completing a circuit within your bio-electrical field. Add your genitals into the equation to create a “ground”—an absorber of unlimited amounts of current. Imagine your penis or clitoris as a Tesla coil bursting with long, high-frequency discharges. The mudrā could be likened to the coil’s transformer.

A fun mudrā to begin with is horny both figuratively and literally. You might already know it as the “sign of the horns,” a vulgar gesture in Mediterranean countries. The index and pinkie fingers are raised, and the middle and ring fingers are held down by the thumb. Note that the bent fingers create a snug little tunnel. That is, of course, where the penis or clitoris goes. Keep your pinkie and index fingers extended as you rub the mudrā up, down, and all around. In ritual practice, this gesture is called Karana Mudrā, and it is used for warding off obstacles and dissipating wicked thoughts. (That’s wicked in the sense of fiendish as opposed to playfully naughty. If you’re truly a devil in the bedroom, don’t try this at home.)

The Vajra Mudrā brings a true bang to the experience of orgasm. This “thunder mudrā” involves two hands, and it extends your penis or clitoris into a royal-size antenna for receiving erotic vibes. Make a fist with your right hand. Extend your right index finger, pointing upward. Make a fist with your left hand around the right index finger. Now lower your locked hands onto your clitoris or penis and pump away. Allow the energy of your orgasm to flow up through your extended index finger. It’s virtually guaranteed to rock your world.

Another gesture extends the genitals: the Linga Mudrā, named after the divine phallus of Hinduism. Interlace the fingers of both hands, as in prayer. Extend one thumb upward. Encircle it with the index finger and thumb of your other hand. Now cup your genitals and do your thing, keeping the thumb erect. The Linga Mudrā is traditionally used to strengthen the body’s immune system, and when applied to the genitals it’s good for sexual stamina.

Speaking of stamina, the Prana Mudrā is perfect for frequent masturbators who feel depleted and could use a boost of sexual energy. Extend the index and middle fingers into a “peace” sign. Touch the tips of the thumb, pinkie, and ring fingers. The touching fingers create an opening, perfect for encircling the clitoris or sliding up and down the shaft of the penis. Keep the extended fingers rigid during the masturbatory session. They’ll act like a tuning fork to make your orgasm pitch perfect.

Frequent flashers of the middle finger will likely flip over the Mantangi Mudrā. This gesture gives your genitals the trunk of an elephant. Clasp your hands as in prayer, fingers intertwined. Then extend both middle fingers, pointed away from your body. Note that your index fingers and thumbs naturally form a hole. Use this hole to encircle or envelop your genitals. Keep your middle fingers rigidly extended throughout your sex act to experience an energetic “fuckyou.”

The Jnana Mudrā is reminiscent of the “okay” sign. Join the tips of the thumb and index fingers to form a circle. Relax the remaining fingers. Hold your hand so your palm faces the general direction of your heart. This mudrā is traditionally used for fostering knowledge, so why not foster applied body chemistry? A woman can use her relaxed fingers to brush her labia as she surrounds the clitoris with the circle. If the diameter of a man’s penis is smaller than the finger circle, rotate the circle around the shaft like a hula hoop. If the circle is a snug fit, run it up and down the shaft. If the fit is too snug to maintain thumb and index finger contact, stimulate as much of the penis tip as possible without breaking the circle. A somewhat similar gesture is the Vitarka Mudrā, traditionally used to foster the discussion and transmission of spiritual teachings. The tips of the thumb and index fingers form a circle, but the remaining fingers are extended rather than relaxed. Keep the fingers rigid throughout the masturbatory session. Applying this gesture is like having a private tutor for the study of human sexuality.

Nipple pinchers may enjoy putting three different mudrās to use. With the Akash Mudrā, only the middle finger and thumb touch, while all other fingers extend. Use a tit as a junction point between the middle finger and thumb. Traditionally used for centering and nourishing the body, the Akash Mudrā is a terrific nipple stimulator. A similar gesture, the Apana Mudrā, adds another finger into the action. Join the tips of the thumb, middle, and ring fingers. Extend the pinkie and index fingers. Now three fingers can pinch a nipple, with a grounding effect. But keep those pinkie and index fingers rigid throughout. Another three-finger pincer is the Kubera Mudrā. Join the tips of the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Fold and tuck the ring finger and pinkie into the palm. The Kubera Mudrā is traditionally used to foster the attainment of one’s goals. If you have a Midas touch, these mudrās will make your fortune.

