Discover another approach to sexual pleasure thanks to tantric massage
Associated with erotic massage, tantric massage is much more than that. A real discovery of the body and sensual pleasure, it is a meditative massage with Indian origins and diverse practices. If it is possible to reach orgasm during a tantric massage, this is not the main objective: the goal is above all to connect your body and mind to reach a new state of consciousness.
As an e-concept store dedicated to women's intimacy, we have specialized in sexual pleasure and the subjects of tantric massage and tantric sex have necessarily seemed interesting to share with you. In this article, we introduce you to this practice and offer you steps to practice it at home, as a couple.
Summary
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What you need to remember
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What is a tantric massage?
Tantric massage , also called tantra massage or Kashmiri massage , is a well-being massage, meditative and focused on the knowledge of the body, much more than on sexuality. It is of Hindu origin.
Definition of tantric massage
Tantric massage is a massage practice, which is based on Hindu tantric philosophy – we will tell you more about it right after. It focuses on the sensory and spiritual experience . It aims to awaken, harmonize and circulate vital energy, sometimes called sexual energy.
Tantric massage involves a slow, conscious and intentional touch from the masseur, where the chakras (energy points in Hindu tradition) can occupy a certain place. It is often accompanied by breathing techniques , meditation , and sometimes mantras (these repeated phrases, especially in the practice of yoga or mindfulness meditation) or soothing music . The goal is to promote deep body awareness and create a connection between the body, mind and soul . The ultimate goal of tantric massage is to go beyond – transcend physical pleasure to reach a global state of well-being and ecstasy. Orgasm can be one of the manifestations of the awakening of energies during tantric massage but it is not its goal.
Because tantric massage is pleasure-oriented and can involve massage of the intimate and genital areas, it is associated with erotic massage; however, it is distinct from it.
Origin and history of tantric massage
Tantric massage owes its name to tantrism , of which it is one of the practices.
Tantrism is a school of thought, a philosophy, a belief that sees the connection of body and mind as an expression of spirituality. In other words, pleasure, and especially sexual pleasure, can be a form of spirituality. This movement has its origins in ancient India, with traces dating back to around 1500 BCE. It developed as a set of spiritual practices and beliefs that spread within the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. While tantra reached its peak in India between the 6th and 13th centuries, it developed in the West in the 20th century, where it now occupies an important place, particularly in the area of personal development and body awareness.
The Indian origins of tantric massage are evident when observing the practices it brings together. Yoga (tantra yoga) and Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) influence tantric massage at different levels.
✋ Contrary to what one can sometimes read, the Kama Sutra is not a tantric text. Written between the 6th and 7th centuries, it is a manual in accordance with the traditional conception of the time in India, for whom sexuality was a matter of physiology and religious life, and not of morality.
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What is the difference with other types of massage?
There are several differences between tantric massage and other types of massage . There are four of them.
Difference #1: Goals and Intentions
We said it at the very beginning of this article, in the definition of tantric massage : the latter focuses on sensations, connection to spirituality and sensual exploration.
This is the only massage that has these goals. Massages generally have goals of relaxation (this is the case of Swedish massage, Californian massage and hot stone massage), therapy (such as deep tissue massage or shiatsu) and physical recovery (such as sports massage). Unlike tantric massage in which orgasm is a manifestation, like any other, of sexual energy, orgasm is at the center of erotic massage.
Difference #2: Practices Used
Tantric massage is based on an instinctive, soft, slow and fluid touch , almost caressing. Breathing and synchronization between the breaths of the giver and the receiver are essential to this massage.
In this, it differs from other massages where the touch is more technical, with movements such as effleurages, kneading, accelerations, repetitions of movements.
Difference #3: Relationship with the masseur
In any massage, the relationship between the masseur and the person being massaged must be based on trust. For a massage to go well and for relaxation to be found, the person being massaged must have complete trust with their masseur and listening is essential. In this, tantric massage is no different from other massages.
However, in tantric massage, the connection goes beyond trust since the bond, more than professional, is intimate and emotional. This is why a good tantric massage can be offered by the partner.
