Yoga Archives - Tantric Massage London

Benefits of Yoga

March 11, 2019March 28, 2020

There are many reasons that people chose to start yoga for some it’s about flexibility, or stress relief, general health and physical fitness.

The health benefits are very real. Yoga can increase your flexibility, improve your balance, and decrease your cholesterol. A recent review in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology shows that yoga can reduce the risk of heart disease as much as conventional exercise. On average, yoga participants lost five pounds, decreased their blood pressure, and lowered their low-density (“bad”) cholesterol by 12 points. There is vast growing body of research on how yoga improves health problems including chronic pain, fatigue, obesity, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.

Here’s a beginner’s routine for yoga for anyone to try, Morning Yoga for Confidence & Energy (Strength, Posture, and Mobility) from Man Flow Yoga.

If you choose to explore yoga, here are 5 possible benefits:

1. Reduction in stress

Studies have shown that practicing daily yoga can reduce or even fully prevent insomnia. When experiencing insomnia, practice relaxing asanas or postures, such as forward fold (uttanasana), or child’s pose (balasana), or lying on your back with your feet up the wall. Relaxing yoga poses can calm both your body and mind.

2. Improve posture and flexibility

A few minutes a day practicing poses like the warrior or the downward facing dog, will soon make you really feel the difference in your flexibility, whether you’re pretty bendy already or not. Yoga is for all and whatever your level of flexibility you can find a yoga position that works for you and your body.

3. General fitness

Yoga gives you all that a gym can, but in a peaceful, safe and more holistic way. It combines aspects of cardio, functional and strength training all in one.

4. Weight loss

To truly grasp the concept of how weight loss and yoga go hand-in-hand, we must understand the three layers that our energetic bodies are comprised of: the mind, body, and soul. Each layer depends on and affects the other two. When one layer is unbalanced, such as the mind, the body and soul follow suit.

You cannot have a healthy body and pure soul if the mind is overactive and unbalanced, which is the case for more people than not. Luckily, yoga has a way of uniting and creating harmony among these three key decision-makers that rule your life.

When all three bosses get along, everything runs in a more balanced and efficient manner. You have a real chance at success and weight loss.

5. Increase your energy

Just a few minutes of yoga every day will provide that much-needed energy boost in our busy lives and will keep us fresh for longer. Yoga, with its unique synergy of body and breath work, is perfect when your reserves are running low.

Here’s another set of simple yoga poses to get you started with yoga.

Breath Training

Kundalini Awakening

May 12, 2019March 28, 2020

Kundalini awakening refers to Kundalini or “coiled one” in Hinduism which is said to be a form of divine energy or shakti. You may have heard a lot of about the Kundalini as it has become a bit of a buzz word. Kundalini awakening is frequently reported to be a distinct feeling of electric current running along the spine. It derives its name through a focus on awakening energy said to be located at the base of the spine.

It was originally an important concept in Śaiva Tantra, where it was seen as a force or power associated with the divine feminine, which when cultivated and awakened through tantric practice, could lead to spiritual liberation.

Kundalini is also a practice within yoga, for example Kundalini yoga is a school of yoga that is influenced by Shaktism and Tantra schools of Hinduism. It derives its name through a focus on awakening kundalini energy through regular practice of mantra, tantra, yantra, yoga or meditation.

Kundalini yoga combines asana, pranayama, music, mantra and meditation, which can lead to a profound sense of personal transformation. Yoga Bajan first introduced Kundalini yoga from India to the West in 1969 and it quickly grew in popularity, with teachers developing a variety of different styles.

The practice of Kundalini awakening through yoga, tantra and mediation arouses the sleeping Kundalini energy or Shakti from its coiled base through the six chakras that are said to reside along the spine.

Through tantric massage, feeling relaxed, using breathing techniques as desired, exploring touch, sensuality and waves of energy to a climatic release, an awakening of energy and wellbeing can be experienced.

Tantra Massage is a leaf out of Tantra Yoga. It’s an effort to experience the very deepest valley of relaxation. Awakening of your dormant kundalini energy, enabling it to move upwards. Making one revitalize their energy which is livelier, more alive and more radiant.

Tantra massage sets out to free blocked energy throughout the body and awaken the Kundalini, potent energy that lies to rest at the base of the spine.

When the Kundalini rises from its restful state, it spreads out along the spine and precipitates healing throughout the body.

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Restorative Yoga Positions

June 1, 2019March 28, 2020

Restorative yoga positions is a practice that is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching. If you take a restorative class, you may hardly move at all, doing just a few postures in the course of an hour. It is a completely different experience than most contemporary yoga.

The majority of yoga classes are an active practice in which you move from pose to pose, building heat and increasing your strength and flexibility in equal measure. The general trend in yoga is toward more athletic and acrobatic styles of practice.

During the long holds of restorative yoga positions, however, your muscles are allowed to relax deeply. It’s a unique feeling because props, rather than your muscles, are used to support your body. Restorative classes are very mellow, making them a good complement to more active practices and an excellent antidote to stress.

