Pleasure Mapping: Learn What Turns You On

Written by Beducated Magazine

I have a very important question for you: What turns you on? Think fast! If you’re struggling to answer that question, then you should definitely try pleasure mapping.

Indeed, the path to sexual pleasure can be like venturing through a jungle: wild, exciting, but sometimes a little confusing. Creating a pleasure map is like your compass through this jungle. It’s a mind-blowing exercise that helps you explore the treasures hidden within your body’s erogenous zones and unlock breathtaking levels of pleasure.

Sensation play is a key part of the pleasure mapping process—think of it as dipping your toes into different pools of pleasure to find out which one is your personal Jacuzzi.

Make sure to check out Beducated's Online Courses for Couples
category-massage.png

However, here’s the catch: you have to pay attention. Like, really pay attention. This is where attention retraining plays its magic. Instead of letting your mind wander to the grocery list or the laundry pile, it’s about being in the moment and focusing on what makes you go, “Oh la la!” Once you get the hang of it, pleasure mapping can be your golden ticket to an amusement park of sexual arousal.

Moreover, the practice is great for anyone who wants to try it. Whether you’re flying solo or embarking on this adventure with a partner, pleasure mapping will rock your world. So, let’s dive into what pleasure mapping is all about, who it’s for, and how to get started.

What is Pleasure Mapping?

Pleasure mapping is an exploratory practice to improve sexual experiences by getting intimately acquainted with your body’s landscape with all its dips, curves, hills, and valleys.

Physical pleasure mapping involves systematically exploring your body (or your partner’s) to identify what feels good, what doesn’t, and what makes you go wild. It’s about finding the key to sexual arousal—think of it as creating a personalized map of your own pleasure paradise! And just like any great explorer, you need to communicate your findings. Besides, let’s face it, your partner isn’t a mind reader, and that’s okay!

The pleasure mapping process requires just two simple ingredients. The first thing you’ll need is a safe space in which you feel comfortable and sensual. Think about what stimulates your senses — soft lighting, scented candles, smooth silk sheets. The aim is to make your pleasure journey as inviting as possible. However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, as we’ll get into more detail later.

The second ingredient to an invigorating pleasure mapping session is a rating system. That system is key to nailing what you or your partner enjoys (or not) during intimacy, as it allows you to rate different sensations on a scale. It’ll help you keep track of your favorite erogenous zones and define how those zones ought to be touched.

what is pleasure mapping

Who is Pleasure Mapping For?

Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or exploring your sexuality in a more open context, pleasure mapping is for you. It can be a wonderful tool for self-exploration and self-pleasure that guides you through navigating your own erotic zones.

For instance, pleasure mapping is a fantastic way for you to discover your own pleasure, making your solo sessions even more gratifying. Moreover, getting to know your body through self-pleasure provides a strong foundation for communicating your needs in future sexual encounters.

At the same time, pleasure mapping is great for partnered sex and can help take sex life to a whole new level. It paves the way for improved communication and understanding and adds an exciting element of exploration to intimacy.

Even for those practicing consensual non-monogamy, practicing pleasure mapping can be a fun and enlightening activity. It promotes a culture of open dialogue about sexual preferences and fosters a deeper understanding of different body responses.

The benefits of pleasure mapping extend far beyond the bedroom. It’s a journey towards improved self-pleasure, enhanced sexual communication, and the discovery of what brings you and your partner sexual arousal. By investing time in exploring what turns you on, you’re bound to reap the rewards in your sexual encounters and beyond.

Are you intrigued yet? In the next section, we’ll delve into why you should practice pleasure mapping. We’re talking more pleasure, improved communication, and taking the guesswork out of your sexual experiences. Let’s get to it!

Why You Should Try Pleasure Mapping

At the risk of stating the obvious, a good reason for trying pleasure mapping is that, when done right, it feels really good. Of course, the practice also has many other benefits, like experiencing better orgasms or allowing you to be more present during intimacy.

So if you’re in need of a little more convincing, here are 4 reasons you should try pleasure mapping:

#1 You’ll Experience More Pleasure (and Orgasms)

Let’s be honest; who doesn’t want more pleasure and orgasms? Pleasure mapping is a bit like your own personal cheat code to unlock the doors to a world brimming with ecstasy.

By identifying your erogenous zones and the types of stimulation that make your toes curl, you’re setting yourself up for a plethora of pleasure.

#2 Communication With Your Partner(s) Will Improve


You know what’s sexy? Good communication. Pleasure mapping gives you a platform to vocalize what you like and what just doesn’t do it for you.
It’s like having your own language of love that helps your partner(s) understand where and how they should touch you during partnered sex.

Not only does it make your intimate moments steamier, but it also strengthens your connection outside the bedroom.

#3 It Takes The Guessing Work Out Of Sex


Pleasure Mapping is like your personal roadmap to sexual satisfaction. It helps you discover and communicate your sexual desires and preferences, making sex less of a guessing game and more of a guided tour.

Exploring your whole body can also open doors to pleasure beyond the genitals, broadening your horizons to an entire universe of sensation.

#4 You’ll Discover What You Like (and How to Ask For It)

Probably one of the most empowering aspects of pleasure mapping is the insight it gives into your sexual preferences and desires.

It’s a deep dive into self-discovery that enables you to communicate your needs confidently with your partner. Because, after all, knowing what you like and how to ask for it is the sexiest thing there is!

discover what you like in bed with pleasure mapping

How to Get Started With Pleasure Mapping

Now that we’ve outlined the incredible benefits of pleasure mapping, let’s set you up for success with some practical steps to embark on this exciting journey.

