Licking (body)
Using the tongue to explore and stimulate different parts of the body. Short Explanation: "Receiving" means you are licked; "Giving" means you use your tongue to lick your partner.
Interested in exploring Licking (body) with your partner?
Start Your ChecklistBody licking is a sensual practice that uses the tongue to explore, worship, and stimulate a partner across non-genital areas of the body. From gentle traces along the neck to extensive exploration of torsos, limbs, and backs, licking engages both the giver and receiver in intimate sensation exchange that ranges from tender to intensely arousing.
The tongue offers unique sensory qualities—warm, wet, textured, and capable of both gentle and firm pressure. These qualities make licking distinct from touch with hands or other body parts. For many couples, incorporating body licking into foreplay or main events deepens intimacy and expands the range of sensations experienced together.
This guide explores the practice of body licking, covering techniques for different body areas, how to make the experience pleasurable for both partners, considerations around taste and hygiene, and how licking fits into broader intimate contexts. Understanding the nuances of this simple but powerful act enhances connection and pleasure.
How Body Licking Works
Body licking works through the combination of wetness, warmth, texture, and pressure that the tongue provides. Different techniques create different sensations, and different body areas respond uniquely to licking. The psychological elements—the intimacy, the service aspect, the vulnerability—add layers beyond pure physical sensation.
Techniques and Variations
Flat Tongue Licking: Using the broad, flat surface of the tongue for wide strokes across larger body areas. This creates broad, warm sensation and works well on backs, torsos, and thighs.
Tip Tracing: Using just the tip of the tongue for precise lines along curves, into crevices, or around specific features. This creates intense, focused sensation and works for ears, along ribs, and in sensitive valleys.
Suckling Lick: Combining licking with gentle suction, often on earlobes, neck, or specific spots. This intensifies sensation and can leave temporary marks.
Temperature Play: Using ice or hot drinks to change tongue temperature before licking. Cold tongues create startling sensation; warm tongues feel comforting and arousing.
Full Body Worship: Extended licking sessions that cover extensive body areas, often as part of body worship dynamics. This can be ritualistic, devotional, or simply thorough exploration.
Tease and Denial: Licking near but not on the most sensitive areas, building anticipation. The tongue approaches but diverts, creating arousal through expectation.
Equipment and Tools
Flavored Products: Edible body products (honey, chocolate sauce, flavored lubricants designed for body) can make licking more varied and interesting for the giver.
Warming or Cooling Products: Mint or warming lubes can change the sensation of saliva on skin, adding variety to licking.
Blindfolds: Removing the receivers ability to see where licking will occur next intensifies anticipation and sensation.
Restraints: Combining licking with bondage means the receiver cannot guide, adjust, or escape the sensation—intensifying the experience.
Safety Considerations
Body licking is generally low-risk, but some considerations ensure comfortable, healthy experiences.
Physical Safety
Skin Health: Avoid licking open wounds, rashes, or areas with skin conditions. Saliva can irritate compromised skin, and open wounds pose infection risks for both parties.
Allergies: If using flavored products, ensure neither partner has allergies to ingredients. Patch test new products before applying extensively.
Tongue Fatigue: Extended licking can tire the tongue and jaw. Take breaks, switch techniques, or alternate activities to prevent strain.
Suction Marks: Vigorous suckling-licking can create visible marks (hickeys). Discuss beforehand whether marks are acceptable and where.
Emotional Safety
Comfort with Saliva: Not everyone is comfortable with wetness on their body. Respect boundaries if a partner dislikes the sensation of being licked in certain areas or at all.
Body Sensitivity: Some body areas may trigger ticklishness, vulnerability, or discomfort rather than pleasure. Check in and adjust based on response.
Giver Comfort: The person licking should also enjoy the activity. Licking should not feel like an unpleasant obligation. Both partners deserve to find pleasure in the exchange.
Red Flags
Stop or adjust if: either partner expresses genuine discomfort (versus pleasurable discomfort), skin reactions occur, or the activity feels non-consensual in any way.
Beginners Guide
Starting with body licking is accessible for most couples, requiring no special equipment or skills.
Step 1: Discuss Preferences
Talk about where each partner likes or thinks they might like being licked. Discuss any areas that should be avoided due to ticklishness, sensitivity, or discomfort.
Step 2: Start with Commonly Enjoyed Areas
The neck, earlobes, and inner arms are typically enjoyed by many people. These make good starting points before exploring less common areas.
Step 3: Pay Attention to Response
Watch and listen for your partners reactions. Increased breathing, sounds of pleasure, or moving toward your mouth indicate enjoyment. Tension, pulling away, or silence may suggest discomfort.
Step 4: Vary Your Technique
Alternate between different types of licking—broad and flat, precise and pointed, with and without suction. Variety maintains interest and discovers what works best.
Step 5: Explore Temperature
Try sipping something cold or warm before licking. The contrast between changed tongue temperature and skin creates novel sensation.
Step 6: Integrate with Other Activities
Licking works well as part of broader intimate activities—during massage, as foreplay, during sensory play, or as part of body worship scenes.
Discussing with Your Partner
Introducing or expanding body licking in your relationship benefits from open conversation.
Share what appeals to you about licking or being licked. Is it the sensation? The intimacy? The worship aspect? A fetish for tongues or saliva? Understanding motivations helps partners engage authentically.
Discuss hygiene and taste honestly. Some people have concerns about body taste or smell. Showering before intimate activities, or embracing natural body scent, can be discussed according to both partners preferences.
Map the body together: which areas are excited about being licked, which are uncertain, and which are off-limits? This conversation can itself be intimate and arousing.
For the person doing the licking: share whether there are areas you are especially enthusiastic or hesitant about licking. Your comfort matters as much as your partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not like how my partner tastes?
Taste varies based on diet, hygiene, and individual chemistry. Showering before helps. Flavored body products can mask natural tastes. If taste remains an issue despite these approaches, it is okay to limit licking to certain areas or prefer other activities.
Is body licking safe regarding infection?
On healthy, intact skin, body licking carries minimal infection risk. Avoid licking areas with open wounds, sores, or rashes. If either partner has oral infections (cold sores, etc.), avoid contact between the infection and partners skin.
How do I stop my tongue from getting tired?
Pace yourself—marathon licking sessions strain the tongue. Alternate with kissing, nibbling, or using hands. Change techniques to use different tongue muscles. Build endurance gradually over time.
What areas are most sensitive to licking?
This varies individually, but commonly sensitive areas include: neck, ears and earlobes, inner wrists, inside of elbows, inner thighs, feet (for some), and the small of the back. Experimentation reveals your partners specific map of sensitivity.
Can licking be part of BDSM dynamics?
Absolutely. Licking can be service-oriented (submissive worshiping dominants body), can be ordered or controlled (when and where licking occurs), or can be part of sensation play within scenes. The power dynamics layered onto licking create different experiences than purely sensual licking.
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