Here are three examples of restorative yoga positions.

One: Yoga La-Z-Boy Recliner

To set up for the first pose, place a block widthwise, on its medium setting, about six inches from the back edge of your mat, where your head would rest. Then place a second block, also widthwise, on its lowest setting, about three inches away from the first block, closer to the middle of the mat. Lean a bolster lengthwise over both blocks to form a ramp. (Feel free to lay your blanket on top of the bolster if you like.)

Sit in the middle of your mat so that your hips are about six inches or so from the low edge of the bolster and then ease your way down onto the inclined bolster. If you are tall or have a long torso, and your head is not supported by the bolster, sit up and slide farther down the bolster, until you can recline with your head supported. You can rest your hands on your belly or alongside your body with your palms turned up. You can bend your knees and place your feet underneath them or keep your legs straight.

Begin to breathe in and out deeply. As you breathe in, note, “This is my inhale.” As you breathe out, say to yourself, “This is my exhale.” Keep repeating this mantra to yourself until you feel that you can continue to breathe deeply without focusing on it. Then bring your attention to your jaw, and if you’re clenching it, see if you can soften there so that there’s space between your upper and lower jaws. Gently place the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth. Allow your jaw and facial muscles to relax even more.

To come out of the pose, engage your core muscles and lift your head, shoulders, and torso up off the bolster. Sit comfortably for a couple of breaths, making any movements in your hands, feet, arms, and legs that feel good to you.

Next restorative yoga position.

Two: Gentle Caterpillar

Straighten your legs out in front of you, then roll up your blanket and place it under your knees. Relax your knees and ankles. Inhale to lengthen your spine, and exhale to walk your hands forward, on either side of your legs, as you fold forward from your hips. You needn’t go too far, as this is a restorative sequence. When you have arrived at a place where you feel comfortable remaining for five minutes, relax your back muscles and let your spine round. You can tuck your chin in toward your chest or keep it lifted an inch or two.

To come out of the pose, slowly lift your head and lengthen your spine, coming upright as you walk your hands back toward your hips.

Next restorative yoga position.

Three: Reclined Butterfly on the Yoga La-Z-Boy

Lie back onto the bolster. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together with your heels 12 to 18 inches away from your hips and let your knees relax out to the sides. Fold your hands and forearms on your belly or rest them on the mat alongside your body.

Relax your hip muscles. Allow gravity to do the work here, drawing your knees, thighs, and shins toward the ground. Allow your upper body to be completely supported by the bolster.

After five minutes, plant your feet hip-width apart and windshield-wiper your knees from side to side. To move out of the pose, ease yourself onto your left or right side and use your hands to press the floor away and bring yourself up to sit.

An extract from https://yogainternational.com/article/view/a-restorative-yoga-sequence-for-tight-spaces

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Tantra Types, Your Guide to Tantra

August 14, 2019March 28, 2020

Tantra types, your guide to tantra helps to demystify tantra and tantric practices.

Tantra means “to weave” in the Sanskrit language, the term is derived from two words: tanoti, which means “to stretch” or “to expand,” and trayati, which means “liberation.”

Traditional tantra originates from ancient Eastern religions that evolved in 6000bc in India, China and Tibet, including Hindu and Buddhist practices.

Traditional tantra can be described as a complete life system and way of consciousness, involving mind, spirit and body, which includes but is not limited to sexuality. Neo tantra is a modern form of traditional tantra incorporating tantric massage.

Tantra types, your guide to tantra number one…

Buddhist Tantra

Buddhist tantra is extremely complex to practice due to its highly secretive nature and strict regulations. Essentially, the practice of tantra in Buddhism is to achieve purification and a state of enlightenment. This is practiced through the Repetition of dharanis (Buddhist chants and affirmations similar to mantras), expanded yoga techniques (look up Trul Khor), Pranayama breath control and the use of special mudras, which are hand positions.

Vajrayana Buddhist tantra teaches four types of tantra Sarma traditions. These are Charya Tantra – the outer purification of the body, Kriya Tantra – focussed on reaching inner tranquillity, Yoga Tantra – aiming attention on the feeling of pure emptiness in a tranquil state and Highest Yoga Tantra – achieving solidarity in the mind stream to unite the inner mental state and wisdom.

Tantra types, your guide to tantra, number two…

Hindu Tantra

The ancient teachings of Hinduism that come from the Puranas and contain sacred teachings, actually contain much information that is borrowed from the occult Tantra Shastra. The Hindu Tantras total ninety-two scriptures. This is a very secret and powerful science practiced by Indians for centuries and claims to unlock supernatural powers. It is a whole system of techniques and practices related to a person’s power, knowledge and develops a greater depth of human consciousness.

Tantric mantras, (repeating words to help concentration), is used in Hindu tantra worship to solve problems. They are thought to produce instant results by awakening the energy which empowers spiritual growth. Mantras are assumed to have four layers, including the word and its meaning, the feeling of a mantra, intense awareness, and a state in which the mantra is fully understood.

