What exactly is the zig-zag sex technique?

Will you try it yourself?

The zig-zag sex technique blew Napoleon's mind, and it might blow yours. Image: iStock

Looking to spice up your sex life? We suggest casting your mind back to an approach that's stood the test of time: the zig-zag sex technique. Here's everything you need to know to nail it. 

When it comes to knowledge about sex, it’s evolving by the day. People are constantly coming up with new ways to please and be pleasured, and sharing their findings online for all to enjoy.

But it’s worth remembering that the classics classify as such for a reason. Missionary and doggy style aren’t hanging around just for the sake of it, you know? So sometimes it’s worth casting your mind back to the techniques of sex savants of decades – or centuries – past.

One of the methods having a moment in the sun is the long-favoured zig-zag sex technique. So we tapped Christine Rafe, sex and relationship expert for Womanizer, to explain the technique, who it’s best for, and whether it’s worth trying out yourself.

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What is the zig-zag sex technique?

The zig-zag technique was first referenced by Napoleon Bonaparte, as in the Emperor of France and prominent military commander during the French Revolution.

His wife Josephine, full name Marie-Josephe-Rose de Tascher de La Pagerie the Empress of France, reportedly enjoyed whipping out the zig-zag technique during their liaisons sexuelles, which were known to be quite groundbreaking.

Napoleon must’ve loved the zig-zagging enough to talk about it in public, however, he never went into the specifics of the approach, so unfortunately the ins and outs of the act died with them.

That being said, “My educated guess as to what the zig-zag technique is and based on pleasure anatomy, would likely refer to an oral sex technique in which the tongue zig-zags across a sensitive part of the genitals,” Rafe tells Body+Soul.

Thi could include the “frenulum on a penis, the clitoral glans and hood on a vulva, or the anus.”

Apparently, Napoleon's wife Josephine blew his mind with the zig-zag sex technique. Image: iStock

Why does the zig-zag sex technique feel so good?

Aside from the fact that receiving oral sex from anyone is a privilege, the zig-zag technique feels good because the genitals are highly sensitive organs.

“Because certain parts of the genitals contain clusters of thousands of nerve endings, too much stimulation in these specific areas can actually feel overwhelming and borderline painful for some,” says Rafe.

Thus, the zig-zag technique appeals because it stimulates without being overwhelming or too intense.

“If we consider the research on genital pleasure techniques, many incorporate techniques that target genital pleasure areas rather than pinpoint precision repetitively or intensely,”’ she continues.

“For example, using a technique such as a brushing zig-zag motion over the upper part of the vulva (which would include the clitoral glans, clitoral hood, labia minora and majora) provides enough stimulation to the clitoral glans without it feeling overwhelming or too intense which it could if the clitoral glans was the only area being stimulated.”

When it comes to the penis, using the zig-zag movement over the frenulum and glans would have a similar effect – “providing stimulation to a sensitive part of the penis, without too much intensity in that one specific area.”

The zig-zag sex technique can feel good on male or female genitals. Image: iStock

Is the zig-zag technique better used on male or female genitals?

“Because pleasure is unique to everyone regardless of their genitals, it’s possible that any genitals could feel pleasure from zig-zag stimulation,” says Rafe. However, in the same vein, it may not feel pleasurable for another if they require more consistent stimulation or higher intensity.

“Looking at this historically, Napoleon described the zig-zag technique as something that Josephine used on him, so this implies that the technique is a penis- or anus-pleasure method,” she says.

However, that brushing method over the clitoral area of the vulva is similar to “other techniques described to support vulva pleasure.”

These similar approaches include the figure eight pattern, circling the clitoral glans and vaginal opening; and hinting, where you touch around the area rather than paying attention to them directly.

So whether you have female or male genitals, you’re likely to enjoy some iteration of the zig-zag approach.

The zig-zag sex technique might be worth adding to your sexual bucket list. Image: iStock

Should you try the zig-zag sex technique?

As everyone experiences pleasure differently, the zig-zag technique may not be the godsend it was for Napoleon. “But my philosophy when it comes to sexual pleasure is to be curious and open, and vary the types of stimulation and sensation through techniques, types of touch and pressures,” says Rafe. “You’re likely to continue discovering new ways of experiencing pleasure for yourself (and a partner).”

If you’re planning on giving it a go then, as always, keep those communication lines open, and don’t be afraid to ask your partner to vary their technique to work for you – “slow down/speed up, add more/less pressure based on what feels best.”

And if you’re the Josephine in this scenario? “Check in with the receiver by asking ‘how does this feel for you?’ and/or ‘is there something that could make this even better for you?’.”

Ensuring both parties feel comfortable, and that it’s a safe scenario in which each person is able to give feedback or pull the pin if it isn’t quite floating their boat, guarantees a better time in the bedroom.

So, do your research, chat it out, and give it a go – let us know how you go.

Originally published as What exactly is the zig-zag sex technique?