Tantric massage includes breathing exercises and sensual massage movements covering the entire body, including the genitals. According to Deborah Anderson, tantric massage therapist and author of "The Sacred Feminine," tantra is 9,000 years old and originates from the Himalayan mountains of India. "Tantra is about the interplay of Divine female energy empowering the male energy," says Anderson. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork does not recognize the practice of tantric massage. Discuss tantric massage with your physician.
Tantric Partners
Couples may practice tantric massage to enhance the sexual experience, according to Anna Lynn Sibal of MassageDen.com. Sibal emphasizes that both the giver and receiver should remember that tantric massage uses pleasure to open the body to spiritual growth. "Because of the trust and openness that tantric massage requires, it is important that the giver of the massage is someone that the receiver trusts and is absolutely comfortable with," says Sibal.
Benefits
According to Sibal, tantric massage can awaken the kundalini energy, activate the chakras of the body and facilitate the body's physical, emotional and spiritual healing. "Because tantric massage activates the chakras of the body, the ability of the body to heal itself is enhanced," says Sibal. In addition, Anderson includes helping with low libido, confidence, shyness and high levels of stress as benefits of tantric massage. There is no scientific evidence to support these benefits.
Yoni Massage
For women, a tantric massage may include a yoni massage. According to Dr. Steven Jay and Kypris Drake, M.S., M.A., radio show hosts and tantric massage instructors, yoni is the Sanskrit word for vagina and literally means divine passage or sacred space. During a yoni massage, the aim is not to create arousal and orgasm, but, instead, "to be in joy and wonder of this beautiful part of the body," relate Jay and Drake.
Lingam Massage
When a man receives a tantric massage, it often involves meditation techniques, relaxing, full-body massage strokes and may include a lingam massage. According to Jay and Drake, lingam is the Sanskrit word for penis and means wand of light. Tantric massage practitioners perform a lingam massage to honor and heal this part of the body and the massage can address premature ejaculation and sexual stamina concerns, say Jay and Drake.
Medical Considerations
The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that scientific evidence on massage therapy is limited and that "scientists are not yet certain what changes occur in the body during massage, whether they influence health, and, if so, how." Massage should not be performed on an area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, weakened bones or where there has been a recent surgery, advises the center. Do not use massage therapy to replace your regular medical care.
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