When most of us hear about tantric yoga, we immediately think that it’s a sex thing. Tantra yoga and sex go hand in hand, right? Well, while this is somewhat true, there is a lot more to tantric yoga than sexual positions.
Tantra yoga is an ancient practice. It combines many forms of yoga such as mantra, asana, mudra, bandha, and chakra. These all help you build strength, clarity, and bliss in everyday life.
If you harness and embody the five forces of the female deity that represents change and creativity, Shakti, then tantric yoga allows you to live your life with more contentment and confidence.
Sex was only a small portion of tantric yoga in the past. Only western interpretations have pushed certain parts of tantra away in favor of a sexier form of yoga.
In today’s blog, we will be discussing different tantric yoga positions and how this ancient practice can benefit your life in so many ways.
What Is Tantra?
Tantra is all about connecting with your energy. This helps you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and how your body reacts to certain things. Although some of the tantra energy is sexual, not all of it is.
Trying to pinpoint the exact beginnings of tantra is a pretty difficult task. Many tantric texts have been lost throughout history as tantra was forbidden in certain times and parts of the world.
As newer tantra teachings were introduced, writings on these practices were not as committed. Instead, they were shared by word of mouth through the ages.
Although nobody really knows when tantra began, some believe that its origins date back to around 500 A.D. However, some experts believe this ancient practice isn’t so ancient after all and originated in the 16th century.
Whether tantra began nearly 2,000 years ago or 500 years ago, it has evolved over the centuries. However, it has remained a fundamental personal practice to help liberate people’s emotions both sexually and emotionally.
Tantra has unique techniques that allow you to use your own energy. This helps you delve into a deeper understanding of yourself until you start to experience enlightenment.
Tantric Yoga Poses
If you wish to understand tantra, you should begin with Kundalini. Tantra is derived from a more spiritual style of yoga known as Kundalini. Many of the poses used in Kundalini yoga are considered tantric if they are performed with a partner.
Tantra helps you connect with yourself and others around you. In Sanskrit, tantra’s root is “tan.” This translates as, “to weave, expand, put forth.”
The connection of this is that everything in life is interwoven whether that be relationships with others, life experiences, or even the universe in general. Tantra helps you gain the ability to connect to others more easily.
Let’s study four tantric yoga poses to get you started. We will start with the foundation of tantra yoga and poses that you and your partner can enjoy doing together.
You can change these positions up when required to prolong touching and eye contact. And, do not worry about you or your partner’s size. These poses can be performed by partners of different sizes.
The Seated Twist
This first position helps to warm the spine. You and your partner will use each other to improve your flexibility and connect to one another in a deeper sense.
- Sit down in a comfortable position. Your knees should touch each other.
- Sit with a straight back and your chest leaning slightly forward. Your shoulders should be back and chin pointed slightly down. This should leave the crown of your head pointing toward the sky.
- Now, put your left arm behind your back and extend your right arm outward. Your partner should do the same.
- Hold your partner’s left hand with your right while simultaneously offering your left hand to your partner’s right hand. This should result in both of your bodies turning to accommodate each other.
- Now, slowly and gently twist as far as you both can comfortably go. Stay in communication the whole time.
- Once a few minutes have passed, swap sides, and repeat each step.
The Boat Pose
The Boat pose helps to strengthen your abdominal muscles with the help of your partner and vice versa.
- Sit and face your partner. Your legs should be out in front of you with your knees slightly bent.
- Now your knees are bent, move forward slightly until the soles of your feet are touching against your partner’s.at the same time, hold one another’s hands.
- Now, lean back slowly and push your feet against your partners.
- Gently and slowly straighten your legs while the soles of you and your partner’s feet continue to touch.
- For a deeper connection and stretch, slowly bend your knees again. Your feet should continue to touch while you both move your legs apart. Now, straighten your knees once again but with your legs positioned on the outside of both your arms.
Warrior I
There are three different Warrior poses (Warrior I, II, and III). Each can be performed in Tantric yoga. While performing this pose, ensure that you and your partner maintain eye contact at all times for the deepest connection possible.
- Start by standing with the toes of you and your partner’s right feet touching.
- You and your partner’s left feet need to step back around three feet while simultaneously rotating your toes to a 45-degree angle.
- Now, bend your front knees and then straighten your spines.
- Both of you should gently drop your shoulders back. Now, square your hips toward each other and raise your arms above your heads.
- Repeat on the opposite side. So, begin with your left feet touching instead.
Downward Facing Dog
Perhaps the most famous yoga position, this is also known as Legs Up the Wall. A restorative posture, Downward Facing Dog can be performed with your partner in a Child’s Pose so you both enjoy rest at the same time.
- Allow your partner to move into a Child’s pose. Their arms should be extended and relaxed.
- Now, sit on your partner’s hips and face away from their head.
- Lay back on your partner and allow your spine to follow the curvature of theirs.
- Raise both of your legs into the air.
- Bring your legs back down and switch positions with your partner.
In Summary
Tantric yoga can help build a stronger bond and connection between you and your partner.
As you grow, you and your partner will put more trust in one another when holding certain positions through the asanas. And, as time progresses, you will both find a new purpose in the art of Tantra yoga together.
I created this website to help newcomers to yoga and enthusiasts alike, and to share our common passions for yoga.
- How To Use Yoga Blocks - December 22, 2021
- Hatha Yoga Poses: How To Do & Benefits - December 22, 2021
- Bikram Yoga Benefits - December 22, 2021
