‘Karezza’ Sex Trend Explained As It Gains Popularity With Unexpected Emotional Benefits

A calm, connected approach to intimacy is making waves for its emotional rewards.

More couples are starting to rethink what intimacy truly means, and a surprising practice called Karezza is leading the conversation.

This approach to sex moves the focus away from performance and toward connection, with many people saying it brings both emotional and physical benefits they didn’t expect.

Despite sounding new, Karezza isn’t a modern invention. Its origins stretch back over a century, but in a world now centered around mindfulness, mental health, and genuine connection, the practice is finding new relevance.

People are rediscovering it as a more peaceful, intentional way to experience closeness.

So, what exactly is Karezza? The term (pronounced ka-RET-za) comes from the Italian word carezza, which means “caress.”

It’s a style of intimate connection that prioritizes tenderness, relaxation, and emotional warmth instead of climax.

The focus isn’t on sexual release but on creating a deep sense of affection and presence with your partner.

The main goal of Karezza is to reach a calm and unified state with your partner — one that nurtures both emotional and physical closeness.

Many who practice it say this approach builds stronger bonds and helps couples feel more grounded together.

The idea dates back to 1844, when John Humphrey Noyes introduced a concept called “Male Continence,” describing intimacy without orgasm.

Couples are embracing slower, more mindful intimacy through the Karezza methodKathrin Ziegler/Getty Images

Later, American physician Alice B. Stockham coined the term “Karezza,” which was further explored by sex theorist J. William Lloyd in his 1931 book The Karezza Method.

Lloyd viewed it as a way to channel sexual energy into love and strengthen emotional connection between partners.

Lloyd also suggested that the practice could help with certain health issues such as menstrual pain or prostatitis, though no solid scientific evidence supports those claims.

What research does support, however, is that slow, connected intimacy like Karezza increases oxytocin — known as the “love hormone” — which can deepen feelings of trust, safety, and emotional warmth.

Unlike typical sex, Karezza isn’t about chasing excitement or orgasm. Instead, it’s centered around small but meaningful moments — steady eye contact, gentle touch, synchronized breathing, and shared stillness.

The positions are often relaxed, like lying together or holding one another softly, allowing the focus to stay on closeness rather than physical intensity.

Lloyd believed the practice worked best when both partners experienced a sense of unity instead of release.

It does take patience and honest communication, especially for couples used to a more goal-driven experience.

Experts often recommend giving the approach a few weeks to fully explore how it affects emotional connection, communication, and relationship satisfaction.

Karezza focuses on emotional closeness and connection rather than physical releaseMaria Korneeva/Getty Images

For many couples, Karezza has become more than just a sexual practice — it’s a way to rebuild intimacy, ease anxiety, and shift attention away from performance toward presence and genuine connection.

By slowing down and focusing on each other, partners often find themselves feeling closer than ever before.

Post Views: 3