From time to time we receive messages from disappointed customers that the Tantra massage they attended was anything but authentic. This is probably due to the fact that the offers as well as the expectations are very different. A tantra masseuse told me that newcomers are often poorly informed and imagine "tantra" to be a kamasutra-like sex ritual with wild position changes. On the other hand, there are also many offers where simply "Tantra" is written on it, but the content has nothing in common with the common philosophy - or in other words, is simply a deceptive package. Here one profits from the fact that many visitors do not know exactly what Tantra is.
Well then, what is Tantra?
For this we have to go back a bit. The origin of the term "Tantra", or Tantrism, goes back in history many hundreds of years and is attributed to the Indian subcontinent. It originated from religious currents, where it was a matter of worshipping various gods, but also to influence certain events through rituals. In the historical development, a distinction was then made between Buddhist and Hindu Tantra, where Tantra then became more of a life teaching. Spirituality, meditation and the worship of gods were the main focus.
Neo-Tantra
Through colonization, Tantrism was carried to the West and underwent transformations and Western interpretations. A connection between sensuality and spirituality developed. A more contemporary and also commercialized form was propagated and taught in the seventies of the last century by the Indian philisopher Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (nickname "Osho"). His neo-tantra incorporates elements of meditation, esotericism and touch to awaken sexual energy. The so-called chakra points of the body play a central role.
Dissemination of Osho's teachings
The tantra schools and centers that emerged during the period each built on Osho's methods and ideas. A life teaching became a lifestyle and also a form of therapy. A real scene developed, but at that time it still had a very esoteric focus.
Tantra today
The above is only a simplified representation to show that Tantra is much more than simply a sexual ritual, as it is mostly considered today.
What is commonly called "authentic Tantra ritual" is still based on Osho's methods, but is enriched with further individual ideas by the masseuse or masseur. The central point is that the visitor is in the passive and receiving role. The sexual energy should be stimulated, but without intention. An orgasm need not be the goal.
But what about the union of the sexes?
Members of Tantra associations, such as the "Förderverein Tantramassage" in Switzerland, commit themselves to work exclusively according to the sexual ethics of the association. This excludes mutual sexual acts, especially union (a nicer word for sexual intercourse). Especially for visitors who would never visit a brothel, an important aspect and also a promise of quality.
However, it cannot be said across the board that if union, also called red tantra, is offered, a ritual is no longer authentic. There is not the Tantra textbook, which must be taken factually as the Bible and in it is stated that sexual intercourse is excluded.
Basically, the views of the providers diverge on this topic anyway. Some take the position that a Tantra massage must hardly have any sexual elements, is thus mainly therapeutic and should even be paid for by health insurance. Others, on the other hand, are of the opinion that a Tantra ritual can also end with the union of the sexes if there is mutual consent - just as when a couple has tantric fun in a private setting. The only agreement is that sexual practices such as oral sex, kissing or mutual massaging are not part of a Tantra ritual.
Conclusion: Memberships and Diplomas
If you want it to be truly authentic, look for diplomas and memberships from the providers. So you have at least the guarantee that they work according to certain principles and teachings. Massage123 has recently added a section to the directory entry where diplomas and memberships (verified by us) are listed.
