Tantra teaches that touch can be very powerful when used with the intention of healing and awakening another person. With an open mind and some practice, anyone can learn to give and receive tantric healing touch. Learning to give and receive contact with presence offers many benefits.
1) The body relaxes, opens up and releases blocked energy.
2) Increases awareness and supports healing of the entire body.
3) Awaken the senses, allowing the ecstatic energy to expand and flow.
4) Create a conscious connection between the giver and the receiver.
Set aside some time to share the healing touch with a friend or lover. Turn off phones and make sure they don’t disturb you for at least an hour or two. This type of touching can be done clothed, partially clothed, or nude, depending on your comfort level. Create a comfortable place to practice. The area should be warm, clutter-free, with low lighting and relaxing music. You can work on a massage table, on the floor, or on a bed.
Make a heartfelt greeting. In Tantra we use the Sanskrit word Namaste, which means I honor the Divine in you, as a reflection of the Divine in me. Begin this practice by sitting across from his partner and looking him in the eye. Maintain eye contact throughout the process. Next, extend your arms toward the ground, palms together. Inhale and keeping your hands in a prayer position, bring them to your heart. Exhale, as you lean forward and acknowledge the Divine in each other by saying, “Namaste.” Inhale as you straighten up. Finally, exhale as you allow your hands to return to the starting position, pointing toward the ground.
Now, take a few minutes each to share your wishes, fears, and limits. A boundary is what you need to feel safe and stay open. Agree on the amount of time you commit to sharing this experience. If you are both going to give and take, divide the time equally. Decide who will give and who will receive first.
The receiver then goes to bed with the intention of surrendering to each moment and letting go. The giver is intended to be a conduit for healing, a “hollow bone” for the Divine to move through. They both let go of anything out of this very moment.
The giver begins by connecting to the energy body of the receiver. Very slowly, with your hands 6 to 10 inches above them, scan the entire body. See what you notice. Encourage the recipient to breathe deeply into their belly and make sounds as they exhale. Let your breath begin to sync up with theirs. As you scan the body, look for areas that feel tense, cold, or lack energy. Also watch for areas that may feel open, hot, or flowing. Gently stroke the energy body until it begins to feel smooth and integrated.
When you feel good, slowly place your hands on your body and take some time to “be” with the body before you start “doing” anything to it. Slowly, she intuitively begins to touch them. Allow the session to come organically in the moment, not with your mind making a plan or having a goal. Listen to their comments and follow their requests with your full attention. Sometimes you can ask for guidance. Where do they want to be touched? How do they want to be touched? If they don’t want to talk, ask them to give you feedback only if something doesn’t feel right.
It is important for the receiver to offer positive feedback frequently. By saying yes or making sounds, like ahhhh or hummm. This confirms that you like what is being developed. When giving verbal feedback, use the sandwich technique. 1) Give an appreciation 2) Ask for the change. 3) Say thank you. Here is an example. “It feels so good to have my feet rubbed. It would feel even better if they used a little more pressure. Thanks, it feels great!”
This is an opportunity to practice the art of devotion. Touch this person as if they were a God or Goddess. Really allow the Love to flow from his heart, through your hands and into them. Let this practice become a meditation, a merging with the One. Finish by spooning. Take some time to share your experiences, and then switch roles if that was the agreement.
Namaste’
