Asalamualikum. When I was young I masturbated a few times, I did not know it is haram. When I learned I tried to decrease the amount I masturbated, and alhamdulilah I did, but I still do it sometimes. I am not even sure if masturbation is haram or halal because some people say its haram and some people say its halal. For now until I do more research I will be on the safe side and consider it is haram.
I found a certain way of masturbating, which does not give me alot of pleasure. In addition to this I dont think about women or any sexual thoughts while doing this way. I use this to release my sexual tension when it is extreme. Is this permissible?
I found this answer: https://islam.stackexchange.com/a/59623/44507 which says its fine to masturbate in moderation in order to fix an addiction. In the same way is it fine to release sexual tension in extreme cases only?
I am following ways to reduce my sexual desires, but still I want to know if I can do this in an extreme case. If this is haram, is there another way I can cure my sexual tension?