Relying on the Kama Sutra to heat-up a romance? You’re missing out on the ancient erotic wisdom science is proving accurate! Research shows us that many of Tantra’s pleasure and intimacy building tools are highly effective. Experimenting with breath, sound, movement, imagination, and touch builds and expands the capacity for pleasure. Caffyn Jesse, author of The Science for Sexual Happiness, explains that “by expanding nervous system capacity for excited arousal and relaxed enjoyment, somatic exercises help people build competencies in self-regulation, connection and joy.”¹ Integrating Tantra’s mind-body-spirit intelligence supports sexual empowerment.
Science backs these 5 Tantric techniques for expressing affection within a healthy relationship:
Inhale Sexual Energy
If you’re reading this, your brain is getting enough oxygen to function. But, are you primed for optimum erotic execution? Tantric breathing techniques guarantee to improve sex, and even boast orgasm controlling magic. What does the science say? Stress triggers the body’s natural ‘fight or flight’ response. The resulting increased heart rate and rapid breathing inhibit sexual function. So, breath control is critical to orgasmic bliss.
Calm your bodies together with slow, deep soothing breaths. Practice relaxed breathing using this handy-dandy visual aid: GIF courtesy of #DestressMonday.
Arouse Your Senses
Relaxation is key to peak sexual performance, so setting the mood is critical. Tantric massage oils promise tranquility. Does science agree? Yes! A study in Behavioral Neuroscience demonstrates the smell of lavender effectively reduces anxiety.² So arouse all your partner’s senses. Add Lavender massage oil to your shopping list. Then, express your love with a sensual, aromatherapy massage.
Note: Be sure to read product labels. Most massage oils should not be used on genitals. Organic coconut oil is a safe substitute, and a great lubricant!
Titillate Your Taste Buds
Tantra emphasizes the connectedness of one’s body. Tantric wellness is achieved through maintaining a detoxifying diet. This purifies the body and spirit. The gut and brain are connected. Bacteria in our bellies impact the mind. Essential microbes “interact with intestinal cells to produce about 90 per cent of the body’s supply of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that influences our perception of pleasure.” ³ Prepare for greater pleasure potential with this Savoring exercise adapted from the Science for Sexual Happiness with your lover:
Savoring Exercise
Voice Your Desires
Tantra embraces sexuality — wielding pleasure and intimacy as transformative tools. Since our culture generally advocates suppression and associates sexual rapture with shame, vocalizing what our bodies want can be challenging. Dr. Betty Martin, founder of School of Consent, developed a touch exploration activity that addresses this issue! Based on The Wheel of Consent®, this learning activity teaches partners to negotiate desire. Watch to learn and play with The 3-Minute Game.
The 3-Minute Game
Boogie Down
Porn goes straight to the climax. Tantra teaches us to enjoy the rising action. Pleasurable touch causes the brain to produce the love hormone Oxytocin. Sound and movement are also valuable sexual empowerment tools. Turn up your passion with this mindful dancing activity:
- Find a sensual musical mix. Pick your ambiance: jazz, new age, rock, hip hop, or classical can inspire rhythm.
- Start dancing solo as the music strikes. You’re not on stage, so improvise and enjoy.
- Once you’ve both got your grove, make and hold eye contact. Linger in that moment.
- Next, move closer together and slightly touch hands. Notice the sensations in your body and mind. What feelings does your lover’s caress evoke?
- Now, hold hands. Feel the sexual energy flow through your movements.
- Consenting adults can take it to full contact from here. Trust your body and yield to its desires.
References
¹ Jesse, C. (2017). Transformative Touch. In Healers on the Edge: Somatic Sex Education. Middletown, DE
² Harada H, Kashiwadani H, Kanmura Y and Kuwaki T (2018) Linalool Odor-Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Mice. Front. Behav. Neurosci. 12:241. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00241: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00241/full
³ Jesse, C. (2016). Science for Sexual Happiness: A Guide to Reclaiming Erotic Pleasure. Salt Spring Island, British Columbia: Erospirit.
Ashley Ryan, M.S. 