First off, a working definition: An erogenous zone refers to any part of the body that has heightened sensitivity, and which, when stimulated, creates a sexual response or contributes to sexual arousal. When we think of our own erogenous zones, the breasts, clitoris and vagina are usually the first “hot spots” that come to mind. These are also the first areas men zoom in on during foreplay and lovemaking.
It may surprise you, however, that most women have many other erogenous zones that are seldom given attention. Stimulating these areas with touch or pressure can have some pretty surprising effects. Some women claim to be able to achieve orgasm simply from having their hair gently pulled, for instance, or their fingers sucked on, or their buttocks lightly spanked.
If you’re looking to introduce some new moves – and new sensations – to your foreplay and sex sessions, check out this list of less obvious erogenous zones. Think about other parts of your body that respond the same way to touch, and have fun getting your partner to stimulate all these areas in different ways.
1. Scalp
It’s no surprise that the scalp is a major pleasure spot, seeing as it’s covered with nerve endings.
How to get your man in the zone: Your hairstylist knows a thing or two about making this part of your head feel oh-so-good. But you can get your man to do the same thing during foreplay by asking him to gently tug your hair and massage your scalp with the pads of his fingers. For an even more relaxing treat, invite him into the shower with you and get him to shampoo your hair while massaging your scalp. So sexy!
2. Fingertips
As they have a high concentration of nerves, the fingertips are among the most sensitive parts of the body.
How to get your man in the zone: Ask him to gently kiss down the length of your arm, followed by the back of your hand and then your palm. Now get him to hold your hand in his before tracing tiny circles around your palm with his tongue, working his way from the middle outwards. He can also proceed to run his tongue along the lengths of your fingers, before lightly nibbling, kissing and sucking on the tips.
3. Nape
This is the base of the neck, around the hairline. It extends all the way to the back of the ears, which are also areas of heightened sensitivity.
How to get your man in the zone: This zone responds best to light caresses, nibbles and gentle kisses. For a different sensation, ask your partner to alternate blowing on the nape of your neck with light licking. Or get him to run an ice-cube along your hairline, from the back of one ear to the back of the other.
4. Collarbone
The area right above the collarbone is said to be ultra-sensitive because the skin is so thin.
How to get your man in the zone: He can start by kissing your shoulders and upper arms, before working his way inwards towards the area just above your breastbone. Then, ask him to smother your collarbone and the part just above it with tiny kisses and light licks.
5. Ribcage
The “bony” sides of your body, just under your breasts, are an oft-neglected hotspot.
How to get your man in the zone: Lie on your side and ask your partner to make long strokes along the underside of your arm, over your armpit and then downwards around your breast and over your ribcage, all the way down to your pelvis. Lightly tickling your sides while kissing your lips is also a good way to stimulate this sensitive zone during foreplay.
6. Stomach
The (relative) softness of a woman’s belly is a huge turn-on for most guys; don’t be embarrassed to let your man give this part of your body some attention. You’ll love how it feels when he touches and kisses it.
How to get your man in the zone: He can kiss your navel, or gently stroke or nibble your belly. Ask him to trace random patterns all over your tummy with his lips and tongue – you’ll feel sooo good. Promise!
7. Lower back
The area right above your buttocks is highly sensitive – just under the skin is the network of nerves and blood vessels that is connected to your genitals.
How to get your man in the zone: The best way for your guy to stimulate your lower back, is to gently kiss and stroke it. Lightly tickling the area will also help heighten your sexual arousal.
8. Inner thighs
Many men miss giving the inner thighs attention, preferring instead to zoom in on the genitals. But having this hotspot teasingly kissed and caressed increases the sexual anticipation like nothing else.
How to get your man in the zone: Slow and sensual is the way to go when it comes to touching your inner thighs. Ask your partner to tease the area with his tongue, lips and hands. He may even choose to rub the tip of his penis up and down this fleshy zone, which is bound to get him excited. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, get him to run a vibrator on the area.
9. Buttocks
Quit complaining about the size of your butt – most guys find this curvy area incredibly sexy and can’t resist touching it.
How to get your man in the zone: Besides covering your butt cheeks with kisses, your man can stimulate this erogenous zone by lightly spanking, squeezing or biting it, or gently massaging it with a little warm oil.
10. Behind the thighs and knees
Not all women feel much from having the back of their thighs and knees touched, but if you’re extra sensitive, you’ll love having your man work his magic in these areas.
How to get your man in the zone: Ask him to knead these spots with some warm oil or cover the skin with tiny licks and kisses.
11. Soles of the feet
Who doesn’t love a good foot massage? Certain pressure points in the feet can trigger sexual arousal, so ask your guy to be your personal foot reflexologist for the night.
How to get your man in the zone: Start with clean feet. Your partner can start by rubbing some oil on the soles of your feet and then gently pressing the pads of his fingers into the fleshiest spots. He should do this slowly for the most relaxing effect. If he’s not squeamish, ask him to kiss the soles of your feet. Tickling with a feather is another way to push you over the edge.
12. Toes
Like the fingertips, the toes also have a high concentration of nerves and respond well to touch.
How to get your man in the zone: Gently massaging the pads of the toes is a great way to relieve tension. Or ask your guy to lightly tug on your toes before kissing or nibbling on them.