There are several books and websites dedicated to mudrās, so it’s easy to continue your education. But these initial tips should keep your hands full for a good, enjoyable while.  (Fingers crossed.)

“Every year in San Francisco there is a Masturbate-A-Thon to raise awareness and funds for safe, accurate, comprehensive sex education. Fun fact: The record-holder in this event masturbated for 9 hours and 58 minutes straight! Now there is a dedicated philanthropist…

… Good Vibrations not only started this month-o’-masturbating, they also have a great Sex Ed 101 site, with advice on everything from masturbation tips to anatomy diagrams. Learning really can be fun!”

Thanks for noting our Sex Ed section, Bitch!

Related at Good Vibrations:
Sex Ed 101
Masturbation Kits
And pretty much every Vibrator, Sleeve, Dildo, and Butt Plug… ; )

She writes, “My first introduction to the Cone Vibrator was at the 2008 AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) convention. Lively and handsome sex educator Cory Silverberg powered on the Cone, set it on a table, and invited us to gather round.”

After explaining the many wonderful ways one could use it, she continues with the best piece of advise, and one we don’t often hear about vibrators:

“Here’s what makes it special for our age group: Those of us with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or any other condition that makes it difficult to hold an intensely vibrating object for a long period of time will welcome this device. Our arousal generally takes longer than younger folks, and we need more intense stimulation. That sometimes means that our wrists give out before the crashing waves arrive, or we keep going and then can’t type or lift weights for the rest of the day. The Cone operates independently of our wrists. We put it where we want it, and it settles in nicely and stays there, freeing our hands for other activities.”

Read her entire review. And also check out joanprice.com.

Thank you Joan Price!

Are you going to the Masturbate-a-thon? You don’t have to go in person — you can participate (or just support) from the comfort of your own laptop. The event will even be webcamed (well, a portion of it — hose attending who wish to be on webcam will be seen).

Find out m… m… more!

at:

 www.masturbate-a-thon.com

Need proof? Just check out the Masturbate-a-thon. That’s right, it’s an event to rival all marathons… for those of you training for the AidsLifeCycle right now, I’m sure you’re secretly wishing the event was based on a different kind of pedaling!

Good Vibrations sponsors the event, held at the Center for Sex and Culture on Sunday, May 15th at 3:00PM. For those of you living outside the SF Bay Area, have no fear; you can participate from wherever you are, and, you can even tune into the festivities from the comfort of your own computer. That’s right, this year the even is going to be on the net in real time. Hosted by Nina Hartley and Tom Orr, it’s sure to be a hit so register now! Go to Masturbate-a-thon.

If you need some inspiration, be it vibration or suction, reading materials or a DVD, hit up Good Vibrations for some accessories. Good Vibrations created National Masturbation Month eleven years ago, under the premise that sexual pleasure is a birthright and that masturbation is a powerful source of sexual gratification.

Femina Potens (fantastic art gallery for women and trans artists located in San Francisco) presents “I Touch Myself”, a celebration of National Masturbation Month

Spring has sprung and sex is in the air. Gratify yourself with a titillating collection of art and performance as Femina Potens pays homage to the 13th annual National Masturbation Month. Delight in erotic photographs by Ellen Stagg, red-hot paintings by Suzanne M. Shifflett, lustful illustration by Cristy C. Road, and staggeringly amazing performance art by Twincest.

Femina Potens’ streetside windows will be transformed via a provocative installation by Chrystal Powell as part of the “Outside Looking In” public arts program, sponsored by the San Francisco Arts Commission.

May 3 – June 1, 2008

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday May 3, 2008, 7–10pm

The “Rabbit” vibe gained mainstream popularity from the tv show “Sex and the City”. It is one of the company’s best selling vibrators, partly because of it’s celebrity status, but also because it works for many people. The vibrating bunny ears are angled so they send vibrations to the clitoris when the long shaft of the toy is inserted. Many products offer a variety of speeds and settings, allowing for the user to discern which style they like best.

