Vibrating Your Way to Health - What You Didn't Know About the History of Vibrators

Way back in the late 1800's the first vibrator was created as a medical device intended to treat and cure hysteria - a "disease" which only affected women and was characterized by: irritability, depression, confusion, heart palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, headaches, muscle spasms, ticklishness or weepiness (Lindemann, 2006).

Apparently the founders of modern medicine, all men let's remember, decided that women who suffered from any of the above conditions would feel much better if they simply orgasmed more. Of course, they didn't call it an orgasm because they believed women could only experience an orgasm via penile penetration. Wasn't that convenient? Instead these "pelvic massages" and "vibratory treatments" caused "local spasms" which led to "hysterical paroxysms." Nothing sexual per se, this was medicine, not obscenity!

I'm sure the women involved knew exactly what was going on. But who could blame them for seeking release where ever they could? Considering how little their sexual pleasure was considered in marriage at the time they probably didn't care where their orgasms were coming from as long as they were coming. After all, masturbation was a horrible sin - good women didn't do that! But, good women did go to Doctors...


It's interesting to note that because vibrators were considered a legitimate treatment for a legitimate problem they were accepted by society and readily used in Doctors' offices and homes. In fact, it wasn't until the 1920s with the glorious introduction of film and photographic pornography that the vibrator became associated purely with sexual pleasure for the first time. Needless to say the reaction of the conservative society was to ban the vibrator's use as such, and the poor vibe became an outcast, at least publicly, for the decades that followed.

Welcome to the Sexual Revolution of the 1960s! Finally sex for pleasure was cool, and the long-lost vibrator was back in the spot light. Since then it's lingered around, quietly popping it's head up here and there. Today's women don't think twice about buying, talking about, or using those little devices. But has the medical appeal disappeared completely?

Nope. Instead of treating hysteria, vibes are used to treat Sexual Dysfunction. Turns out those pervy old Drs were onto something. Having orgasms really does help to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability (think of how you feel after a month without cumming!), and so on. Having orgasms has great overall health benefits for both men and women due to the amount of endorphins released into the body. Plus the exercise is good for you too. Combined these things help relieve some causes of sexual dysfunction - primarily mental/emotional ones.


But where does the vibe fit in? Physically vibes encourage blood flow to the genital area which means it gets more oxygen. This leads to increased sensation and responses. Used as a treatment, vibes actually do help women in particular keep their genitals "primed" for sexual arousal.

A good catch phrase often cited in Sexological literature is "Use It or Lose It." As both men and women get older, those who maintain an active sex life continue to have satisfactory sex well into "old age," whereas those who do not suffer more genital degeneration and sexual pain. Something to think about. Regularly using vibes can help keep our genitals responsive and healthy into our senior years.

So, although the vibe has been reintroduced into the medical profession as a treatment, at least it's true sexual nature has come out of the closet!

Want to Know the Gritty Details? Check Out These Sources:

The Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria," the Vibrator, and Women's Sexual Satisfaction (Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology)

The Many Joys of Sex Toys: The Ultimate How-to Handbook for Couples and Singles

The Adventurous Couple's Guide to Sex Toys


Reference:

Danielle J. Lindemann, "Pathology Full Circle: A History of Anti-Vibrator Legislation in the United States," Columbia Journal of Gender and Law 15.1 (2006), Questia, 7 Sept. 2007 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5013997914

Buying My First Corset

(Yeah, Yeah. My face is missing on purpose and the date is wrong since I forgot to reset the camera after taking the battery out...)

I did it. Finally. I splurged.

I bought myself a gorgeous corset as a surprise for my husband. OK so it wasn't the hard-core "Victorian I'm going to pass out" kind of corset...But it was a lace-up the back "Playboy Bunny figure making" little thing! The kind you can't help but feel incredibly sexy in (as soon as you shimmy and suck yourself into it, that is).

I have to admit though that part of the fun was finding the time to sneak away. I went to my not-so-local Fredrick's of Hollywood store and spent the better part of an hour trying on and selecting the perfect one. Consider it female bonding time...It's not often I let a random woman pull me in to a dressing room and bind me into an article of very restricting clothing...But for this particular purchase, what other choice did I have?

Here's a link to the actual corset.

And as any girl knows, once I got the corset I had to get the thigh-highs and the matching thong and the jewelry that emphasized all the right places. Needless to say by the end of this racy extravaganza I'd blown almost $200 and secretly smiled my way home. I had to wait an entire day before I could finally reveal the latest additions to my lingerie collection.

