Types of Tantra
Tantra massage as we know it today is a relatively recent practice first developed in Berlin in 1977 and based on the works of modern psychiatrists and psychologists such as Carl Jung and Carl Rogers. The two most well known are Lingam (masculine) and Yoni (feminine) tantra massage which are part of the neotantra (modern) philosophies. Neotantra is actually a Western interpretation of the ancient Eastern esoteric spiritual traditions of tantra which have their origins in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies.
Lingam Tantra
Lingam is a male tantra massage form which loosely means ‘wand of light’ in Sanskrit. A lingam massage focuses on massaging the penis. Unlike a normal erotic massage, it can include more advanced techniques such as massage of the testicles, perineum and prostrate. The aim of a lingam massage is to achieve heightened sexual pleasure which will feel like rolling waves, becoming more intense and full bodied towards the end of the session as well as sexual healing and wellness. While orgasm itself isn’t the goal of a tantra massage, lingam massage can involve more intense and multiple orgasms. The penis will be approached with the utmost love and respect as the vagina is in yoni massage. Lingam massage could be considered a form of penis worship which distinguishes it from the shame-filled, quick and transactional forms of erotic massage involving hand jobs. The end outcome of a lingam massage should be a feeling of deep contentment, fulfilment and euphoria which will leave you feeling energized.
Lingam massage is useful for those experiencing difficulties such as premature ejaculation or inability to achieve orgasm. For premature ejaculation the session will typically include use of breathwork and increased awareness of the physical sensations in your body to learn how to control your physiological responses. Such sessions may or may not finish with ejaculation. Many lingam practitioners who focus on therapy and trauma healing do not offer ejaculation as a finish and will massage the penis and bring you close to orgasm, but finish with a relaxation massage. The intent behind this is the preserve your sexual energy and keep it within your body by not having an external release. Some practitioners will teach ejaculation retention which is about achieving orgasm without external ejaculation to preserve your sexual energy. Non ejaculatory sessions are useful for those experiencing premature ejaculation as you learn how to receive pleasure without expectation and how to remain relaxed yet energized.
Yoni Tantra
Yoni is a female tantra massage form which is Sanskrit for vagina meaning ‘sacred cave’. Like the male Lingam form, Yoni massage is all about worship, respect and devotion to the sacred feminine in the vulva and vagina. Yoni massage is a type of sensual massage that aims to help women feel more comfortable in themselves by exploring and developing their relationship with their body. Like the Lingam form, Yoni is about sexual healing and wellness and can promote healing across a wide range of issues such as: inability to orgasm, delayed orgasm, lack of arousal and libido, recovery from sexual trauma and abuse, recovery from negative sexual upbringing, improving your relationship with your own body and exploring / building your sacred sexuality. Many women have an unhealthy relationship with their own bodies courtesy of the patriarchal society in which we live, and lack the exploration of their bodies that boys and men typically go through. Women are traditionally taught that their bodies are not their own, but there for others’ pleasure or use. Yoni teaches women how to reclaim their body, pleasure, sexuality and take ownership of their sexual experiences and pleasure. Through this journey you can learn how to experience heightened sexual pleasure, orgasm and come to a better and more fulfilling understanding of your sexual self. Because Yoni is all about being a receiver of pleasure, women learn that they are worthy and capable of receiving pleasure.
Yoni massage will start as a slow, sensual massage, gradually building up the sexual tension and touching of the key erogenous zones on a woman’s body (neck, breasts, inner thigh, vulva and vagina). When the receiver is ready, the vulva and then vagina will be touched, increasing sexual awareness and pleasure to heightened levels by the end of the session. The session may involve some breathwork, guided meditation and energetic work to acknowledge and unblock and negative issues or energies. The session may or may not involve an orgasmic release, but as with Lingam, orgasm is not a central goal. If internal stimulation is provided, different areas of the vagina may be stimulated. Many women find that Yoni is less a sexual experience than an emotional one.