If you're looking to improve your sex life, figuring out your "erotic blueprint" may be a great place to start, according to somatic sexologist Jaiya, one of the experts from the new Netflix reality series Sex, Love & goop featuring Gwyneth Paltrow.
Viewers are introduced to the concept of erotic blueprints in the first episode of the show, which sees different couples get help from Paltrow and a team of experts on their "journey toward more pleasurable sex and deeper intimacy," according to Netflix.
What Is an Erotic Blueprint?
An erotic blueprint is described as "a map of arousal that reveals your specific erotic language of orgasmic delight," according to Jaiya's website.
"One of the benefits of knowing your erotic type is having more compassion" for your partner and their behavior during sex, Jaiya said in a video on her YouTube channel explaining the erotic blueprint types and featuring insight from her partner, Ian Ferguson.
"Now I understand why he's [Ian] getting up to go change the music in the middle of sex, which drives my blueprint [sexual] crazy," Jaiya said.
Types of Erotic Blueprints
There are five different types of erotic blueprints and you can take a test to figure out which type you are (more on this below).
Energetic
The energetic type loves "anticipation, space, tease" and playing on the "touching but not touching" concept, Jaiya explains in the YouTube video.
"They like the energy. And some of them really get into the spiritual aspect of sexuality. Yes, sex and spirit can go together, and so there's this sense of I'm reaching or attaining enlightenment through my sexual energy," the sexologist said.
Sensual
Ferguson explained that sensual types are aroused by having "all of their senses just ignited." This can mean a range of things including "contouring deep, sensual touch; that can be taste—chocolate, the environment—candles, music, just really making that environment."
Sexual
The sexual type "loves nudity" as well as penetration and frequent intercourse. "They can really get into orgasm" and can get upset if "they're not getting enough sex—if they're not getting enough orgasm," according to Jaiya. "They like erotic visuals, they like self-pleasuring, or masturbation. Sexuals, they love sex."
Kinky
Kinky types are turned on by everything that may be considered "taboo," such as "whips and chains or it could be sex in missionary style," said Ferguson. "It just depends [on] what really turns you on."
Shapeshifter
The shapeshifter type is turned on by all of the above, said Jaiya.
How to Take the 'Erotic Blueprint' Test
The test comes in two forms—the basic quiz (which is free) and the "in-depth" quiz (which costs $17). Both tests are available via Jaiya's website.
The basic quiz, which consists of 10 questions, will help "determine your main pathway to arousal, connection and pleasure" by figuring out your "primary blueprint type."
Those who take the basic quiz will also be emailed a listing of their "erotic superpowers" and "shadows" based on the test results.
Erotic superpowers are described as "where each type can most easily give and receive ecstatic pleasure," while shadows refer to aspects that "may be putting the brakes on your turn on."
The in-depth quiz consists of 22 questions and takes a "deeper dive" into your sexual psyche and will provide a full "pleasure profile."
Taking the in-depth test will also get you "Your Personalized Blueprint Report." This 28-page report expands on how to express and acknowledge the superpowers and shadows of your type to "unleash your orgasmic potential."
The report also will show you how to "feed" and fulfill your primary blueprint, "so you can own your unique pathway to pleasure," the website says.
Some may find they're deemed a certain type after taking the basic quiz and another type following the in-depth one, since the latter test allows for more "fine tuned accuracy" through a greater number of questions.
You are not just one erotic blueprint type and are instead "a delicious mix" of all five. The in-depth test explains, in percentages, how much of each erotic blueprint you are.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Soo Kim is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. She covers various lifestyle stories, specializing in travel and health.
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