The Top 5 Tantric Myths
27th April 2023
When I first mentioned that I was working for a tantric massage agency, the reactions I got back from a lot of my friends and colleagues was mixed. A few hadn’t really heard of tantric massage and a few thought they knew.
Cue a lot of accusations that I was working on a porn site and I have even been accused of helping run a brothel!
Sure, going to a tantric masseuse isn’t something that you are likely to share compared to a new haircut or a qualification. It is certainly a discreet service, but I have heard several misconceptions about tantra in general. Trying to debunk the myth when someone’s mind is already made up? That is not an easy ride.
Based on those many conversations, I was curious enough to look online to see what the general buzz was. And oh boy, there are a lot of myths about tantric massage. So here are the top 6 most popular myths about that I’ve found and if they are true or false.
1. Tantra is all about sex
This is the most common myth. It is easy to assume that tantra is about sex, considering some of the benefits include heightened sexual arousal and increased intimacy, but there is no sex.
Instead Tantra celebrates the sacredness of your body and its desires along with mindfulness. In general it gives a balanced and liberating spiritual practice.
Verdict: False. Tantra might celebrate your body and increase intimacy, but this is from a therapeutic angle rather than outright sex.
2. Tantra promotes immorality, open relationships, etc.
This is a tricky one. And one that fuels the puritans and 15 year old “creative writers” on Quora.
Tantra does not consider monogamy a privileged choice, but on the other hand it doesn’t deny this either. In fact, the Tantric community is more widespread with open relationships. However Monogamy, polyamory, group marriage and celibacy are all options regardless of choice. The sole intention is to develop a state of awareness and consciousness from which everything becaome a spiritual practice.
The full debate on Tantra and open relationships can be read here
Verdict: A non-exclusive stance. The general tantric attitude is “anything goes, as long as it serves your spiritual evolution.”
3. Tantra is a dangerous practice
Tantric massage demands asceticism. As there is a risk of attachment, especially when lost in pleasure or strong energies. There are more risks than with common massage and tantra practitioners can spend years to just understand the fundamentals. Some of the mystique around tantra comes from Kudalini a power that lies at the base of the spine.
On another note, tantric massages are based around sensitive areas such as the genitals and the prostrate. You wouldn’t let just anyone loose to pummel these sensitive areas!
Verdict: For safety and effectiveness, use a qualified masseuse.
4. I need a partner in order to practice Tantra
Since when? You certainly need a good understanding of your body and should practice tantric meditation and breathing. There are small areas of energy that will require a partner but a majority of the different tantra practices can be explored solo.
Verdict: False, although having an understanding partner is great, its not necessary.
5. Tantra is black magic / religion / cult
I can almost picture puritans preaching this out on a cobbled street in the 16th century.
Tantric is a spiritual practice that helps with self-realisiation and a deeper understanding of reality. As it is also non-conformant and works outside the control of religious institutions. But it is not a cult, a religion and no one sacrifices a goat to please the Tantra God (there isn’t one).
Its simply a product of medieval Indian culture and the view that defies any time or religious beliefs.
Verdict: False.
Conclusion
Whatever your take on tantric massge or tantra as a whole, tantra is a vital path to choose for self-discovery and connection with the universe. Its also a very rewarding path where you can get in touch with mind and body. It certainly shouldn’t be frowned upon until trying it for yourself at least once.
You can book your tantric experience here and find out for yourself what this wonderful experience is all about.