But was it worth it?! Did he like it?! Did it inspire an entire night of sucking, fondling, vibrating non-stop sexual bliss?! The kind that turns you on for days and days afterward just thinking about it?!

Hmmmmm, I think I'll keep that part to myself...for the moment. Let's just say that now that I know the real worth of the corset, $200 seems like a steal!

Do you have a corset-related sexual experience or fantasy? I'd love to know!

Oh-Mi-Bod is Oh-Mi-God!

As promised, here is Speak Sexy's Review of the infamous OhMiBod Vibe! A big thank you to Kristofer over at Dragon Steel Mods for making this possible. Be sure to check out DSM for full and honest reviews on the coolest, geekiest, and strangest products this side of adulthood.

Welcome to the OhMiBod Experience...

Decadently indulgent, sumptuously wicked, and utterly pleasurable is the only way to describe the OhMiBod orgasmic experience. A vibrator that plugs directly into any iPod, the OhMiBod is one musical you’ll want to enjoy over and over, and if you’re lucky, over again…

What is it?

At its core the OhMiBod is a sleek and elegant vibrator. Simple in design, its five and half inch insertible shaft can produce seven different vibration patterns all on its own. (Hint: number three’s a warming teaser, number five’ll drive you straight to the edge, and number seven’ll have you seeing stars!) Then, with a simple switch of its convertible top, the OhMiBod transforms into the sexiest iPod accessory available anywhere.

Speak Sexy Says…

I know what you’re thinking. I was skeptical too. Does it really work like it says it will? Does it actually pick up the subtleties of the music and vibrate accordingly? Will it really change patterns and intensities depending on what song I listen to or how loud I listen to it?

Yes, yes, and thank goodness YES! The best way I can think of to describe how the OhMiBod feels is to have you imagine what it would be like to feel the visualization programs that come with most computer music players. You know the ones that make endless psychedelic spirals or imitate fire? They bounce up and down, spin faster or slower, and generally daze you into a wonderful music-inspired oblivion that seems to blend hearing and sight into one coherent sensual experience. Well, that’s exactly what the OhMiBod does. Finally, you can be “touched“ by your music.


Time to Get Personal…

Once I popped in my ear-buds and snuggled up to my favorite “mood” tunes, adding the timely vibrations to my most sensitive bits was a natural extension of the musical experience. Rather than feeling odd or distracting, the OhMiBod gave me the incredible opportunity to “get into” my music like never before. Every crescendo was tangible, every drum solo - wonderfully agonizing. But the best part was the game the OhMiBod created. Unlike all other vibes I‘ve ever tried, this one really deserves to be called a “toy.“ I had so much fun, honest kid-in-a-candy-store kind of fun, trying to figure out which song(s) would please me the most that I had to recharge my iPod by the end! Yep, it was that good. Now when I hear a new song on the radio I can’t help but think about what it would “feel” like. I‘ve been corrupted! Of course we’re all used to the idea of music getting us thinking sexy thoughts, but when was the last time a song made you so hot and bothered you actually climaxed? I’m telling you, you have to try it to believe it…And you’ll have a whole new appreciation for your “repeat” button!

OhMiBod Community Bonuses!

Apparently if you do have trouble selecting good “me-time” music OhMiBod.com provides a portal and blog where other OhMiBod users have created special downloadable mixes designed to get you off. Imagine that! Like I said, I enjoyed trying out different kinds of music to see what worked, but if you don’t have the time or just want a straight shot to the big “O” there are sex-music-aficionados out there who are more than happy to help you out. Wow, a sex toy with a built-in community…Uniting um, “music,” lovers everywhere!

Vibe Pros: * Too many to list.
Vibe Cons: * It’s not the quietest vibe on the planet. But then again, you’re supposed to be listening to music anyway.

The Official OhMiBod Information:
* Two vibrators in one! Additional end cap transforms OhMiBod into a manual, non-music powered vibrator that produces a broad range of constant vibrations.
* Audio enabled microchip is seamlessly integrated into its elegant design. Converts music into vibrations.
* Easy to use. Simply connect to music player via 3 ft "freedom" cord and splitter. Cord, splitter, and velvet privacy pouch are all included.
* OhMiBod users can be part of community with OhMiBod.com's blog, "OhMiBlog".
* DJs share mixes they've created for OhMiBod via OhMiBod.com's "Club Vibe".
* 500 beta members who are vocal about sex and comfortable with their sexuality.
* Sexy OhMiBod mixes are available in the the iMix™ section of the iTunes™ store.
* Volume controls vibration intensity.
* Quiet, highly efficient and powerful motor.
* Molded from premium grade hypoallergenic white non-toxic, non-porous plastic with chrome finish - very iPod®esque.
* Overall length 7" (5 1/2" insertable); Diameter 1 1/8".
* Requires 2 AA batteries.
* Optimized for all iPod® models, but compatible with other MP3 players.


