What Is Tantric Love, And Is It Right For Your Relationship?
The terms “tantric love” and “tantric sex” often conjure a variety of mental images, as much of the common public knowledge on the subject is mired in misconceptions. Tantric philosophies are based on the strength and awareness of the intimate emotional and energy connection to yourself and between romantic partners. Read on to explore the meaning of tantric love, how to get started, and what therapy can do to help you build healthy intimacy in your relationship.
Exploring the meaning of tantric love and sex
Tantric love, also called tantric sex, is the practice of weaving together the spiritual and physical in a unique form of meditation meant to emphasize the crucial aspect intimacy plays in a romantic connection. Tantric sex is less about the orgasm than the journey of sexual exploration you take with your partner to get there.
“The goal of tantric sex is to achieve spiritual or energetic contact during a sensual experience. This practice is slow, and the aim is not always to achieve orgasm. Instead, it’s about feeling a connection either to your partner or to yourself that’s both intense and enlightened. It includes breathing, sounds, and movements to activate sexual energy.” — What Is Tantric Sex?
Surprising facts about tantric love
Some facts that you may not know about tantric love include:
- Tantric love focuses on the intimate connection between partners through mindfulness and celebration of shared sensuality. Sexual activity is often an aspect of tantric love, but not the most crucial part.
- Practitioners report that tantric sex drastically differs from desire-driven sex with the goal of satisfaction. Tantric love teaches you to savor the experience, fostering awareness of even the slightest sensations and details of your body.
- Tantra traditions teach that the practice is sacred, representing the union of the creative and divine forces. Tantric love is a tool that facilitates balance and harmony with yourself, your partner, and the world around you.
- Though sex and sexual activity are often involved, tantric love centers on the connection between body and mind. Sexual contact between partners is often the method used to connect to a profound awareness of each other.
- Tantric practices can include ritualistic elements meant to help you and your partner achieve a heightened state of awareness.
The origins of tantric practices
According to researchers at the British Museum, the Tantras are an ancient Hindu and Buddhist philosophy rooted in sacred knowledge dating back to the sixth century. The teachings can be interpreted literally and symbolically, but both understandings promote sexual rites to aid in the achievement of enlightenment. While you can practice Tantra without sexual activity, it is often the medium to engage in intimate exploration together.
“Some Tantras describe sexual rites for achieving enlightenment. These can be understood both literally and symbolically. If taken literally, a couple assumes the role of deities in sexual union, the woman often being the focus of worship. When interpreted symbolically, a practitioner visualizes this union within their own body, the deities symbolizing qualities such as wisdom and compassion.” — Demystifying Tantric Sex
How tantric love can affect your relationship
Many tantric love acts take extended time and don’t focus on sexual gratification, so it may be difficult to understand why someone would want to invest the time. Tantric practices can strengthen your relationship's emotional and physical intimacy, deepening the bond you share with your partner. Studies show that deep, meaningful relationships can help partners to allow themselves to be vulnerable with each other, which may help explain the popularity of tantric love. Couples who practice tantric sex may show improved moods, healthier immune systems, better heart health, decreased blood pressure, stress relief, and improved sleep.
Getting started with tantric practices
Educate yourself
Learning about tantric practices, how they work, and methods for beginners can help you explore the intimate connection you share with your partner.
Prepare your mind
Being present in the moment is an essential facet of tantric love. If you’re distracted or stressed about something else, it could affect how well you connect with your partner. Try meditation or other relaxing activities to help you clear your mind.
Set the scene
Preparation can enhance your tantric love experience, so ensure you have a safe, comfortable, quiet place to explore each other’s bodies and sexual energies.
Don’t rush the process
Tantric love is focused on the connection and the pleasure of the sexual journey you take together, so don't rush. Take your time to explore each other, focus on the bond you share, and be together in the moment rather than fixating on the culmination of your pleasure.
Start with sustained eye contact
Sustained and meaningful eye contact is frequently associated with tantric love. Studies show that extended direct eye contact can stimulate a heightened level of stimulus processing.
Know your body intimately
Knowing your own body and what you enjoy can be a crucial part of tantric sex. If you aren’t sure or haven’t spent much time discovering what you like, you may want to consider tantric self-love and masturbation.
Learn your partner’s body just as well
Honoring your own body and your partner’s as the sacred vessel for sexual energy is a core tenet of tantric sex, so take the time to explore each other from head to toe. A full-body massage is an excellent way to touch your partner everywhere and learn what they like.
Touch the body with reverence
Tantric practices teach that the body is sacred and should be approached with reverence, whether you’re touching yourself or your partner.
Breathing exercises
Deep breathing exercises help you relax, center your mind and body, and focus on connecting your spiritual and physical forms. Tantric practices teach us to breathe deeply through the diaphragm by inhaling through the nose for five seconds before exhaling for five seconds. Many couples enjoy the increased connection of synchronizing their breathing and the intimacy of sharing the same air.
Exploration through touch
Your body’s largest organ is the skin, and it’s connected to thousands of nerve endings. Take advantage of the pleasure simple touch can provide and explore each other’s bodies. Pay attention to what makes your partner gasp or moan, and you could discover erogenous zones you may not have known existed.
Practice sustained eye contact
Slow, deep sex while maintaining eye contact can be an intensely erotic experience that lets you feel intimately connected to your partner. While many sexual positions don’t allow for eye contact, when possible, use it to help you be present in the moment with your partner.
