Health

Don’t Wait, Masturbate: Embracing the Importance of Self-Pleasure

Mehak Walia in conversation with Dr Meenakshi Ahuja, Senior Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis La Femme and the academic secretary for Delhi Gynecology Forum.

In a world that often shrouds discussions around sexuality in taboo and secrecy, it is vital to continuously work towards breaking those barriers and fostering open conversations about a natural and personal aspect of human experience. Masturbation, beyond its playful connotations, is a celebration of self-discovery, self-care, and self-pleasure. Emphasizing the importance of embracing and understanding one’s body in a positive and empowering way offers remarkable advantages.

Masturbation, often considered a private act entangled in layers of bias and taboo, is an integral part of human sexuality. It is a natural and instinctive form of self-exploration that allows individuals to connect with their bodies, experience pleasure, and learn about their unique desires and preferences. Yet, despite its universality, masturbation continues to be surrounded by stigma and misinformation. As young individuals, we must challenge these misconceptions, promote sexual well-being, and foster a healthy attitude toward self-pleasure.

There are various reasons why self-pleasure should be celebrated rather than shamed, considering its positive impact on physical and mental health and its role in fostering body positivity and empowerment. Let us embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love through this article, breaking down the walls of silence and taboo. Together, we can create a world where individuals feel empowered to embrace their own unique sexual identities and experiences.

To shed more light, we spoke to Dr Meenakshi Ahuja, the Senior Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis La Femme and the academic secretary for the Delhi Gynecology Forum. Dr Ahuja, a non-judgmental gynecologist, has passionately spoken about women’s health and sexuality at various forums. Explaining the importance of self-pleasure, she said, “Masturbation is a normal and healthy practice in many living things, not just humans. Even among humans, it’s not recent, and its practice is described even in our most ancient texts. The Kama Sutra describes in great detail self-pleasure for men and women. Masturbation is a healthy and normal human instinct in both men and women and should be accepted as such. It is a healthy and safe way to achieve sexual gratification. Many scientific studies have shown the importance of regular orgasms for both men and women- Masturbation helps achieve this without the chances of getting an unwanted pregnancy or an STI. Of course, an obsession with it or too much of anything is never good, but repressing or ignoring sexual urges can do much more harm to the mind and body.”

While discussing the great options available for everyone to explore the realm of self-pleasure, she added, “The good thing today is that information is openly available for anyone seeking masturbation. There are many ways to pleasure oneself, and devices to enhance pleasure are available online and offline. So using your fingers, a partner’s hand or a toy or device to achieve orgasm is very normal. Remember, these are sensitive parts. Don’t be too rough on yourself. You may like to use a gel or pleasure enhancer not to hurt yourself.”

She also addressed the shame associated with masturbation these days as she exclaimed, “Masturbation is a normal practice among many living things, not just humans. It is as natural as breathing and eating!”

She added, “As humans, we should practice masturbation in a safe and private space. Societal norms change from time to time. Perhaps today’s norms, unfortunately, do not allow these conversations to be held out in the open like I believe they should be, and some ignorant people might mock the practice in others because they don’t appreciate the normalcy of this practice.

But, in truth, masturbation is nothing to be ashamed of. As a doctor, I know this is widely practiced in India by girls, boys, men, and women of all ages, encouragingly so by more females than males. Medically speaking, masturbation is safe at any age. It improves the blood supply to the vagina and the male organs, thus helping maintain one’s sexual health. It is safer than unprotected sex, as there is no risk of infection or unwanted pregnancy. It is widely established that an orgasm achieved either with a partner or via self-help releases dopamine, oxytocin, and other mood enhancers, also called happy hormones, so it can help counter depression and helps in achieving restful sleep.”

She believes that slowly and steadily, a change occurs in the general attitude towards masturbation. She adds, with a smile, “Societal norms are changing, and the conversation around masturbation among males is quite normalized now. You see it talked about openly on OTT platforms, books, and social media. As far as females are concerned, women have no reason to be denied sexual pleasure if they seek it. We need to normalize further the conversation to include and accept masturbation by girls and women to help create a more knowledgeable, inclusive society.”

From the opinion of expert medical professionals to various ancient texts that celebrate the art of self-pleasure, it is undeniable that masturbation has played a prominent role in shaping human sexuality and desire throughout the ages. Despite the stigma in the conversation regarding masturbation, it is apparent that the younger generation is slowly and steadily trying to break the barriers of shame and taboo surrounding the desire to explore one’s body. So, join the mission, and don’t wait, masturbate- discover yourself and discover what pleasure signifies for your body and embrace whatever makes you feel unapologetically and unashamedly sexy.