How To Get Your Sticky Little Hands On One:

Just visit OhMiBod at http://www.ohmibod.com and check them out. It ships quickly in a very discreet package, and retails for only $69.00! I can’t say enough good things about it!

Seriously, you’ll never see your iPod the same way again!

Part III of the Valentine's Day Countdown Series - Send Your Lover a "I Want You To Think I'm Romantic But Don't Want To Really Do Anything" gift!

Want to See More? Gifts I Mean!

Although they may seem pretty traditional, I think gift baskets can be a really nice way to show your appreciation to your lover...and if you use them in creative ways they can be very sexy! Take for example a basket full of sweets...

Tit for Tat Valentine's Game

When the basket arrives let your lover happily discover all of the goodies you have sent to him or her. Once they have seen everything you have so thoughtfully provided and are about to sample the contents, knock their greedy little hands away and slowly gather up each and every treat back into the basket. As they begin to protest smile and inform them that they will have to work to get everything back one item at a time. Now, exactly what they have to do and how much they get as back as a reward is completely up to you. Their tasks should of course be sexual in nature (one chocolate for every hug, kiss, orgasm, etc). After all, this shouldn't really be work, it should be a fun game for both of you. Otherwise you seem like a jerk for giving your partner a gift that they actually have to work for (No cleaning toilets or doing laundry tasks!)- this, by the way, will not go over well on Valentine's Day or on any other occasion, just so you know. Because gift baskets are usually filled with a lot of things, and you can pick a basket full of what ever it is they like, (cookies, popcorn, chocolate, cheese, coffee...) this game should go on all day...and well into the night!

The Cryptic Card Game

This works best if you have been in a relationship with your partner for a long time. Yes, it does take some planning ahead of time, but it's worth it!

The game starts by ordering a gift basket early and sending the basket to yourself (yes to yourself!). The point is to receive the basket in the mail in front of your lover so that they think someone else, a secret admirer perhaps, has sent it to you. (If your partner is overly jealous this will not work well and you should seriously consider going to a psychologist to resolve this issue!)

To continue...The gift card should only have one word on it..."YOU" (and your name to indicate that the basket is in fact for you and not your partner). Now of course your partner will have all sorts of questions as to who this basket could have come from and will grill you for information, but you must not give in or laugh! You must make it seem like you have no clue who it's from or why it was sent!

To calm them down say that you won't open the basket until you've figured out who sent it so that you can give it back to them as a "thanks but no thanks because I'm happily committed" kind of message. Put the basket away, unopened, and resume your life.

Order a second basket and send it to yourself, just like before, except with the word "WANT" on the message card. You should receive this basket about a week after the first one to give you lover some time to forget about it. Once this second basket is delivered things should really heat up. When the new round of suspicious questions start, deny, deny, deny!! Put the basket away again, unopened.

The final basket should be delivered on the day of the occasion (V-day, B-day, whenever!). This message card should only say, " 'Your Partner's First Name' and 'I' ." So it might read "Jane I" if your partner's first name is Jane.

If your partner is one of the brighter bulbs in the store, they should figure out on the spot that when all the words are put together the messages read "JANE I WANT YOU!"
And the mystery gifter is finally revealed and all three baskets are for your lover.

So, feel free to vary the wording on the massages to suit your needs. It could be "Jane I Love You" or "Jane you're so hot!" You get the point.

Looking for Gift Baskets Now? Take a look at these...and you might get a laugh at the same time!

Part II of the Valentine's Day Countdown Series - Sexy Letters!

"Stop struggling! Now, you can instantly create and send romantic sexy letters and emails, without having to write
a single word! Dozens of original sensuous letters to choose from!"

I found this cool product by accident this past week and thought I might as well feature it since it could potentially solve a lot of Valentine's Day problems, or just add a bit of easy excitement to your life. It's a complete set of pre-written erotic letters that you can personalize and give to your lover. I think it's a great idea. Everyone enjoys getting letters detailing how much their lover desires them and in exactly what ways, but a lot of people have trouble writing these kinds of letters. If this product is actually as good as it claims to be, then it could be a lot of fun...especially if your lover never finds out that you didn't actually write them. But even if they do know it wasn't you who put the letter together, it was you who thought of it, did it, and put the effort in, so that should count just as much!