Involve all the senses
Tantric love involves engaging all five senses. Not only do you touch your partner, but you also revel in the scent that is theirs alone, the sight of their body, the sound of their sighs and gasps, and the taste of their lips and skin. Increase the intimate connection between you by stimulating all the senses.
Find what makes you comfortable
Everyone isn't comfortable naked, but tantric love doesn't require nudity. Many positions allow sexual contact while one or both partners remain clothed. There are no rules for how you engage in tantric sex, so find what makes you feel safe and comfortable.
Tips for introducing tantric love into your relationship
These include:
- Practice being present in the moment and intimately aware of your partner and yourself.
- Extend the pleasure with prolonged foreplay intended to build the connection you share and the moment's intensity.
- Practice sexual positions that allow you both to feel connected.
- Try tantric yoga together if you want to build intimacy without sex
- Explore and experiment together. Discover sexual curiosities and find creative ways to become closer.
How therapy can help couples build healthy intimacy
Physical and emotional intimacy are at the heart of tantric love, but desiring that deeper connection doesn’t mean you automatically know how to make it happen. Consider working with a licensed relationship therapist online through a virtual therapy platform like Regain. Therapy can help you establish honest communication to express your emotions, desires, and needs. You can also learn conflict resolution to work through problems together and coping skills to give you healthy ways to manage stressors.
Studies show that online and in-person couples therapy offer similar outcomes, with both research groups showing decreased symptoms related to anxiety, stress, and depression and increased relationship satisfaction. The record also shows that individual therapy is equally effective virtually and in the traditional face-to-face setting.
Takeaway
Tantric love increases the emotional and physical intimacy in your relationship, leading to an intense, pleasurable connection with your partner. The information provided in this article offers insight into the meaning of tantric love, how you can practice it with your romantic partner, and the assistance therapy can provide as you work to build intimacy together.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much do celebrity therapists make?
Being a therapist doesn't always land you a job as a therapist for celebrities or boost you to celebrity status yourself. When it does, you may make quite a lot compared to the average. However, becoming a therapist is more than how much money you are going to make. People who become therapists are often very personable and enjoy their work as they find it fulfilling to help those experiencing mental health-related concerns.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average marriage and family therapist in the United States makes around $53,000 per year, while psychologists make upwards of $83,000 per year. These are only averages; it is quite common for therapists to make more money depending on their credentials, the years they have been practicing, and whether they own their own practice or not.
A therapist for celebrities might average much more. However, it's hard to be precise; celebrity therapists may not post their salaries online.
Who is the most famous therapist?
In terms of modern culture, Dr. Phil is one of the most famous mental health professionals worldwide. Dr. Phil gained his quite a bit of notoriety after appearing on Oprah for several years and then starting his own TV show. That said, if we are looking at other people throughout history who made an impact in the field of psychology and clinical psychology, the most famous might include (in no particular order):
- Sigmund Freud: developed many psychological theories and treatment methods.
- F. Skinner: developed operant conditioning and helped develop behaviorism to treat patients.
- Albert Bandura: developed social learning theory and began treating patients through behaviorism and cognitive psychology methods.
How much does it usually cost to see a therapist?
Therapy costs, on average, roughly $100 to $200 per hour in the United States. However, this isn't a set rate, and the cost will vary depending on several factors. For example, therapists in New York City may charge quite a bit more than those in a more rural area. Therapists often charge based on their certifications, their years of experience, and whether they have their own practice.
Is there a difference between a therapist and a counselor?
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between those who are counselors and those who are therapists. Counselors typically help clients overcome a specific issue, such as substance use disorder. They will use coping mechanisms and other techniques to help them overcome and manage their symptoms. This type of mental health professional will generally see a client on a short-term basis.
On the other hand, those who practice psychotherapy focus on treating a full range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. This type of therapist generally works with their client for a longer period of time. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an umbrella term that incorporates numerous forms of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychoanalytic therapy. Each of these types of therapy uses different techniques and has different underlying fundamentals.
How can a therapist make six figures?
Generally speaking, one of the best ways to make six figures as a therapist is to open your own practice. However, it is not impossible.
Another way therapists can make six figures is by moving to a place where you can charge more. Keep in mind that if you do this, your cost of living will likely go up as well. Therapists in big cities often make more than those in less populated areas; your mileage may vary, though.
Lastly, if you want to make six figures as a therapist, you can also strive to become a therapist for celebrities or high-profile clients. This career path is very narrow and limited, so it might not be the easiest route.
Is being a therapist a good job?
Like most jobs, there are pros and cons to being a therapist. If you enjoy helping others and are good at listening, this may be the ideal job for you. Becoming a therapist can require a good amount of education, time, and money, so you need to decide if this is something you’re willing to invest in.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide to go to school to become a therapist:
- Do you care about others and how they are feeling?
- Are you able to practice discretion?
- Are you good at listening to others speak?
- Do you feel comfortable around new people?
- Are you a problem solver?
- Are you able to take criticism from others?
How do you practice tantric love?
What should I expect in a tantric session?
How do you have a tantric relationship?
What does tantric lover mean?
What is the end goal of a tantra?
How can you benefit from liberating or expanding your mind?
What is the definition of tantric self-love?
What is the concept of tantra?
What are the different forms of tantra?
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