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Tantric yoga can help you connect with your partner physically and emotionally like never before. If you’re ready to get intimate — and possibly sweaty — consider giving it a try.
Tantric yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on sexual energy and bonding. It stems from a 5,000-year-old practice called Tantra. People often associate it with tantric sex, one of the other kinds of tantric techniques.
A common misconception about tantric yoga is that it has to be sexual. Although it can be, it doesn’t have to be. While red tantra seeks to deepen the bond a person has with their partner, white tantra is about forming a better connection with oneself.
Generally, the goal of practicing yoga is to reach spiritual enlightenment and gain personal fulfillment. Tantric yoga is more relationship-focused — it revolves around developing emotional intimacy through physical contact and mental connection.
Many couples practice this type of yoga to strengthen their bond, learn how to communicate or improve their sex life. It’s because intimacy isn’t just about passion — it revolves around feelings of vulnerability and trust. Deepening your connection can help you navigate your relationship.
Tantric yoga, like other types of yoga, can help you manage your stress and mental state. Spending quality time with yourself or your partner as you empty your mind can feel rejuvenating. Not to mention, relaxing after an intense pose can release a wave of dopamine.
Aside from mental benefits, you can also improve yourself physically. Yoga increases your overall flexibility and can strengthen your muscles over time since certain poses rely on your core, quads and biceps for balance.
Tantric techniques can also strengthen your relationship. They can make you feel deeply connected to your partner because you spend a lot of time in each other’s personal bubble. Looking into their eyes, breathing in rhythm and balancing on one another fosters intimacy.
Unlike other types of yoga, tantric yoga has no set positions or poses. As long as you connect with your partner or yourself, you’re practicing it. If any of these benefits sound like something you’re searching for, consider giving it a try.
Whether you’re single or want to improve your flexibility before asking your partner to join, you can practice tantric yoga solo.
Start in a seated position. Cross your right knee over your left, placing your foot flat on the floor next to your left hip. Exhale as you lower your left elbow to the outside of your right knee. Then, turn your upper body right, inhaling and exhaling as you deepen your twist.
Get in a standing position. While keeping your feet flat on the floor and your legs straight, bend forward at your hips as far as you can. If you can’t fold completely or grab your ankles, rest your hands flat on an object.
Start in a standing position with your feet three to four feet apart and your hands on your hips. Bend from the hips, slowly folding your upper body over your legs until your back rounds. Inhale and exhale as you fold deeper, inhaling as you rise from the pose.
Get in a toe-stand position. Twist your upper body to one side, placing your hands flat and shoulder-width apart on the floor. Lean forward while looking straight down. When you’re ready, lift your legs off the floor, keeping your toes pointed.
The corpse pose should be the last pose you do to wrap up your yoga session. Lie on your back with your arms extended and palms facing up. Relax every muscle individually as you clear your mind. Focus only on steadying your breathing.
These basic tantric yoga poses for couples will work regardless of your flexibility or skill level.
Stand side-by-side with your partner — close enough to touch. Lift and bend your outer leg before resting it on your inner thigh. Then, raise both of your hands in the air, using your inner one to grasp your partner’s hand. Inhale and exhale in rhythm.
While standing, face away from your partner and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Remember to keep your backs touching. Keep your hands at your sides, holding your palms facing out. Feel how their upper body moves with each breath and match their breathing.
Get into a kneeling position while facing your partner. While holding your ankles, lift your chest and move your hips forward over your knees. Push your shoulder blades back and tilt your head up as you arch your back. Your and your partner’s lower bodies should be touching.
Are you ready to take on something a little tougher? Try intermediate tantric yoga poses.
Sit facing your partner and touch the soles of your feet to theirs. As you inhale, carefully raise your legs — keeping them straight — higher. Take their hands in yours for balance. Remember, you can start with one leg to grow your confidence.
When your partner gets into a plank pose, stand over them and face their feet. Grasp their ankles — or the floor, depending on their strength and height — and gently place your feet on their shoulders. Then, straighten and adjust to get into the plank pose yourself.
Face your partner in a standing position. When your feet are shoulder-width apart, inhale and raise your arms above your head. Then, bend at the hips until you can both place your hands on each other’s shoulders. Be careful not to accidentally headbutt each other.
If you’re up for a challenge, consider trying these advanced tantric yoga poses for couples.
Stand arms-width apart from your partner while facing them. Shift your weight onto your left foot and put your left hand on your partner’s shoulder while they mirror your movements. Then, lift your right leg behind you until you can grab your ankle. Breathe deeply and stabilize yourselves.
Both of you start in a tabletop position, facing in opposite directions. On an exhale, your partner moves into downward dog. Then, you gently walk your feet up their back until you’re also in downward dog. Remember, communication is key for stability and comfort.
Sit facing your partner. Touch the soles of your feet together, making sure to keep your legs straight. Bend forward at the hips until you’ve folded completely and can hold hands with your partner. Flexibility is an absolute must in this pose.
Remember to constantly communicate with your partner if you plan to do tantric yoga together. The poses are tricky and can get uncomfortable, which makes keeping an empty head challenging. Prioritize breathing deeply, speaking openly and leaving space for one another.
