Have you ever set aside time to explore your own body and touch it in a way that truly makes you feel connected and nurtured with yourself? We find it easy to explore other people’s bodies and prioritise their pleasure but may find it difficult to prioritise our own. We may get lazy with self-pleasure and rely on a quick fix for a release, or perhaps we even struggle with it. Perhaps it’s finally time to explore bodies full potential with the help of vulva mapping.
What is vulva mapping?
Vulva mapping, also known as genital or yoni mapping, is a modality of self-therapy and mindful massage that involves exploring different parts of a person’s external genitals. It is a somatic practice that helps people increase awareness and sensitivity to the sensations and areas of pleasure of the vulva, and to help people learn and develop a stronger relationship with their body. For those who haven’t heard of the word “yoni” before, it is a Sanskrit word for the genitalia and reproductive system which encompasses the vulva, vagina, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries; and roughly translates to “sacred space”. Vulva mapping is based on principles from somatic sexology, and other body-oriented therapies. However, vulva mapping has no specific known origin but has been used by sex therapists and other healthcare professionals over decades in various countries and cultures around the world.
In this blog, and at the O Code Sexology, we promote the usage of self-guided vulva mapping, where a pre-recorded audio guides you through each step. However, there are options to access sexological bodyworkers, who can guide this process for you in a hands-on therapy. For those interested, we recommend Bonnie Bliss an Australian Tantric bodyworker and sex educator who developed Yoni Mapping Therapy – The Bliss Method.
Why do people use this practice?
There are many reasons as to why people use the practice of vulva mapping. It can be a way to release mental and physical tension; this could be due to tightness or to relieve pain, or potentially releasing emotional tension due to past trauma, or addressing shame and guilt in relation to your body and vulva. When we go through traumatic experiences, sometimes the mental and emotional stress of these experiences can manifest in physical ways such as pain or tightness in the vulva or vagina. Many vulva owners in hetero, sexual relationships, report having been socially conditioned to believe that sex finishes when their partner does, reinforcing the idea that their pleasure is not a priority. A qualitative study highlights how vulva, clitoris or vaginal pain is often not taken seriously by medical professionals, as demonstrated by one woman’s experience of being told to “have a glass of wine” to manage her pain (Shallcross et al., 2019). Vulva mapping puts your pleasure and safety at the forefront and through this, can break down the conditioning you may have experienced within society. By creating a safe space between you and your vulva, you have the ability to take charge of your sexuality and reclaim autonomy over your body, and help develop body positivity, self-empowerment, personal growth and understanding. It can be a way of practicing new boundaries and awareness, nurturing and accepting yourself and your body. People may also use vulva mapping just because they’re curious! Taking yourself through a guided tour of your own vulva and pelvic floor, whether it be in a sensual and erotic way or in an experimental “no agenda” way, can show you the potential of what your vulva is capable of feeling and experiencing.
Is it a form of masturbation?
Vulva mapping is not inherently a sexual thing; however, it can definitely be a pleasurable and erotic experience. As discussed above, everyone will have their own reasoning as to why they want to explore and map their vulva. Some may find it pleasurable and arousing while others may find it challenging due to their muscle tension, tightness and sensitivity. All of which may cause a multitude of different emotional reactions such as laughter, crying, calmness, nervousness, and for some, physical arousal. Getting to know your vulva and pelvic area can significantly enhance sexual pleasure by mapping exactly where certain areas and touch types feel good. Finding these pleasure spots can be an erotic experience for some people which may result in arousal and climaxing. Vulva mapping can also be an internal massage as well as an external. All in all, this practice is all about you. Finding out what you like and how you like it is an act of self-care just as much as it is finding ways to enjoy your own body. Moreover, a bonus of vulva mapping is it can assist you in communicating to others what you like and in turn, enhancing sexual experiences you have with others and strengthening intimate relationships.
How does one do it?
Something that’s important to remember throughout the entire session is to touch with intent. Remember why you are mapping your vulva and be mindful with your touch instead of viewing it as a chore, this will keep you present in the moment. Is your environment safe, warm and quiet enough to ensure a peaceful and relaxing mood. It’s amazing how much breathing helps to relax your body and release tension, so make sure you’re taking deep breaths throughout the experience. Get yourself into a comfortable position, whether that is lying down with pillows underneath your head and/or lower back, sitting up in a lotus position and leaning against your bed frame or pillows, or even in a squatting position. WE suggest having some oils or lube close by. Some people decide to use a mirror to help visually inspect what they are touching and to help identify different parts like the clitoris, the clitoral hood, the inner- and outer-labia, vagina, and perineum.
Once you have practiced breathing techniques, its time to begin the journey of sensual self-touch. Instead of going straight to your vulva, you can warm up the rest of your body by sliding your hands over your thighs, inner thighs, belly, breasts, neck, and pelvic area. Make sure to pay close attention to the sensations you feel in these erogenous zones and the way your vulva may indirectly react to this touch as well. When introducing touch to your vulva, play around with different parts of your fingers and the way they glide, massage, poke, tap, or rub over the different areas of your vulva. If you find areas of discomfort or tenderness, gently and slowly massage it, but try not to push yourself past your limits. You may find that sensations start building within you into something more, or perhaps you’re just enjoying the journey. However, you end your session is valid, and an orgasm isn’t the goal. It’s also important to check in with yourself afterwards and remember what things you’ve learned about yourself throughout the process.
I want to know more...
If you want to know more about techniques, book in a session with me and I can give you a 30-minute vulva mapping recording to follow along to. However, there are other options to purchase audio recordings online from a variety of sexological practitioners.
We recommend practicing at your own pace, be kind to yourself throughout the entire journey, and remember there is no right or wrong way to map your own body. If you would like some extra help, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Stacey xx
