The Anus

The anus is a valuable gateway to release tension from the body. Anal experiences can be profound, transformative and sexually charged. The function of the anus is not primarily for sexual pleasure, nor is anal stimulation enjoyable or valuable for everyone. There is nothing wrong with you if you are not attracted to this. For those who are interested in yoni yoga and who want to investigate tension in the pelvic floor, they are probably also interested in Releasing Anal Tension?

The anus as a gate to the discharge of tension and emotions

Emotional tensions associated with the anus can be frequent. There are many people with excessive tension in the anus, and for some the tension is so great that it leads to other physical complaints, such as pain in the pelvic area, lower back or difficulty defecating. In Taoism, the anus is associated with the element metal and is associated with the themes of sadness, mourning and letting go. According to Taoist tradition, prolonged tension or blockages in the anus and the surrounding area can lead to emotional problems such as depression, sadness and a lack of resilience. Taoism is a holistic approach and not scientifically based. It is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological help when needed.

The causes of tension in the anus may differ per person, but in general from a holistic Taoist perspective you could say that tension in the anus is related to controlling and not wanting to let go of feelings like:

1. Fear: When there is (suppressed) fear, we often unconsciously tense muscles in our body. This can happen when we feel unsafe, it can be related to a specific situation or a general feeling of insecurity. Also consider sexual trauma in particular.
2. Shame: Shame can increase tension, especially in the anus. This can happen, for example, when we are shy or when we feel vulnerable.
3. Anger or frustration: When we are angry or frustrated, there is generally more tension throughout the body, including the anus.

What is the anus and how is it constructed?

The anus is the end of the digestive system and is located in the last part of the large intestine, the rectum. The anus is part of the pelvic floor and consists of 2 sphincters (together the Anal Sphincter).

• We can consciously control and open and close the external anal sphincter (musculus sphincter ani externus) during toilet visits.
• The internal anal sphincter (musculus sphincter ani internus), is a smooth muscle that we cannot consciously control and that constantly contracts to keep the anus closed.

Anatomically, the anus is surrounded by the pelvic floor and gluteal muscles, so it is not only the muscles of the anus itself that store tension, but also the attachments between the various muscles. Both the external and internal skin of the anus are full of nerve endings, making them sensitive. The anus, just like the vagina, contains mucous membranes that keep the walls flexible and produce lubricant for the expulsion of facial fluid. This lubricant is also pleasant during sexual activity. It looks like whitish mucus. The anus is an important part of the body. When the anus and pelvic floor muscles contract, the anus is closed to keep the feces inside. Relaxing these muscles makes it possible to release stool.

Anus as erogenous zone

Many people experience the anus as an erogenous zone, this is because the anus and the rectum (the last part of the large intestine) contain many nerve endings that are sensitive to touch and stimulation. When the anus and rectum are stimulated, this can lead to sexual arousal and pleasure.

In addition, (emotional) tension may be stored in the anus. Massaging or de-armouring the muscles in and around the anus (also think of the buttocks) can release these tensions. This provides discharge and relaxation. If the muscles are more relaxed, blood flow can be stimulated and more and deeper sensations can be experienced in the pelvic area. The process of releasing tension can be experienced as erotic or even orgasmic.

During sexual arousal, the anus can relax or tighten, depending on the person and the situation.

If you want to explore anal stimulation, proceed slowly and listen carefully to your body. If you want to conduct research together with a partner, make sure that you both feel comfortable, have confidence in each other, and communicate well. Furthermore, it is important to take the right precautions to prevent injuries and infections:

• Take your time; The anal sphincters need time to relax in most people.
• Start by massaging the buttocks and hips, working inwards from there.
• Take time to massage the outside of the pelvic floor (around the anus).
• The skin of the anus is very sensitive and easily irritated, use sufficient lubricant, cut your nails, and wear (medical) gloves.
• Take time to explore and massage the skin of the anus on the outside.
• If you want to penetrate the anus, do this slowly and step by step. You can gradually insert a finger (or something else) as the recipient inhales. Be careful with the size. For many people, a finger is already quite big.
• If you did not use gloves, wash your hands, penis or any toys thoroughly with soap afterwards.
• Never insert anything that has been in the anus (e.g. finger, toy or penis) into the vagina without washing it thoroughly with soap.

It is important to note that anal stimulation is not pleasurable for everyone. Try to respect individual boundaries and wishes, and also try to communicate openly and honestly about sexual preferences and interests. It may be that one of the partners wants to explore the anal area, but the other does not. Talk about this together and see what works best for both of you. You can also explore your own body further without your partner.

NOTE: anus toys usually have a wider part at the end, this is so that the entire toy is not sucked up through the anus. It can be very difficult to remove a toy from the rectum, because it can become obstructive (unlike in the vagina). Medical assistance may be required here. Therefore, when using toys, make sure that the toy has a widening, or that you hold it properly during use.

Anal De-Armouring

For anal de-armouring it is important that the recipient is relaxed and preferably somewhat sexually aroused. The sexual arousal helps ensure good blood circulation in the pelvic area and helps relax the muscles. To achieve this it is valuable to read the instructions in the previous paragraph.

For anal de-armouring, focus on the anal sphincters and the attachments around them. On the outside you can apply passive pressure to a location on the outer anal muscle. You can start at the perineum and then go around the clock. Communicate with your partner whether the pressure is appropriate, and whether it feels as if the touched location contains tension that can be released. Stay at the same point for a few breaths each time before continuing.
Next, you can do much the same in the opening of the anus (make sure you wear medical gloves and use plenty of lubricant). You can then very carefully, preferably while inhaling, step by step, insert an (index or middle) finger. It is valuable to do nothing for a while when the tip of the finger has passed the deepest sphincter muscle. and allow the recipient to breathe deeply, get used to the feeling, and release any associated emotions. It can be helpful to support your partner to breathe deeply.

You can then grasp the muscles of the anus with your thumb on the outside and your finger on the inside and apply pressure by bringing your finger and thumb together. And then work around the clock again as above, or look for places where there is the most tension.

It is relevant to know that in general the most tension is around the PC muscle (the area between the anus and the genitals).

What else is relevant?

The rectum is less flexible than the skin of the vagina. It is easy to damage the skin of this last part of your colon. Be aware of this when using anal penetration.

Contact a doctor if there are persistent complaints in the rectum after penetration.

It is important to note that there are many other emotions and mental states that can lead to tension in the anus and that these feelings can be different for each person. When this tension persists for a long time, it can lead to physical discomfort and health problems, so it is important to seek help from a doctor or therapist if necessary.