When I first heard about Karezza (pronounced ka-RET-za), I had no clue what it was or how it was performed. There were a couple online articles which gave a somewhat thorough explanation of Karezza, its history, and how it's utilized. Karezza is more than just about sex, it’s about shifting the attention to the intimate act and feeling closer with your partner.
SO, WHAT IS KAREZZA?
How is it supposed to benefit me? Is there a way for me to enjoy it too? Karezza stems from the Italian word “carezza”, meaning “caress”, and is a type of gentle, non-seminal intercourse. The goal is not to climax or orgasm, but reaching a relaxed state of union with your partner. You must maintain strong sexual energy and avoid sexual tension or diminishing sexual desires. This technique encourages sexual partners to relax and take breaths when feelings of intense energy surge. It's an emphasis of sexual energy without primal sexual passion. Karezza is capable of boosting "feel-good" awareness in the brain and boost levels of oxytocin in the body. Others have questioned its similarity to the sexual practice of Edging. After multiple attempts of arriving at that peak moment, climax is ultimately reached with Edging.
THE ORIGIN
Originally discovered by John Humphrey Noyes in 1844, the technique of having sexual relations and males being the only one to avoiding ejaculation was referred to as "Male Continence". Noyes' work was an inspiration to Alice B. Stockham M.D., a Chicago obstetrician and fifth woman to become a doctor in the United States. She authored a book in 1896 and ultimately became responsible for the Karezza method and increasing its popularity. Stockham altered the Male Continence technique to include both sexes avoiding climax and renamed approach. I
In 1933, this history was recorded in “The Karezza Method or Magnetation: THe Art of Connubial Love”, a book written by J. William Lloyd M.D. Lloyd viewed orgasm as purely beneficial and described Karezza as, "...that clinging, satisfied union of body and soul which true love ever craves and in which ideal marriage consists...". Lloyd wrote that it has certain benefits capable of helping treat various bodily ailments, including vaginal discharge, genital displacement (such as uterine prolapse), bladder problems, urethritis, painful menstruation and prostatitis. Yet these claims have not be proven valid.
PERFORMING KAREZZA
There are more than one way to implement Karezza in your love life. Agree on a time when you both can be alone without any interruptions. Lloyd suggests the room should be warm with a quietness. Include some relaxed breathing techniques. Gently breathe air through your nose and exhale out the mouth and try to sync your breath. Slowly control excitation if you kiss or massage your partner. You want to keep yourself in a careful state, listening to the heart’s pace on your partner's chest. Listen to the rhythm and enjoy the contact being maintained between the both of you. Penetration is allowed, but should be slow to avoid reaching climax. It is important to give yourself time to move about the body without focusing directly on genital stimulation.
Remember to focus on love and not passion. Introduce Karezza over at least a three-week period to see if it's right for you. There's much to learn from the Karezza method and we've only lightly touched on the subject. It can take a lot of practice to master, so have patience with each other. The goal is not to be tedious or to achieve orgasm, but to feel closer to your significant other. Please reference the book The Karezza Method or Magnetation: The Art of Connubial Love by J. William Lloyd to learn more about introducing the Karezza method into your love life.
Sources:
Brito, Janet. “Karezza: Positions, Methods, and Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 6 Mar. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/karezza.
Lampen, Claire. “Edging Is The Best Way To Make Your Orgasms Way, Way More Powerful.” Women's Health, Women's Health, 9 Apr. 2018, www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19692607/what-is-edging/.
Lloyd, William J., The Karezza Method or Magnetation: The Art of Connubial Love. Health Research, 1931.
Marnia. "What is Karezza?" Reuniting, 12 Jan. 2009, www.reuniting.info/wisdom/what_is_karezza.