Tickling: an annoying method of torture or a sex ploy so hot it transforms your life in the bedroom? Actually, it’s both, says Ian Kerner, Ph.D., author of She Comes First.
One theory suggests humans became ticklish to respond to bugs crawling on our skin, says Kerner (not sexy). But in the right context, that feeling can transform from “Make it stop!” to “Give me more!” he says.
And since tickling excites your nerve endings, releases endorphins, and oxygenates your blood, it can lead to some serious arousal—if done right, he says.
Here’s how to perfect your touch and reap the hot benefits.
1. Get Warmed Up
You want the feeling of being tickled to turn you on—not make you itchy and irritated AF. So make sure you and your partner are already aroused before you start using tickling during foreplay, says Kerner. Start with manual stimulation,oral, massage, and kissing—then transition in. “You want to get your partner’s inhibitions lowered and their body sensitized to light touch,” he says. You know, so it feels steamy and playful—and doesn’t end with in an elbow to the gut.
2. Play A Game
Once your guy is turned on, focus on light touching by brushing his skin in areas that make him squirm, like his armpits, the back of his knees, his neck, and the soles of his feet. Then make a game out of it by telling him you’re not going to stop until he tells you his fantasy, says Kerner. By the time he’s fessed up, he’ll be thinking about his hottest desires and be ready for a whole other form of stimulation.
3. Get Rough
Fun fact: Tickling and BDSM go hand-in-hand. “Tickling is really great when combined with something like a light wrestling match or light bondage—it’s erotic power play,” says Kerner. Assuming you’re both up for it, try tying his hands up and lightly tickle-torturing him (and vice versa). Kerner says that both sexes report that it turns them on physically and creates a euphoric feeling.Worth all the tickles.
4. Try Oral Intervals
Once you’re both revved up, intersperse 30 seconds of tickling with intervals oforal or actual sex. Have him do it to you or take the reins yourself. This strategy is super-effective for increasing your arousal, says Kerner. That’s because the different sensations play into each other, which pushes your endorphins (or his) to their peak, he says. In other words, variety is the spice of your sex life.
5. Ditch Your Digits
Fingertips aren’t the only tools for tickling. Feathers, a makeup brush, lingerie, and even a toothbrush (that is, if you have one to spare) can be perfect for the job. Try switching up your tickle tactics every now and then to find out what creates the most titillating sensations for the both of you.
Source: Womenshealthmag.com
