Tantra Yoga Demystified

What is tantric yoga?

So what is Tantra Yoga? The definition is as follows:

“Traditional Tantra Yoga is a deeply meditative practice combining standing Hatha positions and floor-based Yin positions”

It is designed to support the tantric cosmo-vision and is a restorative yoga practice with long phases of relaxation and meditation. It allows for an easier connection with yourself and your intimate partner(s). When we practice traditional tantra yoga, we become aware of the power of energy within us. We realize that our body is not as rigid and firm as we perceive it. We learn that we can move our body without effort, simply and with intention.

About it

In Sanskrit, tantra means “network”. It refers to weaving together patches of fabric into a larger whole. This image illustrates the Eastern belief that everything is interconnected and in communication. Nothing exists independently, and everything is part of the same reality. In Sanskrit, yoga means to “union”.

So we can define Tantra Yoga as the union of several networks in existence. Tantra and yoga together help us unite and connect with ourselves and others. Tantra yoga helps us experiencing this interconnection. We bring the unconscious conscious and polarities within us into balance.

Benefits of practising tantra yoga

• • Relaxation – Tantra Yoga is relaxing in nature, as deep breathing helps you relax allowing your cells to process new information gained during the active postures

  • Connection – It supports connecting with and feeling every sensation in your body. If you have any tension in your body, you learn to identify where and how to release the tension.

  • Patience – It helps you build up patience and resilience. It helps to find comfort in discomfort and letting go of the suffering.

  • Integration – It integrates mind, body and spirit, as an experience of divinity. It awakens your feminine and masculine energies and brings balance between both.

  • Meditation – When we practice Tantra Yoga, we also practice meditation as we move into the series with eyes closed and in silence.

How to practice tantra yoga

You must wonder how to do tantra yoga and if anybody can practice it? The answer is: YES. Anybody can practice Tantra Yoga, even if you are a complete beginner in Yoga or Tantra. A session of Traditional Tantra Yoga has three parts called “series”. It helps to balance your chakras and to elevate your mood.

Here is a brief introduction on how to practice tantra yoga:

• • • Series 1: Warm-Up
      The warm-up is done while standing or sitting. The goal is to create heat in the body and loosen the spine. It helps you being grounded and opening your first and second chakra. This series lasts for about 45 minutes.

    • Series 2: Tri-Dosha Shava Asana
      It is completed on the back. With each position, you become aware of the tension, blocks, and stored emotion in the body. This is a space for release and helps you open your second, third and fourth chakra. The active postures are interspersed with passive postures, allowing you to relax. This series lasts for about 90 minutes.

    • Series 3: Makra Asana
      It is completed on the belly, interspersed with Makra Asanas, the crocodile pose. Whilst in crocodile, the goal is to stay alert and relaxed at the same time. By breathing into your lower back, you expand and spread “life force energy”(prana) through the body. It opens the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh chakra. This series lasts for about 30 minutes.

Tantra yoga positions and techniques

In Traditional Tantra Yoga, the positions are always the same, repeated in the same order. Here is a few selection of the asanas (tantra yoga positions) that you can easily try at home:

• • • Salabha Asana: Locust Position

      • Make a fist with each hand and place both hands under your hips.

      • Chin is on the mat.

      • Exhale and lift your right leg, engaging your abs and your leg, pointing your toe.

      • Try to lift a little bit higher.

      • Repeat on the right side.