August 22, 2023

Wedding Wellness with Luke Coutinho: Starting the Journey

Luke Coutinho, India’s leading Integrative Lifestyle Expert, believes that true wedding prep goes far beyond fitting into an outfit or chasing picture-perfect looks. For him, it’s about building strength, balance, and inner calm that lasts well beyond the wedding day. Here, he shares his holistic wellness guide for brides and grooms stepping into this new chapter. From a holistic health perspective, how early should brides and grooms start preparing their bodies for the wedding? I’ve always believed that wedding prep should start with the inside. If we’re talking about sustainable energy, balanced hormones, strong immunity, or calm emotional states it’s not a 15-day crash course. It’s a rhythm you build. Ideally, I encourage couples to begin six to 12 months in advance. That gives us space to work on the deeper layers like gut repair, sleep cycles, metabolic health, and emotional resilience. Even three months can make a real difference if done right. But more than timelines, I believe in intention. Whether you start 12 months or six weeks before, ask yourself: Am I just trying to look good for a day, or do I want to feel well through all the days that follow? How can couples set wellness goals that go beyond just looking good in wedding photos?It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics wanting to fit into a certain outfit or chase a number on the scale. But real wellness is about how you feel your energy, your digestion, your mood, your ability to stay calm amidst the chaos. I always tell couples: Don’t make the goal about shrinking your body. Make it about strengthening your health, supporting your hormones, and building the emotional resilience to actually enjoy your wedding. When you feel good inside, it shows up outside on your skin, in your eyes, and

Health

Eating Right, Feeling Bright: How to Stay Healthy and Happy This Festive Season

As the festive season arrives, it’s easy to get swept up in the celebration and sometimes, overdo it. Between rich sweets, back-to-back parties, and emotional highs (and lows), maintaining your health both physical and emotional can become challenging. SINDURI VUPPALA speaks to two experts Dietician Vidhi Chawla, Founder of FISICO Diet & Aesthetic Clinic, and Rajvir Kohar, a seasoned Mental Health Clinician to bring you a guide on how to eat mindfully and feel emotionally balanced this season. “It’s okay not to feel festive. Honour your emotions.” – Mental Health Clinician Rajvir Kohar While cultural celebrations and holidays offer opportunities for connections and joy, they also come with increased expectations and responsibilities. Research indicates that mental health symptoms such as stress, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and emotional eating often rise during the festive season. Many individuals experience heightened stress around the holidays, primarily due to factors such as financial strain, time pressures, and family dynamics. Financial challenges can be particularly overwhelming, as people feel the burden of purchasing gifts, hosting gatherings, and keeping up with social expectations. For individuals already managing financial constraints, these demands can deepen feelings of inadequacy or guilt. Additionally, the festive season can bring emotional pain for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Others may experience a profound sense of loneliness, especially if they lack close family or social networks, making the celebratory atmosphere feel isolating rather than inclusive. Common mental health symptoms during this period include disturbed sleep, changes in appetite (either overeating or under-eating), increased irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. While these feelings are common, they often go unnoticed amidst societal expectations to “stay cheerful.” Despite these challenges, it is possible to approach the festive season with mindfulness and care. By adopting practical strategies, you can protect your mental health and still engage

Health

Managing Psychological Stress in Marriage in India

Marriage, while often seen as a sacred bond in India, is also a complex partnership that involves emotional investment, societal expectations, and continuous adaptation. In the Indian context, marriage isn’t just a union between two individuals it’s often a confluence of families, traditions, and social norms. While love and companionship are central, psychological stress can quietly build over time due to unmet expectations, communication gaps, external pressures, and the lack of personal space. Managing this stress effectively is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marital life. Understanding the Sources of Stress Recognizing the Signs of Stress Psychological stress in marriage often doesn’t manifest dramatically. Instead, it appears in small, persistent ways: If left unaddressed, this stress can escalate into anxiety disorders, depression, or even marital breakdown. Strategies to Manage Marital Stress 1. Open, Non-Judgmental Communication The cornerstone of any successful marriage is healthy communication. Couples must learn to express themselves openly, without fear of being judged. Schedule “talk time” to share your thoughts, concerns, or even simple day-to-day feelings. Use “I feel” statements rather than blame-focused language to prevent defensiveness. 2. Set Realistic Expectations Bollywood and societal portrayals of “perfect marriages” create unrealistic standards. Accept that no marriage is without flaws. Understand each other’s limitations and strengths, and be willing to compromise without losing your core identity. 3. Establish Boundaries with Extended Family While respecting elders and family traditions is important, couples must create healthy boundaries. This includes making joint decisions independently, especially on matters like finances, parenting, or living arrangements. A united front reduces external interference and strengthens the couple’s bond. 4. Seek Professional Help Therapy is still stigmatized in parts of India, but counseling individuals or couples can be transformative. A trained therapist helps you identify patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. Many Indian metro cities and

Health

Why Soaking Rice Reduces Glucose: Science, Steps, and Stats

Rice is a staple food for millions across the globe, but it’s also often blamed for raising blood sugar levels—especially white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI). However, a simple, age-old practice can help: soaking rice before cooking. This traditional method doesn’t just make rice softer and faster to cook—it also offers a science-backed way to reduce its glucose content and make it healthier. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown… The Science Behind Soaking Rice When you soak rice, several things happen: Supporting Research and Statistics A study published in Food Chemistry (2015) found: Another study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted: A 2022 clinical trial in India showed: How to Soak Rice to Lower Glucose Step-by-Step Method: Glycemic Index Reduction – Before & After Soaking Type of Rice GI (Unsoaked) GI (After Soaking) White rice 72 60–65 Brown rice 68 55–60 Basmati rice 58 45–50 Red rice 55 40–48 Additional Tips to Reduce Sugar Spike from Rice Why This Matters for Diabetics and Health-Conscious Eaters Blood sugar spikes can lead to fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. Making simple changes like soaking rice helps: Conclusion Soaking rice is a simple, no-cost step with massive health benefits. Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your weight, or just aiming for better gut health, soaking rice before cooking can significantly lower its glucose impact. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Indian kitchens, now backed by science.