Temperature play is a form of sensory play, designed to stimulate or deprive the senses (touch, sight, smell, taste, hearing) of sexual pleasure. When the body is exposed to unexpected heat or cold (but preferably both), it experiences a rush of sensation which translates into arousal during foreplay.
Discover our latest podcast
So, if you've ever wanted to heat things up in the bedroom or send some chilling shivers down your partner's spine, why not ask your partner if they'd like to try out one (or more) of the temperature play experiences listed below!
1. Ice
When it comes to temperature play, ice is definitely the simplest option. All you need to do is take a few ice cubes and let them melt a little in your hand. Then you can drip the icy water on your partner's erogenous zones. Or you can try ice cube oral by placing an ice cube in your mouth before placing your icy tongue on your partner's intimate areas!
2. Food Play
Another easy option for temperature play is introducing food into the bedroom. Warm honey or cold ice cream both make for excellent options (although you will want to avoid getting any sugar or dairy on your partner's genitals which could cause an infection). Taking sips of hot tea before going down on your partner will also provide plenty of sensory stimulation!
3. Massage candles
Massage candles are candles that melt into a fragranced massage oil that you can be applied to your partner's skin. Specifically designed for temperature play, they do not burn as hot as regular candles (which can easily cause burns). However, make sure you check the temperature on a sensitive area (like your upper arm) before applying it to your partner's skin.
4. Heated/Cooled Sex toys
If you're already comfortable using sex toys with your partner (or you can do this alone), try changing their temperature by placing them in a bowl of warm (never boiling) or icy water for 5-10 minutes. This only applies to certain sex toys, such as glass, stainless steel, crystal, or waterproof silicone.
Sources used:
Cosmopolitan: 'Temperature play sex tips: A beginner's guide'
Le Wand Massager: 'The Ultimate Guide to Temperature Play'
Read more:
⋙ Here's how to practise safe kinky sex