Tantra teaches that touch can be very powerful when used with the intent to heal and awaken another person. With an open mind and some practice anyone can learn how to give and receive Tantric healing touch. Learning how to give and receive touch with presence offers many benefits.
1) The body relaxes open and releases blocked energy.
2) It increases awareness and supports whole-body healing.
3) It awakens the senses, allowing ecstatic energy to expand and flow.
4) It creates a conscious connection between the giver and the receiver.
Set aside some time to share healing touch with a friend or lover. Shut off the phones and make sure you won’t be disturbed for at least an hour or two. This kind of touch can be done clothed, partially clothed or nude, depending on your level of comfort. Create a comfortable place to practice. The area needs to be warm, clutter free, with soft lighting and relaxing music. You can work on a massage table, the floor or a bed.
Do a Heart Salutation. In Tantra we use the Sanskrit word, Namaste,’ which means I honor the Divine in you, as a reflection of the Divine within me. Begin this practice by sitting across from your partner and looking into their eyes. Maintain eye contact throughout the process. Next, extend your arms towards the earth, palms together. Inhale and keeping your hands in prayer position, bring them to your heart. Exhale, as you bow forward and acknowledge the Divine in each other by saying, “Namaste.” Inhale, as you straighten back up. Finally, exhale as you allow your hands return to the starting position, pointed towards the earth.
Now, take a few minutes each to share your desires, fears and boundaries. A boundary is what you need to feel safe and stay open. Agree on the amount of time you are committed to sharing this experience. If you are both going to give and receive then divide the time equally. Decide who will give and who will receive first.
The receiver then lies down with the intention of surrendering into each moment and letting go. The giver holds the intention of being a conduit for healing, a “hollow bone” for the Divine to move through. Both of you let go of anything outside this very moment.
The giver begins by connecting to the energy body of the receiver. Very slowly, with your hands 6-10 inches above them scan their entire body. See what you notice. Encourage the receiver to breathe deeply into their belly and make sounds as they exhale. Let your breath begin to synchronize with theirs. As you scan the body notice areas that feel tight, cold, or lack energy. Also notice areas that may feel open, hot or flowing. Gently stroke the energy body until it begins to feel smooth and integrated.
When it feels right, slowly place your hands on their body and take some time “to be” with the body before you begin “doing” anything to it. Slowly, intuitively begin to touch them. Allow the session to emerge organically in the moment, not with your mind making a plan or having a goal. Listen to their feedback and follow their requests with your complete attention. At times you may ask for guidance. Where do they want to be touched? How do they want to be touched? If they don’t want to speak ask them to give you feedback only if something does not feel good.
It is important for the receiver to offer positive feedback often. By saying yes or making sounds, such as, ahhhh or hummm. This confirms that you like what is unfolding. 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 caressed. It would feel even better if you used a little more pressure. Thank you let feels great!
This is an opportunity to practice the art of devotion. Touch this person as if they are a God or Goddess. Really allow Love to flow out of your heart, through your hands and into them. Allow this practice to become a meditation, a melting into the One. End by spooning together. Take some time to share your experiences and then switch roles if that was the agreement.
Namaste’