Sometimes called “Twice-as-nice” (you know, cause you get too great features out of the product) the toy comes in many styles, materials, and most importantly, colors — from pearly pink to lusty purple. Okay, I’m sorta kidding on the colors part, though people DO get VERY particular about their favorite colors!

I have heard from more than a few folks who like to twist the vibe, once inserted, towards their anus and have the rabbit ears tickle the backdoor opening. Sounds exciting. Don’t forget to clean your toys.

Now, the Egg vibes are also called Bullet vibes. (You can take your pick! If you like the Egg shape, if you dig shell covered food or the thought of ovaries turns you on, you can go with “egg”… if you think bullets are smoking hot and dangerously sexy, go with “bullet”). Whatever you call them, they are a round shape, and can be held against whatever body part feels good with vibrations (which is many! but includes the nipples, labia and clit, scrotum/taint, etc…) these vibes can also be used for minimal insertion (possibly deeper with vaginal sex if you have a string or secure way to pull it back out).

A couple of wise SESAs share that you can insert some small egg vibes into the cracks and crevices of toys (like many dildos that are made with holes at their bases) and others like the angelina and aneros which have bends in their design perfect to hold a vibrating friend. Bullet vibes also make cock rings more fun, adding vibration to the sensation.

One note is that it’s important to remember that it’s not safe to insert an egg/bullet shaped vibe into the anus — no matter how thick the cord is, it’s not a fail proof way to remove the toy, and it’s a surefire trip to the ER if you end up with a vibrating, battery operated accident.

It’s not everyday such popular toys are on sale, so get yours before they sell out! With the spirit of Easter egg hunts and this great picture my co-worker sent me below, go shopping!

http://www.goodvibes.com/ItEmSearch–search-spring–srcin-1

The ULTIMATE Peep Show! (Thanks Misty!!!)

As far as inspirational videos, however…  In mainstream porn, most films have nasty dialogue going on that you could take a line or two from.  What is easier to reccomend are the actors who are known for their spectacular slut-speak performances.  My favorites?  Tory Lane, Belladonna, Gianna, and Joanna Angel.  The are also a couple of male performers known to inspire dirty dialogue as well… off the top of my head I would suggest looking for titles with Manuel Ferraera and Nick Manning.  Some titles to help get you started:

1. Evil Pink (all-girl with Belladonna)

2. Strap Attack 5 (strap-on with Gianna)

3. Jesse in Pink (wall-to-wall with Tory Lane)

4. Aqua Erotic (wall-to-wall with Nick Manning)

5. Expert Guide to Anal Sex (sex-ed with Manuel Ferrara)

These videos should give you some good ideas, but sometimes we’re still a little shy when it comes to actually delivering those lines in the moment.

If you’re having trouble saying nasty things to your partner, try talking dirty to yourself first.  When you’re doing household chores practice delivering nasty one-liners louder than you actually would. That’ll make it easier to deliver them in a regular voice or a sultry whisper later on.  Try talking to yourself in the shower, hell your already naked and wet!  When you’re masturbating talk to yourself… Tell yourself what a nasty little whore you are, or how wet your pussy is, or how badly you want someone to smack your ass.  The important part here is to find out what turns you on.  Hopefully talking to yourself will help you find out what you inner slut sounds like… It’s kinda exciting, you don’t really know who you’ll be until you try it. 

Don’t kick yourself if you don’t like talking dirty… You can even just try verbalizing what you’re feeling to your partner.  This is the biggest reason people talk dirty in my opinion.  It’s a way to communicate your desires to your partner without making them feel as though they’ve been doing something wrong.  You can always try just telling your partner when you like something.  “That feels sooooooo good” sounds better than “Ooh.”

And a Sex Tip of the Day for you…

Next time you masturbate pretend you’re a porn star or a stripper or a domme.  Dress up, fantasize, and perform for yourself.  Talk to yourself or pretend to talk to a partner, you could even set up a camera and talk to that.  Pretending you’re someone else is a great way to find your inner slut.

So Nasty,

Red Delicious

Directed by Wendy Slick and Emiko Omori, this film (some of which takes place at GV and using our vibes!) recounts the controversies about female orgasm, lots of history about societal attitudes about female pleasure, and how the medically minded helper (the good ole vibrator) came into the scene, much to our happiness.

You can read more on the film’s website (http://www.technologyoforgasm.com/index.asp).