Difference #4: Cultural aspect
Tantric massage differs from many other massages by its Indian origins, which are predominant and particularly visible in the different practices it uses: tantra yoga, ayurveda, mantra, etc.
While many massages also have Indian origins, there are many massages that have other origins (Japanese, Balinese, Chinese).
The benefits of tantric massage
Here are the different benefits of tantric massage that we recommend you try, if only to see.
Physical benefits
The first benefits of tantric massage are first of all physical: tantric massage does the body good!
- Muscle Relaxation: The slow, mindful movements of tantric massage help relax tight muscles and release tension built up in the body. This can relieve muscle pain, reduce spasms and improve flexibility.
- Improved Blood Circulation: Massage techniques stimulate blood circulation, promoting better oxygenation of tissues and more efficient elimination of toxins. Improved circulation contributes to healthier skin, faster healing of injuries, and reduced fatigue.
- Nervous System Balance: Tantric massage often incorporates breathing techniques and gentle touch that soothe the parasympathetic nervous system. This reduces stress, promotes a state of deep calm, and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
- Stimulation of the parasympathetic system: By stimulating the areas of the body linked to lymphatic drainage, tantric massage helps to eliminate cellular waste and prevent the accumulation of fluids. This strengthens the immune system, reduces swelling and promotes detoxification.
- Deepening Breathing: Tantric massage, in combination with breathing exercises, helps to open the chest and release blockages in the diaphragm. Deeper, fuller breathing improves oxygen intake, lowers blood pressure and increases energy.
- Hormonal Balance: By reducing stress and promoting deep relaxation, tantric massage can help balance hormonal levels , including decreasing cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing oxytocin (the feel-good hormone). This can improve mood, promote better digestion, and support reproductive health.
- Chronic Pain Relief: By working deeply with the body’s energies and releasing tension, tantric massage can help reduce chronic pain, especially those related to stress, energy imbalances, and menstrual leg pain . People with pain related to conditions like fibromyalgia or migraines may experience relief.
Emotional benefits
Tantric massage can also bring emotional benefits.
- Release of emotional blockages: Tantric massage encourages deep relaxation and connection with oneself, allowing repressed emotions to emerge and be released. This helps to get rid of emotional tensions, overcome stress and heal past traumas.
- Increased Body Awareness: Tantric massage encourages full attention to physical sensations, which helps develop greater body awareness. This can improve posture, coordination, and reduce bodily tension due to poor body awareness.
- Increased self-esteem and self-acceptance: Tantric massage, by focusing on self-love and acceptance of the body as it is, allows you to reconnect with your own body and appreciate its intrinsic value. This strengthens self-esteem, promotes a positive body image and develops a healthier relationship with your own body.
- Reduced Anxiety and Emotional Stress: By combining conscious touch with breathing and meditation techniques, tantric massage helps to calm the mind and dispel anxious thoughts. This leads to reduced anxiety, better stress management, and greater emotional serenity.
Benefits for your relationship (as a couple)
As we will see, it is particularly pleasant to practice tantric massage between partners. It is just as interesting and positive to practice it as a giver as it is as a receiver.
- Improved Relationships and Intimacy: By cultivating self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one's own emotions, tantric massage can improve emotional communication and intimacy in relationships. This allows for deeper, more authentic connections with others, strengthening romantic and interpersonal relationships.
- Increased trust: Tantric massage, like any massage or in the context of sexuality, is based on total trust between the giver and the receiver, whether to appreciate the caresses, to let go or to give oneself completely. Learning to give oneself and to give with the only limit being the consent of the two participants is a beautiful learning of trust.
- Better knowledge of one's body and the body of the other: During the tantric massage, the giver caresses all parts of the other's body (unless otherwise stated). The receiver receives and feels the caresses. The two participants in the massage are led to synchronize their breathing and listen to the sensations of the person being massaged. Thus, the person being massaged and the masseur discover together the erogenous zones of the person being massaged - allowing both partners to return to them, during the massage or afterwards, during other practices.
Spiritual benefits?
There are various spiritual benefits associated with tantric massage in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. We list them here if you are interested in these religions.
