Tantric sex
Is it the best way to sexual fulfilment, a passing fad, or just a big hippy con?
East versus West
Tantric sex is thought to date back approximately 5,000 years and is part of an ancient Eastern spiritual practice known as tantra. Tantra involved leading an artistic and cultural lifestyle of bliss and harmony, of which sexuality was only one aspect.
The spiritual path of tantra says that pleasurable sex is sacred and not a sin. Modern western society tends to ignore the wider aspects of tantric teachings and concentrates only on the sexual element. In its original form, tantric sex encourages total love that involves the mind, the spirit, and the body.
Do your exercises
There are hundreds of tantric sex books, videos, and even classes available. Many of the exercises that exist have been developed to allow the body to be relaxed, and the mind to be free from mundane thoughts (such as: 'Did I lock the door?', 'I hope my flatmate doesn't walk in and start laughing', and: 'Wow, this ceiling needs repainting'). There are also techniques that involve using breathing as a form of meditation and a way of spreading sexual energy around the body.
With tantric sex, couples concentrate on enjoying the moment and explore all their senses, rather than racing towards an orgasm as if it is the only thing that matters. They are also encouraged to be more romantic with one another, by making the bedroom into a special place, gazing deeply into each other's eyes (soul gazing), and giving one another small gifts.
How do they do that?
We've all seen some of the positions. They may look like completely mad exotic contortions, but according to the tantra philosophy they are designed to 'align the chakras' of the lovers. Which is obviously the reason Playboy went out and made a commercial 'tantric lovemaking' video, and the book market has been flooded with so many picture books. Not.
Claims made about tantric sex:
According to its followers, tantric sex helps create:
- more loving and affectionate relationships;
- better communication between partners;
- intense, whole-body orgasms;
- male orgasm that don't necessarily involve ejaculation;
- sex that goes on for hours;
- easier orgasms for women;
- a few headlines for ageing pop and movie stars.
