American society wants to sexualize pretty much everything. So, when the term neo-tantra massage (or modern tantra massage) began to surface, I was not surprised to see how heavily westernized this ancient form of sensual bodywork has become.
Basically, neo-tantra massage uses the ancient practice of Tantra as inspiration for full on sexual, erotic massage. So, in other words, neo-tantra massage pays little attention to the spiritual disciplines of Tantra (which are many).
In actuality, Tantra is an ancient, multi-pronged approach to life. It’s a philosophy and a religion and has been around for thousands of years.
Unfortunately, in American sex-twisted culture, we’ve taken a holistic practice and reduced it to a ritualized sexual romp.
Key Characteristics of Neo-Tantric Massage
Neo-tantra massage emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. It was influenced by people such as Osho and Margot Anand.
People like Anand and Osho ‘adapted’ the ideas of traditional tantra and made the practices more palatable for Western tastes. Making them more relationship-oriented and blending them with psychology, breathwork, somatic therapy, and conscious touch.
This in and of itself is not a big problem. It’s just that they kept calling in Tantra. When in fact, it had become something else.
Neo-tantra massage focuses almost entirely on the sensual and erotic parts of massage.
Sessions typically involve slow, full-body touch with oils and lots of eye gazing, and energy circulation. This has become a stereotype of tantra.
Neo-tantra massage includes erogenous zones with an emphasis on prolonged arousal and non-goal oriented pleasure over quick releases.
Neo-tantra practitioners frame this work as therapeutic.
It’s positioned as a tool for nervous-system regulation and sometimes ‘energy’ orgasms without involving intercourse. Neo-tantra providers tout its ability to help with emotional release, healing trauma, shame around sexuality, improving body awareness, deepening intimacy and fostering self-love.
Certainly, all of this is possible with neo-tantra massage. However, traditional tantra can do all this and much more.
How Neo-Tantra Differs Most Significantly from Traditional Tantric Practices
Traditional Tantra is a broad, deep practice. It often requires years of study and guidance from gurus. Sexuality is one small part. Not the main focus.
Neo-tantra massage focuses mostly on the sexual aspect of arousal and sensuality through touch. It’s quite popular in wellness clinics and spas and is often marketed as a premium intimacy experience.
Neo-tantra massage has empowered many to explore their sensuality safely. but experiences vary widely depending on the practitioner. Which is part of the problem when one strays from an ancient holistic practice.
In the end, try a neo-tantra massage if you’d like. Just don’t have high expectations since there is no real standard for the practice.
AND…
To be honest, neo-tantra massage should be called something that doesn’t have the term ‘tantra‘ in it, since it bears little resemblence to the ancient practice.
I know these are just terms, but words matter. It matters even more when you’re dealing with people in such an intimate matter when it comes to massage. Take care and stay sensual!
Thanks for reading/listening and have a very sensual day. Dyann xoxo
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