- Awakening Spiritual Awareness: Tantric massage, by working on the subtle energies of the body and opening the chakras, helps to awaken spiritual awareness and deepen the connection with one's inner self. This promotes a greater awareness of one's spiritual path, a deeper connection with the universe and a higher understanding of one's place in the world.
- Chakra Balancing and Energy Harmonization: Tantric massage aims to balance the energy centers (chakras) and harmonize the vital energy (prana or kundalini) throughout the body. Better energy balance leads to a feeling of overall well-being, increased mental clarity and greater spiritual vitality.
- Experience of Transcendence and Oneness: Tantric massage can induce a deep meditative state, where the individual feels at one with themselves and the universe, transcending dualities (body/mind, inner/outer). This experience of oneness can bring a deep sense of inner peace, spiritual joy, and connection with the divine.
- Developing Mindfulness: By focusing on each sensation, breath and emotion, tantric massage encourages mindfulness, helping one to live fully in the present moment. This strengthens the ability to be present in one's daily life, to live with more intention and to cultivate a meditative state of mind.
- Enhanced Connection with Sexual Energy: Tantric massage explores and honors sexual energy as a vital and sacred force, integrated into the spiritual path. This helps transform sexual energy into spiritual energy, awaken the kundalini, and promote a more conscious and sacred approach to sexuality.
The different techniques used
Tantric massage is above all intuitive. It is based on listening and on the synchronization of the two participants, the giver and the receiver of the massage. Several techniques are nevertheless necessary to achieve this experience of unity between two people.
Slow and gentle movements
Tantric massage is based on slow movements, most often accompanied by oil to make the massage more sensual and essential oils to increase relaxation.
Caresses rather than manipulations
Slow and sensual caresses are recommended at the base of tantric massage. They are gentle and fluid. Similar to the effleurage technique in many massages, it may be necessary to repeat them in rhythmic and repetitive movements to accelerate relaxation. In a professional practice of tantric massage, the energy points (chakras) may be more specifically targeted, with the exercise of more or less significant pressure on or around these points, but this is not an obligation.
Interest of massage oils
Generally, it is recommended to use a massage oil to practice tantric massage. In addition to this shiny effect which can be very sexy for both partners, it brings a slipperiness, softness and an intoxicating smell to the massage.
🌈 In Gapianne, we offer two massage oils with different properties that you should like:
- CBD massage oil from the Equilibre CBD brand: The relaxing and aphrodisiac properties of CBD are particularly interesting in the context of a tantric massage. The Equilibre CBD brand also has environmentally friendly and health-friendly values that we love! Note that the brand also offers an intimate CBD oil , specifically dedicated to use on the genital areas. ⚠️ CBD is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Massage and body care oil from the My Lubie brand: This oil combines the restorative effects of grape seed oil and moringa oil with the softness of jojoba oil for a soothing and encompassing effect. It is totally appropriate for a tantric massage. We like that it is 100% composed of natural ingredients and 88% of ingredients from organic farming. Not containing essential oils, it is ok for pregnant and breastfeeding women. ⚠️ It has not been tested for internal use: opt instead for a lubricating oil for this use.
Interest in essential oils
In addition to massage oil, you can also apply essential oils – in this case, add a few drops to your neutral massage oil. Essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood or jasmine are often used for their relaxing and aphrodisiac properties. Be careful, however, not all essential oils are made to be applied directly to the skin: find out beforehand!
💡 Our tip: if you want to use oils for your massages, remember to always test them on a small area of your skin before applying them to your entire body... this will avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of an allergy or reactivity of your skin!
Using Breathing and Sounds in Tantric Massage
In addition to slow and gentle movements, other practices are associated with tantric massage. This is the case of breathing which must be synchronized between the participants, but also sounds and vibrations which are essential to immerse oneself in this state of full consciousness essential to massage.
Conscious breathing
Breathing, and in particular synchronized breathing between the two participants in the massage (the giver and the receiver), is essential in this practice. Indeed, not only will encouraging deep breathing in the receiver allow for complete relaxation , but it will also allow the giver to understand the points and areas that bring the most sensations. More jerky breathing, panting or, on the contrary, slower breathing provide indications to the masseur. By listening and in harmony with the person being massaged, he can give even more pleasure, or on the contrary, move away to better touch this area again later. Finally, joint breathing gives a particularly gentle feeling of unity when practicing tantric massage.
