# Orgasmic meditation

Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a mindfulness practice centered on partnered touch, with a specific focus on the clitoris. The practice emerged in the early 21st century, drawing from traditions in meditation and somatic psychology. It has been likened to mindfulness techniques due to its structured approach to sensory experiences and presence. OM also draws influence from other traditions, including yoga and meditation.

## Practice

Scientific studies have explored OM’s potential psychological and physiological effects, though research remains limited. Some studies suggest that OM can generate positive emotional states distinct from traditional sexual arousal, with practitioners reporting feelings of connection, warmth, and relaxation. Research has proposed that OM may engage neural pathways associated with emotional regulation and interpersonal bonding.
A study by Andrew Newberg found that OM induced brain activity patterns similar to those observed in meditation and religious experiences. In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, he explained, "This study has broader implications for understanding the dynamic relationship between sexuality and spirituality." He further elaborated, "The responses more closely resembled reactions to religious and spiritual practices than purely sexual experiences," suggesting OM induces a state more aligned with meditative benefits than mere sexual stimulation. This aligns with findings that OM could potentially offer health benefits such as stress reduction, improved mental health, better sleep, and relief from anxiety—effects commonly associated with traditional meditation.
Newberg's study observed changes in brain regions like the frontal and parietal lobe, areas linked to focus and self-transcendence, which are often affected during meditation. As reported in Neuroscience journal, "Orgasmic meditation produces a distinct pattern of brain activity, altering activity in the frontal and temporal lobe, an area associated with emotional processing," showing similarities to both meditation and sexual stimulation.
Additionally, Nicole Prause, a neuroscientist specializing in sexual psychophysiology at UCLA, has studied OM’s effects on interpersonal connection. She observed, “People who do this practice report feeling better, more positive emotions, and fewer negative emotions. People also seem to feel closer to the person they are interacting with, regardless of their relationship history. If you are worried about a loneliness epidemic or people who may feel isolated, this may be a way to address that kind of issue.” She co-authored a study in 2021 on the effects of orgasmic meditation, which concluded that this genital stroking practice increased interpersonal closeness in partners regardless of whether or not they had an existing romantic relationship.
A 2021 study published in PLOS ONE found that OM increases interpersonal closeness, particularly in non-romantic partners. Researchers observed that OM participants reported significantly higher levels of connection after the practice, supporting its role in fostering emotional bonding. Another study in the International Journal of Psychophysiology noted that OM can generate intense positive emotions even without traditional sexual arousal, as physiological responses varied between increased and decreased arousal levels, suggesting a unique emotional mechanism.

## Classification and reception

A 2022 study by Siegel et al. surveyed over 200 Orgasmic Meditation (OM) practitioners to understand their perceptions of the practice. The findings indicated that participants viewed OM as more akin to meditation than to sexual activity or fondling, suggesting that practitioners conceptualize OM as a meditative practice despite its inclusion of genital contact.
Newberg, in an interview with PsyPost, explained his motivation for studying OM, stating, "I have been studying the neurophysiology of religious and spiritual practices/experiences for almost 30 years. These studies have included more traditional practices such as meditation and prayer to more unique practices such as speaking in tongues and now, orgasmic meditation." He further highlighted that OM offers a direct connection between sexual behavior and the evolution of ritualistic and spiritual practices, making it a valuable subject of study.
A study published in Yoga Journal reported, "The practitioners have described various spiritual-like experiences, such as the feeling of oneness or connectedness, as well as a sense of flow and awareness," reinforcing the idea that OM aligns with meditative states. This suggests OM could be considered an extension of meditation, incorporating sexual elements to enhance the meditative experience and potentially offering similar benefits like stress reduction and enhanced self-awareness.
Long-term neurophysiological effects of OM have been examined in studies using PET scans, with results showing distinct metabolic changes in brain regions associated with cognition, attention, and emotional regulation. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Neuroimaging found that OM practitioners exhibited lower resting metabolism in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes compared to non-practitioners, potentially linking the practice to enhanced emotional and cognitive regulation over time.

## Controversy and media coverage

OM has been associated with the organization OneTaste, which has faced controversy regarding its promotion and business practices. Allegations against OneTaste include claims of exploitative practices and ethical concerns. These issues have led to scrutiny of the organization and debates regarding the distinction between OM’s potential benefits and its organizational associations. In 2022, the documentary Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste was released, examining the controversies surrounding OneTaste, including allegations of manipulation, financial exploitation, and coercion. The documentary further fueled public discourse on the ethical concerns related to OM’s promotion and its organizational backing.
A 2025 clinical trial assessed OM as a treatment for PTSD, finding a 47% reduction in PTSD symptoms among participants. Researchers noted that OM's structured nature and emphasis on mindfulness may provide therapeutic benefits for trauma survivors, though further studies are needed to confirm these findings. The study also reported that nearly all participants found OM to be a safe practice.
British author Isabel Losada explored Orgasmic Meditation in her book Sensation: Adventures in Sex, Love, and Laughter. In this narrative, Losada delves into various practices aimed at enhancing sexual awareness and intimacy, including OM. She shares her personal experiences with OM, describing it as a practice that lies between sex and meditation, conducted outside the bedroom where a man learns to stroke a woman's clitoris in a precise manner, allowing both participants to focus entirely on the sensation without the goal of orgasm.