Have You Ever Wondered Why Orgasms Feel So Good? Neuroscientist Explains How Sexual Stimulation 'Alters Our State Of Consciousness'

In the matters of sex, there will always be questions and perplexities. People are curious about their sexual life and pleasure because it's an important part of our human nature. On a deeper level, we long for a connection and passion with our partner that sex can provide.

Adam Safron is a neuroscientist at Northwestern University who, along with Victoria Klimaj, delved into solving the mystery of the orgasm. In Adam’s words, “sex is a source of pleasurable sensations and emotional connection, but beyond that, it’s actually an altered state of consciousness.“

Adam and Victoria published an article in Socioaffective Neuroscience Psychology in which they discuss orgasm. They also refer to how the humans' sexual behavior is different from other mammals, as it's characterized by abstract goals, regular non-reproductive motivations, and, also, cultural shaping.

Moreover, the two researchers collaborated with more experts on the topic – from animal behavior specialists to investigators and MRI researchers.

Dr. Adam Safron discovered that the brain activity is altered because of the rhythmic stimulation. When sexually aroused, our neurons behave in a hypnotic way; everything else from smells, noises, and feelings is then blocked out. Our concentration is on the sensation alone, and this kind of concentration cannot be achieved with any other activity. When our orgasmic experience occurs, we are completely out of self-awareness.

“Sex is a source of pleasurable sensations and emotional connection, but beyond that, it’s actually an altered state of consciousness,” Dr. Safron explains.

Dr. Safron claims that although they knew everything about the neurochemical and hormonal factors in animals, they still wanted to know the reason why orgasms feel so good.

Their research results indicated that there are particular neurons which need to be touched at a particular speed and rhythm to become focused and achieve that state of trance, known as orgasm.

Synchronization is critical in sending the signals to the neurons in the brain as the neurons need to be stimulated multiple times in a short period before they get aroused. That's because sexual activity is similar to dancing and music in which rhythm also plays the most significant role.

That led Dr. Safron to conclude that the primary mechanism for achieving an orgasm is the constant rhythmic stimulation.

This view is similar to that of Nicole Daedone, an Orgasmic Meditation preacher. He claims that a female orgasm can't be achieved without the technique of a gentle stroke of the clitoris for about fifteen minutes. The final result is actually more therapeutic than sexual, but it certainly results in a climax and a release of oxytocin.

All in all, when it comes to sexual pleasure it's essential to be completely present and engaged at the moment. Once we let go of all our doubts, anxieties and burdens, we can fully enjoy the sexual activity and reach the amazing orgasmic state of being.

Reference: Curious Mind Magazine