The idea of strapping electrodes somewhere on the body for improving sex is not new. Sex-hackers on the bleeding edge have been doing this for a while, and there are even a few commercial products out there that claim to make the genitals more sensitive using neuro-electric techniques. This practice may soon go mainstream: researchers at a pain management clinic in North Carolina recently published a study on the use of electrical nerve stimulation to treat various forms of sexual dysfunction.

By electrically stimulating the area around the cauda equina (a sheath around the lower part of the spine), research has shown it is often possible to improve or restore sexual function. The medical community is most interested in using this for jump-starting libido in women with various types of female sexual dysfunction. It is also of interest for men with erectile dysfunction that have a condition that make them unable to use Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. Ultimately, the societal fear-factor will wear off and NASF will be of interest to many average people.

Are you squeamish about DIY applications of electricity to your spine? Do you think it's wiser to let others perfect the technology before you try it? The closest natural alternatives include various (gentle) forms of massage, accupressure, and yoga. Like NASF, these stimulate the nerves in the lower spine and improve the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

While NASF may seem scary to some, others see it as the logical extension of technology, a high-tech version of a vibrator. And Aphrodisiology predicts that this will one day become as mainstream as the vibrator. Mechanical vibrators began as 'medical devices' to treat female hysteria (in the days when doctors made house calls), but eventually broke out of the medical monopoly (except in Alabama, Georgia and Saudi Arabia, where they are still illegal for the purpose of pleasure).

External Links

• Neurally Augmented Sexual Function (PubMed Study)
• Dugg Thanks, Serpi!.