Tantric massage basics

Tantric massage borrows from tantra the idea that attention and breath matter more than technique. The strokes are slow, whole-body and unhurried; the goal is heightened awareness rather than a destination.

Core principles

• Breath first: both people breathe slowly and audibly; the giver matches the receiver's rhythm.
• No goal: sessions are typically 90 minutes with no expected ending.
• Whole body: feet, hands and scalp get as much time as the obvious areas.
• Eye contact and stillness are used between phases.

A simple starting sequence

1. Sit facing each other for two minutes of synchronized breathing.
2. The receiver lies face-down; the giver uses slow strokes the length of the body, each stroke lasting one full breath.
3. Pause with both hands resting still for several breaths between areas.
4. Turn over; repeat, adding light fingertip strokes.

What it is not

Despite the marketing, "tantric" on a spa menu is not a code word; legitimate practitioners offer a non-sexual experience and will say so clearly. Ask before booking.