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If you think that tantric yoga is all about sexual activity, you are not completely right. Because there are two categories in tantric yoga, the first is known as Red Tantric yoga or Neo-Tantra. This includes intimate poses and it's best for couples who are struggling to maintain their relationship.

The second one is known as White Tantric yoga, this is completely opposite to the prior one. The purpose of this is, to connect with the inner self and to explore the hidden spiritual energy that goes deeper into oneself.

The origin of tantric yoga goes back to 500AD, but there is no conclusive evidence to know exactly when Tantric yoga started. Traditionally the practice of Tantric Yoga was transferred verbally therefore there is no written record until 500AD, or some say 1050 AD. Moreover, Tantric yoga originated in India and the vicinity of Tibet. And, the word “Tantra '' came from the Sanskrit language meaning ‘to weave.’ In other words, it means to tap into inner energy well and to form a deeper connection with the one residing inside, the Aatma (Soul).

Furthermore, you will find many misconceptions about Tantric practices, first, you need to have a partner. This is not true, you can practice tantric yoga alone. The essence of Tantric yoga is to acquire freedom and Tantric sex is a single part of the tantric experience.

Secondly, tantric yoga just revolves around sexual poses, well, this isn’t true either. Want to know how? Because the Tantra includes many other spiritual activities as well, that go beyond exercise and chakra healing.

What Is Included In Tantric Yoga?

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Unlike the interpretation of westerner Yoga practitioners, Tantric yoga includes many spiritual concepts such as:

1. Breathing

It is the meditating activity in which you inhale and exhale breaths slowly and consciously. By doing so, one can reduce stress, resolve anger issues, and solve anxiety problems. All things considered, breathing yoga in tantric practices helps in fostering positive thought, self-control, build immunity, and heal trauma. Along with this, it teaches life skills.

2. Yoga  

Unlike conventional yoga, poses in tantric yoga are diverse, e.g. laying flat on one's back and letting go of tension and stress, one of the most common poses including warrior poses, mountain poses, etc. 

Practicing Tantra helps in building good habits, learning self-discipline. Lastly, it empowers one to make the conscious choice of living a healthy life. In addition to this, you will achieve physical flexibility, strength, mobility, and balance.

3. Chakra Work

Every human body consists of 7 points starting from the lower abdomen ‘root’ to the top of the head known as the crown chakra. Each of these plays a significant role in regulating the body. Balancing every chakra point aids in achieving stability, pleasure & creativity, boosting confidence, compassion, communication, intuition, and intelligence. However, in the unbalance form it causes hormone imbalance, affects one’s intimate life, and cause mind blockage

4. Meditation

This is the most important concept in Tantra. Because it is a combination of all the three practices that we have mentioned prior. 

By doing meditation, one consciously tries to move dormant energy “Kundalini” from root to spine and from there to the whole body. Consequently, it helps in remedying constrictions that are built inside your body over time.

How to Practice Tantra?

There are different forms of yoga, e.g. physical practice, devotion, and karma. Moreover, the Tantra practice aims to combine the four earthly elements, earth, water, air, and fire through ‘Akasha.’ According to the Tantric Yogis, attaining the height of akasha means connecting to one soul, and liberation.

In addition to this, this means balancing the yin and yang. Every person on this earth is battling the fight between inner good and evil. Sometimes evil takes control of our consciousness and results in inflicting catastrophes. 

On the other hand, the good in us helps in overcoming the negative energy. And Tantric practices help in accepting the inner one to attain spiritual heights.

Tips For Tantric Yoga

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Here we have mentioned some essential Tips that you can practice indoors:

1. Quiet the Chattering Inside Your Head

The most important thing for you to understand about tantric yoga is “everyone can do this.” 

If you are new to the concept and voices inside your head are mumbling that you cannot do this, your wrist cannot bear your body weight then you need to start with letting go of these thoughts. 

Your goal should be leading your body not the other way around.

Once you overcome the chattering or mumbling inside your head then you’d be one step closer to the tantric spiritual attainment.

2. Embrace Silence ‘No Music’

Hold on! If you are thinking of practicing tantric yoga with music in the background then it's time to let go of your thoughts!

Tantric Yoga is practiced in silence. The reason behind this is to encourage the communication between the inner self and the outer being. 

Moreover, the goal of silence is to train the brain to lead the body and practice breathing. Even playing ambient music in the background can distract you and your body will forgo the actual essence of Tantric yoga.

3. Learn to Accept the Silence And Listen To The Inner Voice.

This means to deepen the connection with oneself, only then you can experience the essence of Tantric Yoga.

4. If Fitness And Flexibility Is Your Goal Then Put It At The End. 

Most of the time people aim to start yoga to achieve bodily fitness solely and forget the essence behind ‘Yoga,’ which is to achieve the balance between Yin and Yang. Like this, tantric yoga means opening the third eye and ultimately gaining your fitness goal.

5. Follow your own path

The core concept of tantric yoga is to pinpoint the things that assist your quest for self-awareness, and explore your deepest self, including your desires and goals.

This can strengthen communications with yourself or your partner, for a more fulfilling relationship and sex life.

Benefits of Tantric Yoga

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1. Mental clarity
2. Connecting with your authentic self
3. Develop deeper understanding & love for oneself
4. Boosts self-confidence 
5. Improve sleep quality
6. Better communication
7. Increased capacity for intimacy
8. Increase flexibility
9. Relieve stress, tension, and build-up anger
10. Improves overall wellbeing

Take Away

Unlike the western perception, Tantric yoga goes beyond sexual activity. Every spiritual activity e.g. meditating, breathing, physical exercise and chakra healing, is embodied in tantric yoga. In addition to improving sexual relationships between couples, the goal of Tantric yoga is the spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the practitioners.