The SF Chronicle reviews the film… go to their review and read some pretty ignorant comments.

Photo from SF Chronicle. (SFGate.com)

Then it came time to pick one.

It’s always a difficult to buy sex toys for another person, but especially so when you know very little about their sex lives – as is the case with my grandmother. All I really knew was that discretion was the primary concern, which narrows the field a bit. There are two possible routes for a discreet vibrator: something small and easy to hide, or something that passes easily for something else.

I considered briefly some of GV’s smaller vibes – maybe a Pulsing Passion to match my cousin’s? But this toy is easily identified as a vibrator.

I decided instead on something much larger, but in fact more discreet because it isn’t actually a vibrator, technically speaking: The Essential Coil, which is produced and marketed as a “massager.”

The images on the packaging of this toy display happy consumers enjoying its many different attachments on various parts of their bodies. (Oh, this feels fantastic on my scalp!) The images mimic the vintage-style women who appear on the boxes in our antique vibrator museum, cheerfully caressing their cheeks with massagers bearing such names as the “Explorer,” “Electreat” and “Kwikway.” The quick way to relax your cheek muscles, that is.

The Essential Coil was perfect for gran-gran! If anyone stumbled upon it, she need only tell the truth: “It’s a massager.” The packaging boasts better still: “7-in-1 home spa!” And though grandpa’s half-deaf, it doesn’t hurt that the toy is virtually silent in spite of the powerful kick for which electric vibrators are celebrated.

So I bought one and got to work on the rum cakes, which were now my cover – the rest of the family was to know nothing of this particular gift, which I would give to grandma privately. That is, with the exception of my cousin, who was also getting a vibrator, also in private – but who nevertheless cautioned, laughingly, against offering one to grandma: “I think it’s a bad idea!”

After the holiday flurry had passed, I made a special visit, hoping to get my grandmother alone. I expected that grandpa would say hi and then retreat to his privacy, as is his habit, allowing the opportunity for grandma and I to have a frank discussion about what the toy really is – in addition to a fantastic scalp massager.

Things didn’t go quite as planned. Grandpa had just begun cooking a meal as I arrived. So it was just me and grandma… with grandpa passing occasionally and unpredictably through the kitchen like a Mack truck at a blind corner. I set the gift at the table, hoping to wait for the right moment.

But grandma would allow no such thing. “What’s that?” she asked almost immediately.

“It’s your Christmas present,” I said, casually.

“Oh, how sweet! But you’re not supposed to get me anything… I’ve already had that delicious rum cake… boy, it was good… put me to sleep!” She allowed herself to be momentarily distracted by this reminiscence, but just as soon she returned to the subject at hand.

“Well, should I open it now?” she asked tentatively.

“Sure!” I answered with enthusiasm. This was no time to act suspiciously!

She unwrapped the paper happily while making playful remarks to my grandfather, standing two feet away, about how he hadn’t gotten anything. After freeing the package, she looked at it uncertainly.

“7-in-1 home spa…?” she read aloud, slowly.

“It’s a massager, gram!”

I held my breath and waited for her to suddenly get it and tactlessly shout, “Zoe! Is this a vibrator?”

But instead, she said, “Hey! This is nice! Wow! I’ve never had one of these! Will it work on my legs too? My legs have been sore lately.”

“Yeah, gram, it’ll work on a lot of places…”

She thanked me and I left it at that.

That evening, I recounted the story to my mother. “Do you think she’ll figure it out?” I asked.

“I doubt it,” she said. “Grandma’s a little sheltered when it comes to these things.”

“Well, I’ll tell her what it is during our next phone conversation. That’ll give her a month or two to experiment. But I think she’ll figure it out.”

After all, even if she’s never used a vibrator, when she removes it from it’s package and plugs it in, she will certainly recognize the function of the appliance as vibration. And surely, she will recall the risqué comments that she has heard about vibrators throughout her life. Then, one private afternoon while she is massaging those sore legs, curiosity will whisper in her ear, and she will tentatively press the toy to her genitals.

I believe that her being sheltered will not prevent this course of discovery from taking place. Indeed, it is in exactly this way that I discovered vibrators: as a sheltered 10-year-old, pressing a Hitachi-style massager against the crotch of my jeans and imagining a lover between my thighs until I shook with the intensity of my first orgasm.