Tantric sexual practices: Insight and guidelines for engagement
In the realm of sexual practices, tantric sex stands out as a unique and transformative approach that encourages a deep, holistic mind-body connection between partners. Originating from ancient Hinduism, tantric sex is a meditative form of sex that focuses on creating an intimate, spiritual connection.
At the heart of tantric sex lies a combination of techniques designed to awaken sexual energy, dissolve emotional blockages, and deepen spiritual and physical intimacy. These techniques include conscious breathwork, mindful touch and massage, meditation and ritualistic practices, energy work and body awareness, and creating a sacred space.
Conscious Breathwork, a key method, involves deep, rhythmic breathing together, helping partners stay present and connect deeply. This breathing can enhance arousal and bodily sensations, allowing individuals to move through various stages of orgasm or experience profound tingling sensations without touch.
Mindful Touch and Tantric Massage techniques, such as Lingam massage and Yoni massage, incorporate gentle, intentional touch combined with breathwork and energy flow awareness. These practices release tensions, promote healing of sexual trauma, and facilitate the free flow of sexual energy throughout the body, ultimately enhancing pleasure and intimacy.
Meditation and Ritualistic Practices play a significant role in tantric sex. Guided meditations, sometimes heart-based or focused on dissolving core emotional traumas, foster healing and open-hearted connection between partners. These meditations help couples address deep wounds and foster spiritual awakening through intimacy.
Energy Work and Body Awareness are also crucial aspects of tantric practice. This involves cultivating awareness of sexual energy, learning to move and redirect it through the body. This can involve de-armouring techniques and somatic sex therapy elements to deepen connection and pleasure.
Creating a Sacred Space is another essential element of tantric sex. Many tantric traditions emphasize setting a comfortable, romantic environment filled with sensory stimuli—like music and scents—that support relaxation, focus, and connection, helping partners attune to each other's presence and energy more fully.
Together, these techniques promote a holistic mind-body connection, transforming sexual activity into a shared spiritual and emotional experience that fosters profound intimacy and fulfillment.
Preparing for tantric sex involves setting aside time, reading about the topic, preparing the mind, finding a good place, and building a relaxed environment. Building the moment with a partner can be done by focusing on slow, intentional movements, deep breathing, and being truly present with one another.
Couples should adopt a hand-on-heart position during tantric sex, with each partner placing their right hand on the other's heart and left hand atop. Being naked is not necessary during tantric sex, and most positions are possible with and without clothes.
Tantric sex can help with sexual complications such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and anorgasmia. A breathing technique called Kapalbhati can be used during tantric sex to prolong ejaculation for males.
Exploration and experimentation are encouraged in tantric sex to find what works for oneself and one's partner. Tantric sex encourages the use of all five senses to enhance the experience. Building the moment in tantric sex can be done by practicing mindfulness, exploring the body, engaging in self-massage, and masturbation (for self-discovery).
Emily May, an AASECT certified sex therapist, describes tantric sex as a slow, deliberate journey that brings couples closer emotionally and physically. Tantric sex is not about reaching orgasm but enjoying the sexual journey and sensations of the body. It's about building a deep, intimate connection that transcends the physical realm.
One popular tantric sex position is Yab-yum, where one partner sits with their legs crossed and the other partner sits on their lap, wrapping their legs around their waist. Another position is the relaxed arch, where one partner sits on the bed or floor with their legs straight and the other partner sits on their lap, leaning back and resting their head between their partner's legs.
In conclusion, tantric sex offers a unique approach to sexual intimacy, focusing on mind-body connection, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening. By embracing these techniques, couples can deepen their connection, foster profound intimacy, and experience sexual fulfillment on a deeper level.
- The techniques in tantric sex, such as conscious breathwork, aim to awaken sexual energy and dissolve emotional blockages.
- Mindful touch and tantric massage techniques, like Lingam and Yoni massages, promote healing of sexual trauma and free flow of sexual energy.
- Meditation and ritualistic practices in tantric sex, like heart-based meditations, foster healing and open-hearted connection between partners.
- Energy work and body awareness in tantric practice help individuals move and redirect sexual energy for a deeper connection and pleasure.
- Creating a sacred space is essential in tantric sex, providing a romantic environment that supports relaxation, focus, and connection.
- Together, these techniques transform sexual activity into a shared spiritual and emotional experience that fosters profound intimacy and fulfillment.
- Preparation for tantric sex involves setting aside time, reading about it, and building a relaxed environment for a memorable experience.
- Tantric sex positions, like Yab-yum and the relaxed arch, offer a variety of options for couples to find their preferred approach.
- Emily May, an AASECT certified sex therapist, describes tantric sex as a slow, deliberate journey that brings couples closer emotionally and physically, transcending the physical realm.
