Practiced by a man and a woman, shiatsu can be used to overcome sexual problems and enhance the enjoyment of sexual relations, according to Namikoshi. To help the male partner, the woman should press lightly on various points along the base of his spine, from the coccyx, or “tailbone,” up to the waist level. At each point, she should press for three seconds and give ten applications. Also recommended is pressing with three fingers into a point located directly on the midline of the abdomen and just an inch or two under the breastbone. This is said to promote sexual energy. Still another place suitable for relatively gentle pressure is located at the top border of the pubic hair. Finally, firm pressure first around the anus and then on the perineal area, between the anus and the genitals, is also said to stimulate response.

All this may sound rather exotic to a Westerner, but apparently it doesn’t grab the Japanese that way. According to Namikoshi, “Squeezing the testicles firmly—a Japanese proverb says once for every year of your life-proves particularly invigorating as one grows older.”

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