✋ It is not necessary to master breathing techniques to practice tantric massage. Just listening to your partner is enough!
Universe of sounds and vibrations
The sound environment in which the massage takes place is also important.
As part of the practice of a professional tantric massage, it will be customary to use repetitive vocal sounds such as mantras and/or the singing sound of Tibetan bowls to create vibrations that resonate throughout the body and promote relaxation and energetic opening.
As a couple, you can rely on a playlist of soothing music that the couple enjoys or on ambient sounds, such as falling rain, a storm or a fire crackling in the fireplace. These ambient sounds are available on YouTube channels and Spotify and Deezer playlists. We only recommend that you think about cutting the ads (for example with paid subscriptions or by downloading them in advance) so as to avoid being taken by surprise!
The Importance of Energy and Chakras
The practice of tantric massage being linked to Indian medicine and to the energy points that are the chakras, the manipulation of energy flows and chakras, by means of singular manipulations and pressures, is a particularity of this massage.
However, if you practice this massage primarily with the aim of connecting with your partner, you can do without this part without losing the interest and benefits of this massage.
Where to get a tantric massage?
It is possible to discover tantric massage with a qualified practitioner, alone or in pairs, or directly as a couple, with your partner. Let's see together the advantages and disadvantages of these two practices, as well as what you should expect from this type of practice.
Disclaimer: Are there any contraindications to tantric massage?
Yes. As with any massage, there are contraindications and questions surrounding tantric massage, whether you practice it with a professional or with your partner.
- Presence of an open wound : it is recommended not to massage an open wound, as there is a risk of superinfecting it. As a couple, you can of course massage the rest of the body without touching the area where the wound is located;
- Presence of a localized tumor, lymphedema or painful metastases: cancer is not a no-no when it comes to massage (although you may have heard this rumor before). Indeed, massage does not accelerate the spread of cancer cells as a well-established urban legend would have it. However, you should avoid causing pain and therefore massaging the areas affected by a localized and painful tumor. If you are in this situation, talk to your general practitioner or your oncologist to get their advice;
- Pregnancy: pregnancy is in no way a contraindication to tantric massage BUT 1) you will need to avoid essential oils and CBD oils and 2) you will need to be even more attentive as a masseur.
At a qualified practitioner
You can benefit from a tantric massage by a qualified practitioner, alone or as a couple (there may then be two practitioners). The advantage of going through a professional is that you will discover your body differently, through the hands and technique of a professional. You will also have the opportunity to discover the more spiritual and traditional aspects of tantric massage (chakras, use of Tibetan bowls, etc.). Practicing it as a couple can reassure you enormously during a first experience and help you to then start as a couple, at home.
How does it work?
The practitioner will receive you in his spa or will come to your home. In both cases, he will give you a questionnaire beforehand about your desires, your concerns and your health issues. will invite you to undress and settle down on the massage table while he will be away, in another room. He will not come back until you are settled, with a cloth covering your body. He will make sure that you are comfortable, that you are not cold, and will set the mood for the massage (music, incense, essential oils, etc.). Then he will perform the massage, always ensuring your consent – this is the basis of this very intimate type of massage. The goal of tantric massage is not orgasm, but if you must achieve it, it will be accepted as a manifestation of energy and not judged by your masseur. Once the massage is complete, the practitioner will leave the room and let you get dressed / shower.
How to find a trusted tantric massage practitioner?
Finding a trusted practitioner for tantric massage can be difficult due to the number of professionals and the level of trust required for this type of practice. There are many online directories and practitioner associations where you can find addresses. Here are our tips:
- For a first practice, prefer to go to a spa or office - do not hesitate to go there to make your appointment directly in order to meet the person in advance;
- Rely on word of mouth if some of your friends have had the opportunity to try it and/or on the opinions of the selected professionals;
- Ask for information about the practice if applicable;
- Trust your instincts – it's not everything, we know, but there's no point in going to a place that you don't like at first: even if the practitioner is good, you won't be able to relax;
- Go as a couple if it reassures you and your partner is ok with it.
