Tantric Orgasm: What is it?
The terms full-body and tantric orgasm are often used interchangeably. They are generally linked to the practice of tantra and more specifically to tantric sex. Tantra refers to a philosophy with roots in Hindu and Buddhist practices that emerged in India around the 6th century. The goal of tantra is spiritual enlightenment, which is accomplished through integrating the spirit, mind, and body.
Tantra practice focuses on using the body’s sensations as a way to shift awareness into the present moment and to develop a sense of connectedness. Tantric sex is a part of tantra practice. The goal is to forge a deep connection with yourself and, if applicable, your partner(s). It’s often slow and meditative, where a heightened sense of intimacy is the main intention rather than procreation or orgasm. Neither sexual intercourse nor genital touching is required to have a tantric experience.
Full Body Orgasm
In tantric sex, full-body orgasms don’t always happen through oral, penetrative, or digital (i.e. with the fingers) sex. In fact, they can occur with no touch at all. This is also called an energy orgasm, which centers on meditative techniques and some imagination to reach the full-body release.
It is important to note that there are different approaches to achieve a full-body orgasm. We are focused on the tantric approach, one of the most common, but there are other methods which don’t involve tantric practice. These methods often focus on combining sensations from different erogenous zones. For example, stimulating both the clit and the nipples at the same time.
Similar to genital orgasms, the key to tantric and full-body orgasms is to build up sexual energy. Instead of localizing this energy in your genitals, you expand and build it throughout your entire body. This practice can also lead to longer-lasting orgasms. Cool, right?
Let’s take a look at why these orgasms last longer.
Why Is A Tantric Orgasm Long?
Tantric sex requires practitioners to focus on the present moment and employs meditative breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, to promote relaxation. This practice prolongs the sensual experience – a tantric session, sometimes called slow sex, can last from one to four hours (or more!) – allowing more sexual energy to build up in the body and increasing arousal.
When most people near orgasm, they tense their body and take shallow breaths. They then reach the peak, or climax, and a sense of euphoria can follow. This feeling generally dissipates after a few seconds: anywhere between ten seconds and two minutes are times recorded by researchers. In contrast, the deep breathing techniques in tantric sex let you feel the sensations in your body more distinctly. You then have more control over your arousal and sexual energy, which means that these feelings of euphoria can last far longer.
Deep Breathing Techniques
As you reach climax, you can pause stimulation, use your breath to redistribute your sexual energy, and then start the stimulation again. This practice, also referred to as edging, can work for people of all gender identities and varied physiologies. It’s one of the main reasons tantric orgasms can last longer than genital orgasms.
Don’t worry if you don’t quite get everything yet. We’re going to give you some tools you can use to help you reach a tantric and full-body orgasm.
How To Tantric Orgasm?
Before we dive in, remember, orgasm is not the main goal of tantric sex. Whether an orgasm happens or not is never the measurement of a full sexual experience of any kind, and ultimately does not have to be what decides if play continues or finishes. You may experience many orgasms in one session, or none at all. When pleasure is the goal of the play, rather than orgasming, you are more likely to have an enjoyable sexual experience. This decentring of orgasms can help to minimize pressure to “perform” during sexual experiences – something tantric sex can also help to address. It may seem counter-intuitive, but ultimately, by taking your foot off of the gas and allowing yourself and your partner/s to step away from pressurizing orgasms, and focus on being present and on what feels good, you all have a higher probability of enjoying your sexual experiences.
With that in mind, here are a few techniques you can try:
- Practice mindfulness: Stay in the present moment. Let your thoughts come and go and be aware of your bodily sensations.
- Pay attention to your body without judgment: Explore your body, and not just your erogenous zones. Stroke your wrists, ankles, and inner thighs varying the pressure and intensity. Focus on the sensations, and notice what feels good.
- Use your senses, all five of them: Remember that candle we suggested you get out? What does it smell like? What does your room with the lights dimmed look like? Can you hear anything? Chirping birds, the wind? What does your skin feel like underneath your fingertips? Engage all of your senses. Not only will it help you stay mindful of the present moment, it will also help you to relax and to connect with your body and environment.
- Undulate your body: When you are being stimulated, or stimulating yourself, do like the backstreet boys and “rock your body”. This helps to maximize pleasure as it lets you keep your whole body engaged and active during a sensual experience.
In addition to these techniques, there are also a few tantric exercises you can try either alone or with your partner(s).
Tantric Exercises For Full-Body Orgasms (for solo and partnered play)
Orgasmic Breathing
Orgasmic breathing and edging are two great exercises for full-body orgasms that you can do solo or with your partner(s). To practice orgasmic breathing, draw out your breath during masturbation or a tantric session. If you prefer a more specific breathing pattern try box breathing: inhale for four-counts, then exhale for four-counts. Don’t be afraid to get as loud as you want, if you feel comfortable or are in an environment to do so! Relax and let everything go.
Tantric Sex Techniques
If you are practicing tantric sex with a partner(s), you can also try the following:
- Eye gazing: Sit face to face with your partner, and look into each other’s eyes. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but resist breaking eye contact. After a few minutes, you may start to feel more relaxed and more connected to your partner.
- Synchronized breathing: Match your breath to your partners. This helps to promote feelings of greater intimacy.
- Full body massage: This is another great method to help you and your partner relax and get into the mood. You can also incorporate lotions and essential oils.
Tantric Sex Positions
If you are practicing tantric sex with a partner, try out some positions that encourage eye gazing and synchronized breathing:
- Hand on heart: Sit, criss cross applesauce style, facing your partner. Place your right hand over your partner’s heart and have your partner place their right hand over your heart. Pay attention to how each other’s heartbeats feel.
- The Lotus (Yab Yum): Facing each other, one partner sits on the floor cross legged, while the other sits on their partner’s thighs with their ankles crossed behind their partner’s back. This is the classic tantric sex position and is also known as the tantric hug.
There is no formula that will guarantee a full-body orgasm, and what works for some might not work for you. If a full-body orgasm is something you want to experience, the best path forward is practice. As the adage goes, practice makes perfect! Luckily, in this case, practice can be just as fun and as enjoyable as the potential orgasm itself.
Angela (she/her) is a freelance writer and journalist with a versatile body of work. Her articles have appeared in various digital and print newspapers across the greater Boston area including the Wincherster Star, Watertown TAB, Cambridge Chronicle, Belmont Citizen Herald, and Arlington Advocate. She has written for the publishing platform Fabl and internally for the U.S Army. Most recently her short story “Catch and Release” was published in New Square, the official publication of the Sancho Panza Literary Society. She is currently pursuing her masters degree in creative writing at Trinity College Dublin.