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Physical effort: Low Self-exploration

The palm: masturbating with the flat of the hand

The palm is a solo masturbation technique for people with a penis: instead of gripping the shaft, you press the flat palm against it and slide or circle gently, holding the penis against the lower belly. A comfortable reference posture is sitting with your back against a wall, knees bent and apart. It takes very little effort and is a simple way to explore softer, more spread-out sensations.

Also known as: Palm masturbation · Palming

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Illustration of The palm: Sitting against a wall, you press the flat palm on the penis and glide or circle gently instead of gripping.
Anatomy and biomechanics

Sit on the bed or the floor with your back resting against a wall or headboard, knees bent and apart and feet flat; your buttocks and back take the weight, so you can stay relaxed. The penis lies up against the lower belly. Place one hand over it with the palm flat and fingers extended, and press gently so the penis is held between the palm and the belly. Slide the palm up and down along the shaft, or make small circles, without closing the fingers. The pressure is spread over the whole palm rather than concentrated in a grip, which many people describe as softer and more enveloping. The other hand is free to rest on a thigh or caress other areas. You set the pressure and the rhythm.

Why this position works

Some people like the palm because it feels different from the usual grip: the pressure is spread out and the movement is slower and softer, which can make it easier to notice new sensations. It is also a relaxed option, since you sit with your back supported and use one hand. Switching between gliding and circling, or changing the pressure, is enough to vary it. Sensations vary from person to person.

Sensory Exploration Self-Discovery Easy Self-stimulation

Variations of this position

Variation 1: lying on your back

Lie on your back with your knees bent instead of sitting against the wall.

Lying down, your whole back rests on the bed and the belly is flat, so the penis lies naturally against it and the palm glides easily. It is the most relaxed version; a pillow under your head lets you stay comfortable.

  1. Lie on your back with a pillow under your head, knees bent and feet flat on the bed.
  2. Let the penis rest up against your lower belly.
  3. Place the flat palm over it and press gently.
  4. Glide up and down or make small circles, adjusting the pressure as you go.

Variation 2: standing against the wall

Stand with your back resting against the wall instead of sitting.

Standing, the wall supports your back and shoulders while your legs carry the weight, so it asks a little more effort than sitting. The hand technique is the same; the free hand can rest on the wall for extra stability.

  1. Stand with your back and shoulders against the wall, feet hip-width apart and knees soft.
  2. Rest your free hand on the wall or on your thigh.
  3. Place the flat palm on the penis, pressing it gently against your lower belly.
  4. Glide slowly, and sit or lie down if your legs tire or you feel unsteady.

Variation 3: with circular movements

Instead of gliding up and down, the palm makes slow circles while pressing the penis against the belly.

The posture stays the same, sitting against the wall; only the movement changes. Circling spreads the pressure in every direction and focuses less on the length of the shaft, which some people find a pleasant change of pace.

  1. Take the reference posture, sitting with your back against the wall.
  2. Place the flat palm on the penis, pressing it gently against your belly.
  3. Make slow, small circles without lifting the palm.
  4. Vary the size of the circles and the pressure to find what you like.

Variation 4: with both palms

The penis is held between both flat palms, which glide or roll gently against each other.

Instead of pressing the penis against the belly with one hand, you hold it between both palms, as if warming your hands. The pressure surrounds it without gripping. Both hands are busy, so sitting with your back supported is especially useful here.

  1. Sit with your back against the wall and a little lubricant on both palms.
  2. Place the penis between your two flat palms, fingers extended.
  3. Glide the palms gently up and down, or roll them slightly in opposite directions.
  4. Keep the pressure light and adjust it gradually.

✓ Tips
  • Use a little lubricant or massage oil on the palm so it glides without chafing; if you will later use latex condoms, choose a water- or silicone-based lubricant.
  • Start with light pressure and increase it gradually; the palm does not need to squeeze.
  • Put a cushion behind your lower back if the wall feels hard.
  • Stop if you feel irritation or pain, and give the skin a rest if it gets sore.
Interaction type
Solo masturbation
Active anatomy
The palm of the hand
Receptive anatomy
Penis and glans
Main stimulation
Penis, with the pressure of the flat palm
Setups and participants
Solo (him) · 1 person Solo

Frequently asked questions

How is the palm different from the usual grip?

Instead of closing the hand around the shaft, the flat palm presses the penis against the belly. The pressure is spread out, and many people find it softer; whether it feels better depends on each person.

Do I need lubricant?

It is not essential, but a little lubricant or massage oil helps the palm glide and avoids chafing, especially if you continue for a while.

Can I do it in other positions?

Yes. Lying on your back or standing with your back against a wall work too; the technique of the hand is the same. Choose the one in which you feel most relaxed.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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