Tantric healing therapy arises from ancient Hindu philosophy, which originated around 5000 BC, and generally involves unblocking the energy that has been hindered by emotional or physical stress or trauma. Tantric therapists believe that freeing this energy, contained within seven different chakras, encourages healing of the mind, body, and soul. Methods of healing might include message therapy, breathing techniques, visualization and yoga, or a combination of these methods. Therapists frequently work with individuals or couples.
Impurities in the mind and body that may manifest as physical disease due to blocked energy are removed by the tantric healing process. Healers believe the body contains seven chakras, extending from the top of the head to the bottom of the spine. Each chakra is thought to spin either clockwise or counterclockwise, and each is associated with specific areas and organs of the body. When the body and mind are in proper balance, therapists believe, the energies flow from one chakra to the next, circulating throughout the individual. As in Asian medicine, the hands and feet are believed to contain mappings for each chakra, and massage of these areas is thought to stimulate different regions.
Massage for tantric healing may be done in a serene, candlelit environment with ambient music. To gain the full benefit of relaxation, persons are usually encouraged to wear a minimal amount of clothing but are covered by a sheet. The healing message generally includes the face, neck and shoulders, along with the back, buttocks, legs, and feet. Particular attention is often paid to the areas of the spine containing the chakras. Deep tissue message might be followed by breathing exercises and light touch healing on the skin’s surface.
Using tantric healing, therapists awaken the kundalini or the chakra in the lower spine, from where it is believed that healing energies radiate upwards, stimulating and freeing the other chakras. This energy then circulates throughout the body. Though not meant to be a sexual experience, tantric practitioners believe that this general awakening also naturally stirs sexual energy, as the philosophy holds that the spiritual and sexual being are closely interconnected and that sexual release produces a heightened spiritual awareness. Some tantric therapists specialize in sexual healing therapy, which may produce an emotional release through sexual stimulation.
Tantric yoga generally involves a meditative state used to spiritually awaken the individual and to create harmony between the male and female energies within the body. The goal is to expand the individual’s levels of consciousness while awake, dreaming, or sleeping. The method typically includes breathing exercises, meditation, visualization, and verbal repetition of mantras. This form of yoga is used to remove mental and emotional impurities believed to disrupt internal peace.