Masturbation (re)defined
To describe the scope of Autoerotic Journeys, here is my definition of the term 'masturbation':
'Working Definition' of Masturbation
Masturbation is the stimulation of one's own body for sexual arousal and pleasure. The stimulation is done by oneself, be it manually, with objects, by rubbing one's body against objects, exposing the body to the elements, by means of technical appliances etc.
Obviously, this is not a universally accepted definition, thus I would like to point out some important points:
1. Masturbation encompasses stimulation of any body parts, not only the genitals.
Wikipedia, for instance, defines 'Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one's own genitals for sexual arousal or other sexual pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm.'
This definition is too narrow for me. There are so many other areas of the body that respond with sexually pleasurable sensations when stimulated. Ever heard of other erogenous zones? It is said that some women can have orgasms by stimulating their breasts only. Well, we men don't have breasts, but touching one's belly, nipples, thighs, or ass can increase pleasure, too.
2. Masturbation subsumes any stimulation that yields sexual pleasure, irrespective of whether it leads (or is intended to lead) to an orgasm or not.
The Wikipedia quote from above points out a second important aspect: 'Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one's own genitals for sexual arousal or other sexual pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm.'
Most people would probably include striving for the orgasm into the definition, but I see that as optional.
My view is that there are many other kinds of pleasant sensations worth pursuing, and too much striving for the climax might let us overlook them, thus depriving us of much of the finer pleasures our body is capable of. Or let's phrase it that way:
Masturbation is not about the orgasm. It's about PLEASURE.
3. Masturbation is stimulation by any means, not only manual stimulation.
This is relevant to point out as some definitions only refer to touching: 'Masturbation is commonly defined as touching one’s own body, including sex organs, for sexual pleasure.'
That means, as might seem obvious, masturbation also includes stimulating one's body by means of objects. These objects include sex toys in a narrower sense (dildos, massage wands, masturbators and the like), but also any suitable household items (shower head, kitchen utensils, tools) or food (cucumbers, hollowed melons, sausages). Moreover, pleasure can be obtained by rubbing the body against objects such as pillows, pieces of furniture and installations, or even the floor. Or stimulation by 'accelerated elements' (strong air streams or water massage jets). Imagination is boundless!
4. Masturbation means self-stimulation.
Most sources see masturbation as as self-stimulation. However, I found a definition stating: '... you can masturbate yourself or someone else.'
This might make sense in a way, but it makes it more difficult to differentiate it from 'normal' sex. Is it the mutuality, or the penetration that makes the difference? What if the one masturbated is (mostly) passive? Therefore, on this site, only masturbation as self-stimulation is covered.
Continue with Why masturbate?