An erogenous zone is an area of the human body that has heightened sensitivity, the stimulation of which may generate a sexual response.  Erogenous zones may be classified by the type of sexual response that they generate.  Gently touching or stroking of these zones stimulates a partner during foreplay and increases the arousal level. 

Erogenous zones are located all over the human body, but the sensitivity of each varies, and depends on concentrations of nerve endings that can provide pleasurable sensations when stimulated.

The touching of another person's erogenous zone is regarded as an act of physical intimacy. Whether a person finds stimulation in these areas to be pleasurable depends on a range of factors, but just as everyone has a preference of flavour or colour, each individual has a preference when it comes to how they liked to be touched. Always touch only with consent from the person you are touching. 

ZONES

Inner wrist 

The inner wrist is highly sensitive, small erogenous zone and responds well to light touch. Think, the grazing of your fingertips or tongue or lips softly across this area. As it is not a common one, this can build more excitement. 

Palms of hands and fingertips 

The fingertips are the part of the body most sensitive to touch, and your palms aren’t far behind. Run your finger intimately and consciously around in circles on their palm and feel as the anticipation heightens. Sucking your partner's fingers is also considered highly erotic. Think, My Best Friend's Wedding, and the scene where he sucks the ring off her finger. 

Scalp

With so many nerve endings the scalp can send tingles down the spine with even the slightest brush or touch. Sensitive spots are often just above the ears, and above the neck. Tugging on hair can also up the stimulation and excitment. 

Ears

With sensitive skin on the outside and hundreds of sensory receptors on the inside, the ears top the list of erogenous zones for many people. With sensory receptors that you can engage with by whispering or lightly blowing into their ear, or use touch to gently run your finger around, lightly kiss, lick or nibble your partners earlobes for heighten anticipation.  

Small of the back • Sacrum

A small brush of the fingertips, or flutter of a vibrator makes this zone exciting. It may do with the fact that the nerves in this portion of the spine are connected to the pelvis which makes this area so sensitive and evokes pleasure throughout the body. 

Navel and lower stomach

Being dangerously close to the genitals makes this area especially arousing and makes the mind leap in anticipation. Use your fingertips, lips, tongue or vibrator and trace circles down. The inner-dip of the hip bones are especially sensitive so ensure you use this to your advantage.  

Inner arms

The inner arm, just above the armpit is a super sensitive zone and will raise the blood quickly. If you are pinning their hands above their head on the bed, be sure to bring your hands down slowly and linger over this area as you make your way down. 

  

Behind the knee

This is another often neglected area that’s incredibly sensitive to any kind of touch. It’s even ticklish for some. Give the area some special attention during a massage, or use your mouth and tongue there before working your way up or down the leg.

 

Areola and nipples

Nipple stimulation lights up the same area in the brain as the genitals. Be mindful that at different times of the month that female nipples can change in sensitivity, so always start with a light touch. Trace around the areola before moving onto the nipple. Use your lips, tongue, a feather, or a small vibrator. Blowing, sucking, licking and flicking can add in some extra excitement to the nipple. Any temperature play with a massage candle or hot and cold toy or glass wand will take your play even further. 

Mouth and lips 

Your lips are a tapestry of parasympathetic nerve fibres, brushing them with your fingers will trigger a soft response in your body of relaxation, allowing your mind to settle and move you away from your day-to-day mountain of jobs and stresses. Without first allowing your body to relax you may not feel 'in the mood' for any sexual engagement. Take the time to stimulate this area by touch and kissing and allow the body to melt.

Neck

When it comes to the neck, even the slightest touch can make your entire body tingle. Play this zone with flutter touches or fingernails. Kiss softly down the sides of the neck or use your tongue and see how your partner responds. 

Inner thighs

The inner thighs are so sensitive and so close to the genitals that the longer you take your time here the higher the anticipation will build. Use your fingers, lips vibrator or temperature play toy to run from behind the knee all the way up and then back down. A soft bite or two can take your partner by surprise or use a pinwheel or feather tickler for more sensation play. 

Bottom of feet and toes

Pressure points in the bottom of the feet can increase blood flow and enhance feelings of arousal when manipulated just right. Experiment with different pressures when massaging the feet, starting light and working your way deeper until you find what works. Licking, kissing and sucking of the toes are other common play elements to explore.