Orgasmic Meditation (OM)
Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is an attention-training practice involving partnered touch, focusing on the clitoris. The practice is conducted over a 15-minute period, focusing on physical sensation and connection. OM integrates elements of meditation and sensory awareness, distinguishing it from conventional sexual activities. OneTaste founder Nicole Daedone has emphasized that OM supports women’s empowerment by encouraging them to explore their bodies and desires within a structured and consensual setting. She has noted that society lacks an understanding of women's power, their connection to sexuality, and their ability to embrace and own their desires.[1] In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Daedone stated, “OM will be the premier protocol for trauma.”[2]
Practice
An OM session involves two participants: a "stroker" and a "strokee." The stroker uses their left index finger to gently touch the upper left quadrant of the clitoris, while the strokee focuses on the sensations. The practice follows a structured protocol to ensure mutual consent, safety, and adherence to defined roles. Participants do not engage in reciprocation during the session. The primary objective is to cultivate mindfulness, sensory awareness, and interpersonal connection.[3]
Perception and Nature
A 2022 study by Siegel et al. explored how OM practitioners perceive the practice. In a survey of 220 participants, they rated their agreement with statements comparing OM to meditation, sex, and fondling. The findings revealed that practitioners strongly disagreed with characterizing OM as sex or fondling, while they aligned it closely with meditation. This suggests that, despite OM involving genital contact, practitioners distinguish it from sexual activities, viewing it primarily as a meditative practice.[4]
Effects and benefits
Emotional and Psychological Effects
"Intense Positive Affect Without Arousal" investigates that OM can elicit positive emotional states distinct from sexual arousal. The study found that practitioners often report feelings of connection, warmth, and bliss, without the heightened physical stimulation typically linked to sexual activity. The authors suggest that OM may activate neural pathways that foster emotional regulation and interpersonal closeness while minimizing physiological stress responses. These findings point to OM's potential applications in emotional therapy, stress management, and relational development.
Effects on Interpersonal Closeness
A 2021 study by Prause et al. examined the impact of OM on interpersonal closeness. The study involved 250 participants who engaged in a single OM session, after which they reported their feelings of closeness to their partner. Results indicated a significant increase in perceived closeness post-OM, with non-romantic partners experiencing a more pronounced effect compared to romantic partners. These findings suggest that OM may serve as an effective practice for enhancing interpersonal bonds, particularly among individuals without a prior romantic connection.[5]
Stress Reduction and Mindfulness
Preliminary research suggests additional benefits of OM, including stress reduction and heightened mindfulness. Practitioners often report reductions in negative emotions and moderate increases in positive emotions. The practice’s focus on present-moment sensations enhances mindfulness skills, fostering a sense of calm. OM also provides a structured environment for individuals to explore their bodies and desires without the pressure of achieving climax.[6][7]
Research and Scientific Studies
Scientific studies have explored OM’s neurophysiological and psychological effects, revealing unique patterns of brain activity and potential therapeutic applications.
Neurophysiological Findings
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have identified patterns of brain activity during OM that combine elements of meditation and sensory stimulation. This state is characterized by decreased activity in the frontal and parietal lobes, associated with feelings of release, oneness, and connection. These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for emotional regulation and interpersonal connection.[8][9][10] A study by Newberg et al. (2023) used fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) to examine cerebral glucose metabolism in participants practicing OM. Results indicated reduced activity in the right superior frontal gyrus and right inferior parietal lobule, regions linked to self-awareness and spatial processing. These changes suggest that OM may facilitate altered states of consciousness through specific modulation of brain activity.[11]
Changes in Brain Function
Neuroimaging studies have shown that long-term practitioners of OM exhibit reduced brain metabolism in areas related to cognition and emotional regulation. For instance, significant decreases in glucose metabolism were observed in regions associated with self-awareness and spatial processing during OM sessions. This suggests that OM may facilitate altered states of consciousness by modulating activity in specific brain areas.[12]
Therapeutic Potential
Preliminary research has explored OM’s therapeutic applications. A Phase 1 clinical trial investigated OM as a complementary therapy for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[13] The trial involved 14 pairs, 23 individuals with PTSD, and reported a 47% reduction in PTSD symptoms. Participants also rated the practice highly on safety and feasibility. These results suggest that OM may have potential for addressing trauma and trauma-related conditions, though further studies are necessary to validate its efficacy.[14]
Mystical Experiences
Some practitioners report mystical experiences during OM, characterized by feelings of unity, transcendence, and profound connection. These experiences are comparable to those observed in other contemplative practices and certain therapeutic interventions.[15]
Distinction from Sexual Activity
OM is distinct from sexual activity despite involving genital contact. Practitioners and researchers highlight its mindfulness-based nature and its focus on sensory awareness rather than sexual gratification. A 2022 survey of 220 practitioners supported this distinction, aligning OM with meditative practices over sexual behaviors.[4]
The Intersection of OM and Psychedelic Therapy
Dr. Roland Griffiths, a researcher in neuroscience and psychopharmacology, compared Orgasmic Meditation (OM) to the effects of psilocybin, to induce altered states of consciousness and transformative internal change, similar to psychedelic interventions. This comparison suggests that OM may have applications in exploring the therapeutic potential of altered mental states in ways comparable to psychedelic therapies.[16]
Criticism
OM has faced criticism, regarding its promotion by the organization OneTaste.[17] Allegations against OneTaste include claims of exploitative practices, ethical concerns, and cult-like behavior.[18][19][20] These issues have prompted scrutiny of the organization and its role in popularizing OM. While some practitioners advocate for OM’s therapeutic and mindfulness aspects, its association with OneTaste has been a focal point of debate.[21][20] These controversies have sparked debates over the separation of OM’s therapeutic benefits from the actions of its promoters.