At home, with your partner
The advantage of discovering tantric massage at home is that you will benefit from complete privacy and trust in the person who will give you the massage. The disadvantages are that your partner may be clumsy and sometimes break the sensuality of the massage and that you will not necessarily benefit from the cultural / spiritual aspect of the massage in this setting. It is up to you to see what you are interested in discovering in this type of massage.
In the last part of this article, we give you tips for practicing tantric massage as a couple at home in the best conditions.
Try tantric massage as a couple, at home!
Discovering tantric massage for two as a couple at home can have many benefits for your relationship. It is a beautiful experience for which we offer you 10 steps.
The benefits of tantric massage for couples
Tantric massage is another way to caress yourself and enjoy an intimate and sexual experience, different from the sex you practice. It is a moment that will boost your libido, bring you new sensations, make you discover new erogenous zones, lead you to discover your bodies differently. It is all the more interesting to test if your couple is running out of steam sexually, lacks renewal or is going through a particular period that disrupts sexuality, such as pregnancy, birth, illness... Tantric massage will bring you a new source of sexual pleasure that can be part of your foreplay or be an experience in its own right - it's up to your couple to decide!
Our 10 steps to try tantric massage for two
#1 Talk about it
If you want to try tantric massage for two, start by talking about it with your partner. You can have him read this article to help him learn more about this practice, which is little known and often assimilated to erotic massage.
#2 Create a sound ambiance
The sound environment is a prerequisite for a tantric massage session. Choose a sound environment (relaxing music or soothing noises) that relaxes you both.
#3 Create a visual atmosphere
Dimming the light, using a diffuser, a night light or even candles, can help bring even more sensuality to the moment. Candles can have a scent to provide a complementary olfactory ambiance, or not—we'll talk about that right after.
#4 Create an olfactory atmosphere
The olfactory atmosphere is also very interesting to immerse yourself in an environment of softness and sensuality. This step is optional if you use a scented massage oil: you may not like to multiply the smells too much.
#5 Install your partner
If you are the one who is going to massage, have your partner sit on your bed. You can lay him down on a towel or on a sheet specially designed for the occasion (be careful, the oil stains!). You can make him completely naked or leave his underwear on – massaging the genitals is part of the tantric massage but you can also take off his clothes little by little, for other sensations. It will also depend on his comfort level with his nudity.
#6 Put your hands on your partner
Start by creating contact by placing your hands on your partner. This contact is generally done by applying the oil, and often at shoulder level. Warm it between your fingers and make sure your hands are not too cold for a more pleasant sensoriality.
#7 Synchronize your breathing
Ask your partner to breathe gently. You can guide their breathing at first, directing them to inhale and exhale when you ask them to. This will make it easier to match your breathing to theirs—because that’s what you need to do: the more you can breathe with them, the more you’ll be listening to them, and the more you’ll be experiencing the experience together and feeling their emotions.
#8 Describe your actions and obtain consent
This is an essential tip and we can’t help but repeat it. Your partner’s body belongs to them, and even in the excitement that tantric massage can bring, it’s essential to get their consent before touching or making any movements. You can speak quietly or whisper if ASMR is something that turns them on, or use your own voice—but always ask for their consent. You don’t want to hurt their feelings or make them feel uncomfortable by overstepping their boundaries.
#9 Run your hands over your partner's body
Now, run your fingertips, your palms, your mouth, and objects (a feather, etc.) over your partner's body. His whole body. Stop where he likes, avoid tickling him by emphasizing the contact, feel his shivers: in short, live the experience with him.
#10 Go to orgasm?
Enjoyment is not the ultimate goal of tantric massage but it can be one of its components. It is important to remember this first to avoid rushing things: the goal here is not to masturbate your partner (even if you can ultimately do it if you want to). The goal is to feel sensations, to experience emotions, to do yourself good. If orgasm is part of it or if tantric massage becomes one of your foreplay, well... it's your practice that counts ;)
