Need to de-stress? Looking for more sensual pleasure? Want to better understand your body? A yoni massage can offer a slower, more intentional way to connect with sensation and relaxation. Here’s what it means, the different types, and how the experience typically works.
What is a yoni massage?
A yoni massage is a gentle and respectful form of massage that focuses on the external genitalia of people with vulvas. While it can involve sexual pleasure, many people seek yoni massage for other reasons, such as relaxation, releasing tension, and reconnecting with their body.
The word yoni comes from Sanskrit and is often used to describe the vulva in a way that feels more intentional and appreciative. In practice, yoni massage centres on slow, attentive touch rather than performance or outcome.
The vulva refers to the external genital area, including the labia and clitoris. Here is a diagram:
What happens during a yoni massage?
Like any massage, a yoni massage begins with preparation. The practitioner creates a calm, comfortable space so the body can relax. This usually includes a warm room, soft lighting, clean towels, and massage oil or lubricant. You are guided into a supported position, often lying on your back with cushions under the knees or hips so the pelvis can soften rather than tense.
The massage starts away from the genitals. Slow, grounding touch is used on the thighs, hips, lower abdomen, and pelvic area. This helps the body settle and builds a sense of safety before any intimate touch begins. Nothing is rushed, and there is no expectation of progression.
When and if you are ready, the practitioner may move to the vulva. This involves slow, deliberate massage of the external genital tissue, including the labia and surrounding area. Touch is usually light at first, becoming more specific only if it feels welcome. Some sessions may also include clitoral or internal vaginal massage, but these are always optional and guided entirely by consent and communication.
Throughout the massage, the practitioner checks in with you. You are encouraged to speak up, ask for changes, or pause at any point. The focus is not on arousal or orgasm, but on helping the tissue relax, increasing awareness of sensation, and allowing the body to respond naturally.
A yoni massage often ends gradually, rather than abruptly. The practitioner may place a towel or hands over the pelvis to help the body settle before closing the session. Afterwards, there is usually time to rest, reflect, and share any feedback or sensations that came up, followed by gentle aftercare.
Read more: One man learned yoni massage: this is what it taught him
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Are there different types of yoni massage?
There are different types of yoni massage, and the differences usually come down to structure and cultural framework, rather than wildly different techniques.
Tantric yoni massage
This is the most commonly referenced style in Western contexts.
Tantric yoni massage focuses on slow, conscious touch and building awareness of sensation over time. The emphasis is on presence rather than performance. Touch may be external and internal, but it is typically unhurried, with long pauses and sustained contact. The goal is not orgasm, but helping the body relax and respond naturally.
This style often encourages communication throughout and is commonly used to deepen intimacy between partners.
Hindu-informed yoni massage
This approach is closely related to tantric massage, as tantra has roots in Hindu philosophy.
Here, yoni massage is framed as a practice of respect and appreciation for the vulva as a powerful and sensitive part of the body. The massage tends to follow clear rituals or sequences, with attention paid to pacing, intention, and how touch is offered. In modern practice, this often looks very similar to tantric yoni massage, but with more emphasis on symbolism and reverence.
Buddhist-influenced approaches
In Buddhist-informed contexts, yoni massage is usually taught with a strong focus on mindfulness and non-attachment.
Touch is approached in a calm, almost meditative way, with attention on breath, sensation, and awareness rather than stimulation. The intention is often to notice what arises in the body without trying to change it. These approaches are generally less about pleasure-seeking and more about observation and presence.
Where can I find a yoni massage?
A yoni massage is best experienced with a trained practitioner in a safe and respectful setting. Sensuali makes it easier to find trusted sensual massage providers near you who offer a range of holistic and intimacy-led experiences.
Each provider on Sensuali shares detailed information about their approach, background, and boundaries, allowing you to explore what feels aligned before reaching out. If you’re interested in yoni massage specifically, you can contact massage practitioners directly to ask whether they offer it and discuss what the experience might look like for you.
Sensuali is designed for women, couples, and individuals of all identities to explore pleasure and intimacy safely and on their own terms. It offers a supportive space to ask questions, set boundaries, and reconnect with the body in ways that feel informed and consensual.
You can also explore other experiences designed to deepen intimacy with yourself or a partner in our Sensual Touch & Intimacy category.
Iso
Iso is a writer and filmmaker based in East London. She is passionate about all things erotic and leads a sexy, shame-free life in hope that she can inspire others to do the same. Originally from a Northern seaside town, she is naturally drawn to the best things in life: candyfloss, trashy karaoke bars and heart-shaped sunglasses.