In Hindu traditions, tantra texts and scriptures usually mention the worship of a Hindu goddess, known as Shakti. Shakti refers to a complex part of the universe which boasts several nuances, including a seductive woman, cosmic force, devoted sister, mother nature and more. Shakti can manifest in varying ways and her divine energy can be in any form. She also represents the orgasm or divine tantric love, and is often known as ‘the one who plays’.

In Indian tantra, there are three tantric traditions which all represent the powers of Shiva. These are, Vama – an impure form of tantra, Dakshina – for good purpose and Madhyama – of a mixed nature.

Tantra types, your guide to tantra, number three…

New Age or Neo Tantra

Tantra worship has flourished in popularity in the Western World, establishing a reinterpretation of Hindu and Buddhist practices. This new, modern practice is often referred to as Neotantra. As time progressed, some of the ancient outadated teachings of tantra have been readopted to suit a modern lifestyle. These new teachings are still very closely associated with the origins of Tantra and manly focus on the importance of sexuality and sensuality in achieving a path to the divine.

For many neo tantra therapists, this practice now also combines tantric yoga and sexuality to explore a hidden spiritual energy. Tantric massage which is taking the world by storm uses many physical and sensual aspects of tantra whilst removing many of the religious practices. This is again an example of the relentless integration of ancient tantra, adapting for a modern, new world and society.

Tantra types, your guide to tantra, number four…

Yoga Tantra

According to Rod Stryker, one of the most renowned teachers of Tantra yoga, the goal of Tantra Yoga is three-fold.

To thrive
To prosper
To bring the spiritual world and the material world into one

he idea with Tantra yoga, then, is to weave together many yoga practices, and other spiritual styles and teachings, in order to connect with others and the universe. When practiced consistently, Tantra Yoga can help you get in tune with who you are, achieve your goals, and, when done with a partner, deepen your relationship.

The already well known history and integrity of Yoga is an ancient pillar of mindfulness. Yoga, in its own entity, uses very similar techniques to tantra such as specific breathing techniques and body poses. The methodologies of yoga also include particular focus on awareness and connection so it’s no surprise that there is a direct link between yoga and tantra.

Tantric Yoga teaches us that sensual energies that are generated in your lower pelvis, can be released and enjoyed through certain tantric yoga poses that open your hips and chakras. The first stage is always becoming aware of these desires and sexual energies and then connecting with your body through movement to release them. Not only will this help you to exhume sexual energy in a pleasurable way, it also helps to balance your mind while finding peace.

Tantra types, your guide to tantra, number five…

Tantra as a Lifestyle

In medieval texts, ancient Sanskrit philologist Pāṇini says that tantra is associated with the principles of the sacred mantras, (repeating words to help concentration) and provide personal liberation. He describes individuals who have mastered tantra as “one who is self-dependent, one who is his own master, the principal thing for whom is himself”.

From this, we learn that tantra is not only designed to elevate sexual consciousness but your awareness as a whole. Those who walk the tantra lifestyle, use the philosophies of ancient tantra and combine them into a balanced embodied tantra lifestyle. Of course this can include the sensual intimate aspects of tantra, however that is not always the case.

Tantra can help you to discover an enlightened daily life that is fulfilling and pleasurable.

So living a tantric lifestyle seems to be all about connecting internally within yourself to be balanced and gain the ability to utilise your awareness to improve your life.

What is a Tantric Lifestyle?

Tantric practices can be used to focus on your life
It’s about personal liberation and understanding yourself
You can overcome difficult situations and fears
It can help with your confidence and understanding others
It doesn’t need to include the intimate sensual aspects, but can if you wish

Tantra types, your guide to tantra, number six…

Tantra and Tantric Massage

At the beginning of your tantra massage your tantric massage therapist will ask you if you have had a tantric experience before and talk with you about how best to tailor the tantra massage experience to you individually.

An authentic tantric massage can enable you to prolong the sensations of arousal, resulting in a full and deep orgasmic release. An authentic tantra massage can also enable those who experience premature ejaculation to hold back and prolong their experience by teaching some very simple techniques.

Many have described an awakening experience as a result of receiving a tantric massage; a very full and deep release can potentially be experienced. There is the potential to experience a full body orgasm as the result of being truly relaxed by tantra massage, breathing deeply, experiencing relaxing touch, allowing the climax to rise and fall, leading to the experience of a deep release during your tantric massage.

Each person is at different place within their sexuality and experiences of their sexuality. Tantric massage can enable you to explore being relaxed by touch, body massage and prolong the sensations of arousal, giving rise to a deeper body orgasm.

The way we touch and receive touch can be very healing for the whole body. Tantric massage allows the exploration of a new experience that brings an awakening for your whole being, including your sexual senses. Realising that the body, mind or consciousness, emotions, sexual awareness and spiritual awareness are all connected.

Your Tantric Experience

Tantra types, your guide to tantra helps to demystify tantra and tantric practices.

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