Why is self-pleasure still whispered about like it’s a dirty secret? In a world obsessed with sex, solo sexuality remains the last taboo, but Tiffany Chan, Ed.D., is here to shatter that silence. Her latest piece for Artistic Edge, titled “Touch Thyself, Heal Thyself – In Honor of Masturbation May,” isn’t just a read—it’s a damn revelation. Chan, a sexologist and intimacy consultant, doesn’t tiptoe around the subject. She dives in, blending science, soul, and a middle finger to shame to make you rethink what it means to get intimate with yourself.
Self-Pleasure as Power, Not Shame
Chan’s article hits like a shot of whiskey—bold, warm, and impossible to ignore. She’s not here to sell you on quick thrills. Instead, she frames self-pleasure as a radical act of self-love and healing. Forget the old narrative of masturbation as a lonely substitute for “real” sex. Chan calls bullshit on that.
“Masturbation isn’t a substitute for intimacy. It is intimacy. With yourself. With your fantasies. With your own electric hum of aliveness.”
– Tiffany Chan
She’s right. It’s not about filling a void—it’s about owning your body, your desires, and your right to feel good. And she’s got the science to back it up.
The Science of Solo Bliss
Ever wonder why a good solo session leaves you glowing? Chan breaks it down. When you indulge in self-pleasure, your brain throws a neurochemical party, releasing dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. These aren’t just feel-good buzzwords—they’re heavy hitters that slash stress, boost mood, and even help you sleep better. Chan likens it to a “neurological spa appointment with no commute.” No appointment needed, no co-pay, just you and your body working magic.
But it’s not just about the immediate buzz. Regular self-pleasure can rewire your relationship with your body. It’s body literacy—learning what makes you tick, what lights you up. For some, it’s a lifeline. Chan points out how touch can ground you after trauma, pulling you back into your skin when dissociation tries to steal you away. That’s not just pleasure; that’s power.
Erotic Intelligence: The Mind-Body Connection
Chan introduces a term that’s pure gold: erotic intelligence. It’s not about being a sex god or knowing every trick in the Kama Sutra. It’s about tuning into your own desires, shedding shame, and embracing curiosity. Think of it as emotional IQ for your sex life. The more you explore solo, the more you understand what you want—whether you’re flying solo or with a partner.
- Know your body: Map out what feels good, no judgment.
- Ditch the guilt: Shame has no place in pleasure.
- Stay curious: Experiment, play, evolve.
This isn’t just theory. Chan’s work as an intimacy consultant shows how people transform when they embrace their solo sexuality. Confidence spikes, boundaries get clearer, and suddenly, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.
Masturbation May: A Cultural Middle Finger
Why dedicate a whole month to self-pleasure? Because society still clutches its pearls over it. Masturbation May isn’t just a catchy hashtag; it’s a rebellion against centuries of stigma. Chan traces the roots of this shame—religious dogma, cultural repression—and flips it on its head. Every orgasm, she argues, is a protest. A loud, unapologetic “I deserve this.”
She’s not wrong. In a world that polices pleasure, especially for women and marginalized groups, claiming your right to self-pleasure is revolutionary. It’s a love letter to your body, as Chan puts it, and who doesn’t need more of that?
Tiffany Chan: The Voice We Need
Chan’s no armchair academic. With a doctorate and years as a sexologist, she’s got the chops to back her claims. But it’s her voice—raw, real, and dripping with conviction—that makes her stand out. Follow her on X at @lovekipani or check her full portfolio at Beacons.ai/kipani. She’s not just talking about pleasure; she’s living it.
Her Artistic Edge piece is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt a flicker of shame about their desires. It’s a call to arms—or hands, if you will—to embrace solo sexuality as a source of strength. So, what’s stopping you? As Chan asks, “Pleasure is power, darling. How will you wield yours?”
