Impotence and Tantra

How an Ancient practice can shed new Light on a modern issue.

No one talks about it. Few have the courage to admit and seek a solution to their problem. But the fact is that, according to a study the worldwide prevalence of erectile dysfunction is expected to increase to 322 million men by 2025. (International Journal of Impotence Research, 2000). ED (erectile disfunction) affects about 30 million men in the United States. (Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 2012).

The inability to maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse characterizes this dysfunction. The frequency with which it occurs can make it severe or mild. Among the main causes of this disorder are: stress, fatigue, tiredness, and drug consumption. But what few people diagnose as a problem is the psychogenic aspect of sexual response. Let me explain.

A man can experience two types of erections:

1. Reflexive Erection: This type of erection responds to stimuli received by touching erogenous zones on the body, focusing on the sexual organic center located at the base of the spine. It's the natural response to sexual stimuli: when touch is received, it sends information to the central nervous system, which then responds with the command: time for an erection!

2. Psychogenic Erection: This erection originates directly in the brain and sends the command for an erection without any physical stimulus. For instance, this type of erection occurs when watching pornography. In such cases, the brain triggers the erection without any physical touch prompting it. Similarly, when fantasizing during sexual activity, the focus is on psychogenic stimuli, neglecting physical sensations.

This conditioning can lead to various psychological issues interfering in the process of erection and intercourse. It necessitates a revival of our innate sexual center, which concentrates the energy of our sexuality in our body. We need to diminish the brain's role in coordinating our sexual processes and focus more on feeling our body and the receptivity of stimuli. This is where tantric therapy plays a crucial role.

Tantric therapy, particularly when incorporating tantric massage, elicits responses that challenge restrictive conditioning, reshaping the dynamics of our sexuality. Instead of simply commanding stimulation, men begin to genuinely feel their erections. This is achieved through entirely different stimuli compared to the repetitive motions of masturbation, which lack depth in the brain's coding.

These innovative touches not only establish new sensory reference points but also strengthen the penile muscles, enhancing endurance and intensity of erections.

This holistic process cultivates in men the capacity to experience dry orgasms independent of ejaculation. These orgasms trigger bioelectric currents within the body, activating glands that release hormones associated with pleasure and fulfillment as endorphin, excitons and serotonin.

Essentially, even if erectile dysfunction stems from physiological factors such as blood flow or hormonal imbalances, tantric massage can offer a non-invasive alternative to interventions like surgery.

The issue with approaching sex solely from a mental standpoint is that it's where stress and anxiety often reside. Without meditation, these mental strains manifest as physical tension in our bodies. When men endure tension, it impacts their blood pressure and the valves that regulate arterial blood flow, which consequently affects the ability to maintain an erection. Typically, stress serves as the primary culprit behind impotence, as it restricts blood flow to the lingam.

Remaining present during lovemaking, from a state of unity with spirit, frees us from attachment to outcomes or performance. Each moment becomes sacred, a precious offering. Time seems to elongate. Shame and guilt dissipate as we immerse ourselves in the divinity of our partner, recognizing ourselves in them. We touch them with the tenderness we desire, kiss them with the passion we seek, and embrace them with the security and illumination of spiritual surrender. This experience is unexpectedly arousing for those unaccustomed to it.

Even the most sexually challenged man experiences approximately five erections during a sleep cycle, each lasting nearly half an hour. However, the waking mind, when burdened with stress or tension, can induce impotence.

Meditation serves to relax the body and is the key to empowering tantric sexuality in men.

For those hesitant about meditation, various approaches cater to different lifestyles. One of its fundamental benefits lies in mastering proper breathing techniques—a skill often overlooked. The natural breathing pattern, akin to that of a sleeping baby, involves expanding the abdomen upon inhalation and contracting it upon exhalation. An ancient adage wisely asserts: "The nose is for breathing, the mouth for eating."

Conscious control of breath significantly eases the workload on the heart and bolsters the immune system. During regular intercourse, breathing rhythmically aligns with sexual movements instinctively. Altering or desynchronizing breath patterns during sex can help regulate duration and endurance.

If breathwork still seems cumbersome, it's worth noting that it could be worse. An anecdote from East African Tutsi culture suggests an unusual cure for impotence: sleeping with one's mother—a remedy likely to inspire gratitude for more conventional practices.

Conclusion

Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, refers to the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

It can have various causes, including:

Physiological factors like: hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular issues affecting blood flow.

Neurological disorders as: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injuries, Epilepsy, Peripheral Neuropath, Alzheimer's Disease, Brain injuries, Herniated disc, Syringomyelia.

Psychological factors such as: stress, anxiety, or relationship problems.

Tantra, on the other hand, is an ancient spiritual and philosophical tradition originating from India. It encompasses a wide range of practices, beliefs, and rituals aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine. In the context of sexuality, Tantra promotes a holistic approach that integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual elements to enhance sexual experiences and deepen connections between partners.

In the context of addressing impotence, Tantra offers several techniques and practices that may help individuals overcome barriers to sexual function.

These include:

1. Tantric Massage: Tantric massage focuses on stimulating and awakening the body's energy centers, known as chakras, to promote relaxation, arousal, and deeper connection between partners. It can help release tension, increase sensitivity, and enhance pleasure, potentially alleviating issues related to performance anxiety or stress-induced impotence.
   

2. Breathwork: Tantra emphasizes the importance of conscious breathing techniques to cultivate presence, relaxation, and energy flow during sexual activity. Proper breathing techniques can help individuals regulate arousal levels, manage stress, and enhance sexual stamina and control.

3. Meditation and Mindfulness: Tantra encourages practices such as meditation and mindfulness to quiet the mind, release mental barriers, and cultivate awareness of sensations and emotions during sexual experiences. By reducing anxiety, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering a deeper connection with oneself and one's partner, meditation can contribute to overcoming psychological obstacles to sexual function.

4. Energy Work: Tantra views sexual energy as a powerful force that can be harnessed for healing and spiritual growth. Practices such as channeling and circulating sexual energy through the body's energy channels (nadis) can help individuals tap into their innate vitality, increase vitality, and enhance sexual pleasure and fulfillment.

Ultimately, Tantra offers a holistic approach to addressing impotence by integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of sexuality. By fostering relaxation, presence, and connection. Tantra practices can help individuals overcome barriers to sexual function and cultivate a more fulfilling and harmonious sexual life.