Chicago – Sexologist, intimacy consultant, and writer Tiffany Chan, Ed.D., is reclaiming the conversation around solo sexuality in her latest piece for Artistic Edge, “Touch Thyself, Heal Thyself – In Honor of Masturbation May”.
To celebrate the season, Chan invites readers to see self-pleasure not as a taboo or indulgence, but as a radical act of wellness, connection and healing. “Masturbation isn’t a substitute for intimacy. It is intimacy,” Chan writes. “With yourself. With your fantasies. With your own electric hum of aliveness.”
Chan blends science, personal insight and cultural history to challenge stigma and reframe self-touch as a vital form of body literacy and empowerment. “Think of it as a neurological spa appointment with no commute,” she writes, explaining how solo pleasure triggers a powerful cascade of neurochemicals – including dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins – that regulate stress, improve sleep and boost mood.
But Chan goes deeper, framing masturbation as a tool of self-awareness, confidence and post-trauma reclamation. “Touch can bring you back into your skin after dissociation,” she writes. “It says: I deserve to feel good in this body.”
From the concept of “erotic intelligence” to reclaiming pleasure in the face of shame, Chan’s article calls for readers to embrace solo sexuality with curiosity and pride. “Every orgasm is a protest against shame,” she writes. “A love letter to the body you live in.”
With a voice that’s both insightful and deeply personal, “Touch Thyself, Heal Thyself” delivers a bold, clear message about the power of pleasure. As Chan puts it, “Pleasure is power, darling. How will you wield yours?”
Read the full Artistic Edge article here.
Learn more about Tiffany Chan at TiffanyChanOfficial.com and her links via Beacons.ai/kipani. Follow her on X: @lovekipani.
ABOUT TIFFANY CHAN, Ed.D., CSE, MFA:
Tiffany Chan, also known as Dr. K or Kipani Heart, seamlessly blends her creative passions with a deep commitment to holistic sexual education. Based in Los Angeles, Dr. K is a Board-Certified Sexologist and Intimacy Consultant specializing in kink education, D/s dynamics, and holistic living, as well as popular model and influencer. She holds a Doctorate in Education, a Master’s in English Literature, and advanced certifications in sexology, making her approach to intimacy and empowerment both uniquely informed and empathetic.
Chan’s academic background is complemented by her experience as a creative writer, digital content creator, and certified fitness trainer. She has published work in scholarly journals such as American Popular Culture and Men’s Health and is actively involved in research with The Alternative Sexual Health Research Alliance (TASHRA). As the host of the popular podcast The Submissive Next Door, Chan delves into diverse topics ranging from BDSM to consent and alternative lifestyles, sharing eye-opening insights with her guests.
Chan is also the founder and editor of Artistic Edge Magazine, where she merges her love for the arts with her dedication to sexual education. A staunch advocate for diversity, inclusion and informed consent, she is a member of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). She is a recognized leader in the alternative lifestyle community as well, offering workshops and consultations that empower individuals to explore their identities in safe, consensual environments.