What comes to mind when you think of “massage”?

If you’re anything like us, you picture laying facedown on a table while a masseuse works out all the kinks and tight spots in your back — soothing music optional (but preferred).

As lovely as this massage type is, there’s an alternative that might just tick your self-love box: vaginal massage.

This isn’t your typical hot stone, Swedish, or deep tissue workover — it’s a whole new world, and it has surprising benefits for your health and wellness. 

What’s a vaginal massage?

Vaginal massage has its roots in ancient tantric traditions. A loving ritual intended for feminine well-being, this isn’t just an orgasm hack — it’s a sacred, spiritual experience that goes far beyond sex. A vaginal massage focuses on the vagina and vulva to relax the muscles, increase blood flow, and offer pleasurable stimulation. It’s a beautiful and intimate way for women (and potentially their partners) to connect with and explore their bodies. Focusing on more than just sexual pleasure, it nurtures a profound bond between mind and body. 

The word “yoni” is Sanskrit for vulva and is often translated as “sacred temple,” which is precisely what your body is. The goal of a yoni — or vaginal — massage is to respect, love, and better understand your body, which may or may not involve sexual arousal and climax. If you’ve ever wondered what a yoni massage is, now you know. 

The benefits of vaginal massage 

Sensual massage is relaxing, and this more intimate massage type is no different. While physical in nature, a yoni massage also emphasizes spiritual growth and emotional healing. Here are six potential benefits of vaginal massage.

1. Pain relief

Because vaginal massages target deep muscle tissues and increase blood flow, they can help relieve pelvic pain. If you’re suffering from menstrual cramps or discomfort during sexual intercourse, try adding this type of massage to your regular routine and seeing if it offers a natural, holistic solution to your pain.

2. Better orgasms

While achieving orgasm isn’t a primary focus of vaginal massage, it certainly happens. This practice is more emotional than sexual in nature for some people, but others do become aroused and climax. Vaginal massages help you tune into and explore your body, which can lead to a more intimate understanding of how sexual pleasure works for you, better foreplay, and an enhanced sex life.

3. Trauma healing

For sexual trauma survivors — and even those experiencing a recent breakup or feeling disconnected from their bodies — vaginal massage may offer a pathway to emotional healing. It might help release negative energy and welcome positivity into the mind and body. 

4. Increased self-love and body appreciation 

Vaginal massage encourages a more profound connection with the body, one that cultivates self-love and acceptance. Learning how your body works and how to release physical and emotional pain helps you view your body as a friend instead of a foe.

5. Improved menopause symptoms

With menopause comes hormonal changes that some find highly uncomfortable. And these shifts cause other physical discomforts, like vaginal atrophy and dryness, typically treated with hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes. Vaginal massage may help treat vaginal atrophy naturally by increasing vaginal elasticity and stimulating blood flow to the vagina. 

6. An easier labor

Though not a guaranteed solution, including the perineum in your vaginal massage might contribute to easier childbirth. You can stretch out this tight area of skin to avoid tears and increase the blood flow to the area to improve elasticity. 

How to give a vaginal massage

Vagina massage is as much, if not more, about spiritual connection as it is about physical sensation. To begin, create a space that feels safe and comfortable. Add anything that might enhance the ambiance, such as soft music, lighting, or a scented candle. 

Lay down and focus on your breathing. Breathing exercises, like taking slow, deliberate breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth, help center your mind and boost your connection with your body. Then, begin by touching areas of your body like your breasts, stomach, and inner thighs, moving downward toward your vagina. Use massage oil if desired, but avoid getting it inside your vagina. 

Once you feel comfortable, try one of these vaginal massage techniques, and don’t forget to use lube: 

• Rolling: Hold the clitoris between your thumb and finger and rub it gently. 

• Cupping: Hold your hand over your vagina in a cup-like shape and move it gently in a circular motion. Massage the whole area with your palm, if desired. 

• Circling: Use varying pressure with your fingers in clockwise and counterclockwise motions to massage the clitoris.

• Edging: Allow yourself to approach orgasm before reducing friction to avoid going over the edge. Repeat to build tension and sensitivity.

• Sacred spot massage: Use a curved finger to explore the ridged spot behind the clitoris on the vaginal walls. This is also called a G-spot massage. 

Whether alone or with a partner, these techniques pair well with the following positions: 

• Lotus: Sit up straight, cross your legs, and rest your hands on your knees. If you’re with a partner, have them cross their legs and sit on their lap, wrapping your legs around them. 

• Spooning: This position is intended for two people. Lie together on your sides, facing the same direction. 

• Hand on heart: Sit up straight and cross your legs. Place your hand over your heart. 

Is vaginal massage safe?

Vaginal massage is typically safe — if you consider the following things. Unlike conventional types of massage, vaginal massage isn’t regulated by professional bodies. This means that there may be variation among practitioners regarding safety and quality if you’re seeking a vaginal massage from a professional. Due diligence is essential if you go this route so you find a responsible professional that prioritizes your comfort, privacy, and consent.

The best, safest, and often most rewarding option is self-massage or requesting a vaginal massage from a partner you trust. That way, you can control the pace, pressure, and progression to suit your needs and comfort level. 

Should I get a professional vaginal massage?

Seeking a professional vaginal massage is a very personal decision. It comes down to comfort, curiosity, and need. People who don’t have a trusted partner to ask and don’t feel comfortable massaging themselves may be more inclined toward this option. While some may find a professional’s expertise beneficial, conducting proper research is an absolute must. 

If you’re considering a professional yoni massage, ask your masseuse for background information on their experience and training and recent testimonials. Find someone whose values align with your own and who prioritizes your comfort and consent every step of the way. 

Celebrate self-love and connection

Connecting with your body is a meaningful experience worth celebrating. That’s one of the reasons we created Quinn, an audio erotica app made by women for the world. Our talented creators cover many niches, including kink and LGBTQ+ content, to help you take your intimate time to the next level. 

To access thousands of audio stories and guided masturbation sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.