Tantra Isn't Just About Sex: Here's How It Can Help Release Emotions

Tantra is commonly linked to sex.

While it has sexual components, this isn’t the whole story when it comes to tantra. Tantra is actually more rooted in spirituality and emotions rather than just summing it up to “sex.” In fact, it’s not as far from the norm as many of us seem to think. 

A few months back, I took a workshop hosted by a dear friend. I had joined under the guise of offering her support in this new venture (as well as a slight curiosity!). Yet, it was far more immersive and eye-opening than I would ever have expected. 

In many ways, tantra explores the self and our emotions. It examines our spiritual core and helps us find healthy ways to express what we’re feeling. So, below, I’m going to explore tantra in more detail. What is it exactly? How can it improve your life and propel your personal journey forward?

What is the Real Meaning of Tantra?

The word “tantra” means, “woven together.”

Perhaps this is partially why we often associate tantra with merely sexual practices.

But let’s look at it a slightly different way. In Buddhism and Hindu practices, tantra is linked with weaving together the physical and spiritual self. And yes, our sexual selves are part of this (but not the whole thing!).

Many experts suggest looking at tantra as a whole as a “pie.” This pie is sliced into various different sections, representing different pieces of the concept of tantra as a whole. Only one of these pieces includes sex. Others may involve meditation, yoga, relationship, massage, a profound understanding of the self, and more.

In many ways, tantra is a holistic path toward self-improvement and self-evolution. The piece of tantra I wanted to focus on in this article is to do with releasing emotions and the self-regulation of emotions.

So, let’s dig a bit deeper!

Related Article: What's Your EQ? The Signs of Emotional Intelligence & How You Can Improve Yours

Tantra for Emotional Release

Surprisingly, tantra can be a powerful tool to release emotions due to past trauma.

During my friend’s workshop, we were instructed to partner up. The first activity involves us “communicating,” but not actually using language. We were told to have a conversation using only gibberish. 

While the emotions and intentions of the other person weren’t lost when communicating this way, we did laugh a bit. But we slowly also began to understand how nonverbal cues and tones of voice can impact what we’re expressing. 

From there, we were instructed to grab a different partner. This time, it was about looking at the other person as they expressed a certain emotion.

The first was anger, then anxiety. I felt a deep connection with my partner and very intense empathy through this exercise. At the same time, it also let those emotions out, which was interesting. 

It’s techniques and practices like these in tantra that truly help release pent-up emotion, as well as help somewhat regulate it going forward. Being able to turn “on” then turn “off” emotions was something none of us had really intentionally tried before. 

But working with a partner isn’t the only technique for “releasing emotions.” There are many other ways including the following.

1. Substituting Statements

This tantra technique teaches us to put intentions behind our thoughts in a more positive and productive way. Basically, you want to eliminate the negative, such as anxiety, and replace it with positive, such as excitement or contentment. 

When you have a negative thought, try to zoom out.

If this thought were to be positive, what would it look like? Sound like?

2. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

EFT involves the stimulation of “acupressure” points, the same points used in acupuncture, to release negative emotions.

You may tap on these points or apply slight pressure. In many ways, this practice offers a distraction to negative thoughts, allowing you to focus on more optimistic and proactive ones.

3. Breathing

Simple breathing techniques can foster a sense of peace and calmness.

Tantra doesn’t have to encompass complicated or unknown techniques. You can actually use well-known ones such as deep breathing to calm your nervous system and find tranquility. 

4. Sounds

Along with breathing, if you attend a tantra workshop, your practitioner may encourage sounds as you exhale.

This can help release negative emotions, as well as help you connect with yourself throughout the process and tune into how you’re feeling. 

5. Shaking

At the beginning of the workshop I attended, we actually did a brief exercise of this before partnering up. We all stood and just shook our bodies, letting out access energy and pent-up emotions. It felt surprisingly good afterward!

Related Article: Do We Cause Our Emotions? An Interesting Connection Between Our Organs & How We Feel

Use Tantra as an All-Encompassing Practice

Again, it’s not just about sex! There are so many other pieces to it.

In fact, try the shaking exercise right now.

Stand up and just shake your whole body.

Do this for a minute or so. You’ll likely feel some release immediately afterward. 

If you get the opportunity and want to encourage your personal growth further, I highly recommend a tantra workshop. You might just be surprised by what you learn about yourself through tantra techniques.

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Photo by Andres Ayrton