Plus, women in particular are very susceptible to words as a seduction technique (most erotica is both written and read by women after all!), but admittedly it is really hard to get those words jut right. Even people who are really open and communicative about their sexuality have issues with "dirty talk." In my opinion, using pre-made letters to express yourself is no different that using pre-made cards to do the same thing for Anniversaries, Birthdays, etc.

These letters could be used in a lot of creative ways as well.

• You could slip one into your lover's briefcase before work so that they find it later during the day...and maybe have a 'surprise' waiting for them when they get home.
• You could use it as a spicy insert to your V-day cards.
• You could hide it under their pillow if you are going away on a trip for a couple days just to remind them that you are always thinking of them.
• Or you could just randomly hand it to them because you love them.
  

Of course it's perfect to use on Valentine's Day, but using this kind of thing sporadically all throughout the year is really what keeps long-term relationships exciting. It seems silly, but it's true. These little gestures take conscious effort, and it's much easier to not do them after you've been together for a while, but for those who do put in the effort, the rewards are always a much closer, much more sexually fulfilling relationship.

So whether you choose to use pre-made letters such as these, or think you can turn your partner on more with a composition of your own, give your lover a detailed sexy letter this Valentine's Day...If it lights a fire, great! If it doesn't, at least you'll both get a good laugh out of it!

Part I of the Valentine's Day Countdown Series - Chocolate Body Paint...Need I Say More?

Now that all those religious holidays are over and done with (thank God!...ha, just kidding...) we can begin to shift our thoughts to the best consumer-driven made-up holiday of all...Valentine's Day! With no real reason to exist, other than to spend more money on the people you love to prove that you love them, Valentine's Day tops my list as the holiday you can have the most sexual fun with. Given the nature of this event, I've decided to spend some time over the next month and a half reviewing products that I think not only make great gifts, but also have the potential to add intimacy and playfulness to your relationship. (Remember I'm always trying to make sex fun in that "little-kid-with-a-toy" kind of way!)

So, without further ado, here is Part 1 of the Valentine's Day Countdown Series...Chocolate Body Paint!

Why It's A Good Idea:

Mmmmm, is there anything more delightful than the thought of sex and chocolate? I mean really! What could be better than combining two of my favorite things into one sinfully fulfilling evening?

And although using food to enhance the sexual experience is in no way a novel idea, using chocolate in particular seems to have its very own set of chemical advantages. According to a recent article published by CNN, chocolate has many health benefits for your skin, brain, and blood pressure. And while this is all very exciting for your average chocolate eater, the question remains, does it help your sex life? Unfortunately, no one seems to know yet.

Ever since chocolate was discovered in South America, people have believed in the power of chocolate as an aphrodisiac. Today we exemplify this belief by continuing to gift chocolate in mass quantities to those we are in lust - I mean love - with in the hopes that our ardor will be returned. Do we really believe that if our Desired One consumes enough of this decadent delight that they will suddenly disrobe and lay themselves at our feet?

Scientifically speaking, the answer is still heavily debated, but emotionally we all know that the real answer is Yes, Of Course We Do! And I'm sure there are many people out there who will argue, probably to the death, that chocolate has played an arousing role in their sex life at least once! Women for some reason seem more susceptible to its dark charms, and many claim that it puts them in a better, more relaxed, more sensual mood.

In the end does it really matter whether science has confirmed the sexual powers of chocolate? Not at all! If the rich taste and silky feel of chocolate melting in your mouth...or on other body parts...makes you want to slip between the sheets, then go ahead and enjoy it! You don't need a research project to tell you what turns you on.

Why I like It:

So, for those of you who, like me, welcome chocolate into your sexual forays, this is for you.

Someone, obviously a genius, has managed to keep chocolate in its deliciously dripping form and brilliantly added a paintbrush- just to tickle your imagination into sensual overdrive. I'm all for the paintbrush idea! It not only enhances the physical experience for the painted, but allows the painter infinite creative possibilities.

This game can last for just a few moments (the very popular Smear and Lick Technique!) or for hours (the less popular but highly praised Master Artist Technique!). And with three different types of chocolate, I mean colors, to work with, there is no telling what other hidden talents might be discovered! Yum!

The Product:



Lover's Paintbox - $ 34.89
From: Simply For Lovers

(Of course I get paid if you click and buy this product! However, I only promote these products in the first place because I actually believe they are great fun...So you get a cool sex toy and support your favorite blogger at the same time...It's a win-win for everyone! :) Thanks!)