Inside of the Elbow
This is another very sensitive area that often gets overlooked. In fact, like the armpit, it is one of the zones Dr. Mumford omitted when he adapted the Kama Marmas for the Western world. In a few of our classes, we’ve been asked why we don’t mention the inside of the elbow (we do talk about the backs of the knees, which are analogous), so it seems that some people remain consciously aware of how responsive this area can be, even in adulthood. We’ve both had lovers who got very turned on just by a few kisses on the inside of the elbow, but for many people, the sensitivity is quite subtle.
Like the armpit, this is a strike point in the martial arts, and if you’ve had blood drawn badly by an inept doctor or nurse, you know just how tender this area can be. We’re not bringing up the martial arts and medical professionals because we want you to think about violence, pain, and suffering but rather to illustrate that these zones are both vulnerable and erogenous. The skin is thin, so the nerves and blood vessels are very close to the surface. Remember, if an area is sensitive to pain, chances are it will be sensitive to pleasure, too.
In the case of the elbow, the nerve involved is the ulnar nerve, which is the largest unprotected nerve in the body (and the one responsible for the sensitivity of the “funny bone”). Interestingly, the ulnar nerve connects to the little finger, which is also an erogenous zone. We’ll have more to say about the little fingers in chapter 41.
The inside of the elbow is a particularly nice erogenous zone because you can fondle it discretely almost anywhere and at almost any time. As with kissing the nape of the neck, it’s a great way to send the message “I want you,” and it is a little less obvious when you are out in public. Gentle stroking of this zone with one or two fingers can be quite tantalizing. If you’re in a more private setting, a deep tongue kiss in the crook of the arm will create an erotic charge. Licking, blowing, and stroking, or any combination thereof, can all be effective. The sensations you experience may be subtle ones, but becoming skilled at Tantric lovemaking involves honing your ability to recognize these less obvious pleasures.