Whether you’re exploring solo or with a partner, these tips will guide your adventure into the realm of pleasure.

1. Set the scene

Firstly, you will need to create the right ambiance before starting your exploration. This journey isn’t about rushing to the destination, but rather enjoying the ride. Make your space a sensual haven that screams relaxation and intimacy.

Clean up, declutter, throw in some low lighting, play a little sensual music — whatever makes you feel good. The key here is to fill your environment with stimuli that’ll help you tap into your sensual self.

2. Choose your tools

Next, you’ll want to find the right tools for your mapping adventure. Although your hands can be fantastic on their own, there are many things you can include in your experience for an even more wonderful experience. Many household items can transform into tools for pleasure — think ice cubes for a chilly thrill, feathers for a soft tickle, your favorite sex toy for extra stimulation, or massage oil for a luxurious glide.

Make sure to check out Beducated's Online Courses for Couples
category-massage.png

Want to take things up a notch? Consider a blindfold for sensory deprivation, or invest in a feather tickler, a massage candle, or even nipple clamps for the daring. The sky’s the limit here!

3. Get in the mood

Before you start mapping, take a moment to center yourself and tune into your body. Use mindfulness meditation or just simple deep breathing to connect with your physical sensations.

Remember, erotic charge can shift the way we process sensations. Thus, make sure to build up this charge before you begin, giving you a more accurate insight into how each touch might feel in a sexually charged situation.

4. Create a rating system

A pleasure map isn’t much use without a legend to guide you. Come up with a simple, personalized rating system to evaluate the pleasure intensity of each area and sensation. For example, It could be as simple as a 1-10 scale, where 1 is “I’d rather do laundry,” and 10 is “More of that, please!”

If you’re with a partner, keep an eye out for non-verbal cues and encourage them to give feedback. Remember, the goal is to discover what brings you maximum pleasure.

5. Start pleasure mapping!

Now, it’s showtime! Begin with a relaxed mindset and start exploring different areas of your body with your chosen tools.

Divide the body into sections and give each area its fair share of attention. Experiment with different pressures, speeds, and sensations.

Remember, this isn’t about reaching orgasm (although it’s a great bonus). The real goal here is to map out your body’s responses to different types of stimuli.

pleasure mapping exercises for couples

6 Pleasure Mapping Exercises for Couples

If you’re keen to try Pleasure Mapping with your partner, you’ve come to the right place. The shared exploration of each other’s bodies can not only deepen your intimacy but also take your sexual pleasure to new heights.

Here are some concrete examples of how you can use body mapping as a couple to level up your sex life.

#1 The Slow Caress

One partner uses their fingers to slowly trace different parts of the other partner’s body, taking time to explore every inch. The receiving partner gives feedback on what feels good and what doesn’t. Switch roles after a set period.

#2 Sensory Deprivation

Blindfold the receiving partner and try different sensations on their body, like the cool feel of ice or the soft tickle of a feather. The lack of visual cues can heighten the other senses, making the experience more intense.

#3 Hot and Cold

This involves alternating between warm and cold sensations on your partner’s body. A warm hand or warm massage oil can be contrasted with a chilled glass dildo or ice cube. The receiving partner rates each sensation and notes which temperature gets them heated up in the right way.

#4 The Pressure Test

Experiment with different levels of pressure on various of your partner’s erogenous zones. You can use fingers, palms, or even objects like a softball. Moreover, light tickles might elicit a stronger reaction than a firm press, or vice versa.

#5 The Tingle Trial

Try using products like tingling or warming lubricants on different areas of the body. These can often elicit unique sensations that wouldn’t be discovered through touch alone.

#6 Toys in Play

If you’re feeling adventurous, introduce some sex toys into your body mapping session. A vibrator can be used on different parts of the body, not just the genitals, and the various speeds and pulsations can add another level to your pleasure map.

Discover Your Body With Pleasure Mapping!

And there you have it, folks! Your personal guide to the art of pleasure mapping.
Remember, pleasure mapping isn’t about ‘good’ or ‘bad’ touches but about understanding your unique pleasure landscape and exploring your erogenous zones.

It’s about figuring out what sets your senses alight, what makes your breath hitch, what sends shivers down your spine, and what leaves you wanting more.

The benefits of pleasure mapping are profound, from intensifying your orgasms to improving communication in your sexual relationships. It’s a unique journey that allows you to delve deeper into your sexuality, unearthing desires and preferences you might not have even known existed.

With pleasure mapping, you’re not only stepping into a world of heightened pleasure, but you’re also embarking on a journey of self-awareness and open communication.

Master the Art of Pleasure Mapping with a Live Demonstration

pleasure mapping course

Hungry to learn more about pleasure mapping? Check out the Pleasure Mapping course on Beducated for more expert tips on the practice.

And if you’re a visual learner, then you’ll definitely want to check the course out for its live demonstration of a pleasure mapping session!

Make sure to check out Beducated's Online Courses for Couples
category-massage.png

About the author

Beducated Magazine

Our diverse team of authors—including professionals, doctors, sex educators, therapists, and sex workers—strives to provide you with the ultimate resource for adult sex education. We cover a wide array of topics with a commitment to respect, empathy, and a judgment-free attitude. Join us as we help you enhance your understanding of the wonderful world of sexuality. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.