Critical Introduction - Old Silent Assumptions

1. The Myth of a "Natural" Human Sexuality

Masturbation: Good or bad?
In ancient Rome the great physician Galen recommended that therapists masturbate their female patients in the interest of natural health. In the 18th century, the "enlightened" Swiss physician Samuel Tissot declared that masturbation was the cause of many serious illnesses, and in the l9th century, European and American women were treated, often by means of a clitoridectomy, against the unhealthy and unnatural habit of masturbation. In the early 20th century, Wilhelm Reich again prescribed masturbation for the purpose of regaining the natural sexual function, and, as he reports, some of his psychoanalytic colleagues in Vienna secretly even followed Galen's advice and masturbated their female patients in therapeutic sessions. On the other hand, at present this kind of therapy is prohibited in all therapeutic Codes of Ethics.

Three physicians and their advice

Galen (129-201 AD)  recommended masturbation as therapy Samuel Tissot (1728-1797) warned that masturbation caused serious illness Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957) once more recommended masturbation as therapy