References
- ↑ "OneTaste founder Nicole Daedone says she plans to testify at her trial". NBC News. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
- ↑ Ramey, Corinne (2025-01-25). "She Made Orgasmic Meditation Her Life. Not Even Prison Will Stop Her". WSJ. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
- ↑ Forte, Tiago (2018-06-19). "One Taste of Orgasmic Meditation". Forte Labs. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Siegel, Vivian; Roth, Caryn; Bolaza, Elisabeth; Emmert-Aronson, Benjamin; Griggs, Caroline (2022-03-02), "Is orgasmic meditation a form of sex?: practitioners of orgasmic meditation view the practice as significantly more similar to meditation than to sex or fondling", F1000Research, 11: 263, doi:10.12688/f1000research.109522.1, 11:263, retrieved 2025-01-24
- ↑ Prause, N.; Siegle, G. J.; Coan, J. (2021). "Partner intimate touch is associated with increased interpersonal closeness, especially in non-romantic partners". PLOS ONE. 16 (3): e0246065. Bibcode:2021PLoSO..1646065P. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0246065. PMC 7946224 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 33690603 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ "This Meditative Practice Might Be The Secret To More Orgasmic Sex". mindbodygreen. 2022-03-09. Retrieved 2025-01-24.
- ↑ "Imaginative Culture and Human Nature: Evolutionary Perspectives on the Arts, Religion, and Ideology". Frontiers Research Topics. 2022-01-01. ISSN 1664-8714.
- ↑ "ORGASMIC MEDITATION" (PDF).
- ↑ Newberg, Andrew B.; Wintering, Nancy A.; Hriso, Chloe; Vedaei, Faezeh; Mohamed, Feroze B.; Gottfried, Sara E.; Ross, Reneita (2023-12-21), "Alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism measured by FDG PET in subjects performing a meditation practice based on clitoral stimulation", F1000Research, 11: 1015, doi:10.12688/f1000research.122351.2, 11:1015, retrieved 2025-01-24
- ↑ Newberg, Andrew B.; Wintering, Nancy A.; Hriso, Chloe; Vedaei, Faezeh; Gottfried, Sara; Ross, Reneita (2024-06-10). "Neuroimaging evaluation of the long term impact of a novel paired meditation practice on brain function". Frontiers in Neuroimaging. 3. doi:10.3389/fnimg.2024.1368537. ISSN 2813-1193. PMC 11194388 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 38915737 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Newberg, Andrew B.; Wintering, Nancy A.; Hriso, Chloe; Vedaei, Faezeh; Mohamed, Feroze B.; Gottfried, Sara E.; Ross, Reneita (2023-12-21), "Alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism measured by FDG PET in subjects performing a meditation practice based on clitoral stimulation", F1000Research, 11: 1015, doi:10.12688/f1000research.122351.2, 11:1015, retrieved 2025-01-24
- ↑ Siegel, Vivian; Roth, Caryn; Bolaza, Elisabeth; Emmert-Aronson, Benjamin; Griggs, Caroline (2022-03-02), "Is orgasmic meditation a form of sex?: practitioners of orgasmic meditation view the practice as significantly more similar to meditation than to sex or fondling", F1000Research, 11: 263, doi:10.12688/f1000research.109522.1, 11:263, retrieved 2025-01-24
- ↑ Foa, Edna B.; Cashman, Laurie; Jaycox, Lisa; Perry, Keven (December 1997). "The validation of a self-report measure of posttraumatic stress disorder: the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale". Psychological Assessment. 9 (4): 445–451. doi:10.1037/1040-3590.9.4.445.
- ↑ "Phase 1 Clinical Trial on Orgasmic Meditation (Om): Assessing Safety and Feasibility as a Meditation Practice for Individuals with Ptsd". SSRN 5033744 Check
|ssrn=value (help). - ↑ Siegel, Vivian; Emmert-Aronson, Benjamin (2021). "Both partners practicing orgasmic meditation report having a mystical-type experience: results using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire". F1000Research. 10: 638. doi:10.12688/F1000RESEARCH.53496.1. Unknown parameter
|s2cid=ignored (help) - ↑ Williams, Carl (2024-09-26). "A Safe and Accessible Avenue to Spiritual Enlightenment: The Scientifically-Supported Benefits of OM". Tech Times. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
- ↑ Peltz, Jennifer. "Entrepreneur who promoted 'orgasmic meditation' as route to woman's health pleads not guilty". Fortune. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ↑ "The Big OM". Good Times. 2013-11-14. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ↑ "Orgasmic Meditation Is a Whole New Way to Stroke Pussy". VICE. 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Gummow, Jodie (2014-03-26). "The sexy new fad for mindful living: Orgasmic meditation". Salon. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ↑ Brown, Patricia Leigh; Pogash, Carol (2009-03-13). "The Pleasure Principle". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
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