4.1.1 Arousal Function
The arousal function can be divided in two components:
Arousal reflex
This activates:
- vasocongestion (influx of blood through the genital organs/cavernous bodies) which is directed by the vegetative, involuntary nervous system and other physiological reactions that cannot be influenced at will
- muscular activity in concert with the “Three Laws of the Body”, i.e. the three basic elements of physical activity: movement (space), rhythm (temporal structuring) and muscle tone (muscular tension).
Learning Processes
Muscular activity can be intentionally influenced starting in the fifth to six months of life.
Using ultrasound technology, the arousal reflex can be observed in the male fetus while still in utero. All other components pertaining to sexuality, i.e. sexodynamic components, sexuality-related cognitions and the respective relationship components – develop in close interaction with the arousal function.
The wish of many men and women to enjoy sexuality and to live in a love relationship, that is, the wish to connect genitality with the experience of intimacy, is essentially based on the arousal reflex.
Once arousal is successfully elevated, the journey culminates in a second reflex, i.e. an involuntary process leading to orgasm. We can make the “space” between both reflexes “inhabitable” through learning processes. Learning activates higher brain centers, and enables the conscious experience of sexual arousal. Learning steps pertaining to the arousal reflex directly influence the quality of the erotic action and experience; hence, they are called direct causalities.
Thanks to learning processes, the intensity of sexual arousal, specifically vasocongestion, can be influenced at will by playing with changes in the accompanying muscular tension and rhythmic movements. All learning processes in the various human modes of expression (walking, speaking, making music, dancing, etc.) are based, ultimately, on the use of the three laws of the body – movement, rhythm, muscle tone – as well as, of course, breathing.
Sexual arousal can be influenced by consciously controlling or playing with the accompanying physical reactions – quantitatively (intensity) as well as qualitatively (pleasure). Our clients often wish to feel more sexual enjoyment and to reach orgasm. Learning steps, at the physical level, are required for this.
On the one hand, diffusion – the ability to spread sexual arousal throughout the body – is prerequisite to intensifying the experience of sexually pleasurable sensations and sexual arousal. On the other hand, the ability to channel sexual arousal in the genitals facilitates reaching an orgastic discharge (physical discharge, ejaculation/spasmodic reaction) or an orgasm (physical and emotional discharge). Thus, every woman and man can learn to consciously influence the arousal reflex through physical learning steps.
Explanation of terms: Orgastic discharge, Orgasm, (An)orgasty, (An)orgasmy