Tantra 101 with Dr. Mitchell Tepper
“You don't have to break your neck to be a great lover but you could learn a lot
from somebody who has.”
“In the medical model [of sex], sexual energy builds, then is lost. In Tantra,
energy is not lost but gained. Instead of using a partner for one’s own
gratification, tantric partners provide vital energy to each other.”
— Dr. Mitchell Tepper, Sexuality Educator and Coach
Tantra is a very ancient practice. Is it only about sex? Not quite. It’s a SPIRITUAL practice that was born in India between 300 and 400 CE, and has since traveled the world, acquiring different definitions and sets of customs.
Whether you are a spiritual person or not, tantra offers a different perspective on sex and sexuality that has provided a lot of people with opportunities for sexual healing and a deeper exploration of their sexuality, even after major injuries that compromise sensation in the physical body.
We hope you enjoy our discussion with Dr. Mitchell Tepper who is a Sexologist and Sex and Relationship Coach specializing in Sex and Disability. Dr. Tepper holds a Master’s in Public Health and Ph.D. in Sexuality Education and is the author of the book Regain That Feeling: Secrets to Sexual Self-Discovery: People Living With Spinal Cord Injuries Share Profound Insights Into Sex, Pleasure, Relationships, Orgasm, and the Importance of Connectedness. Tantra has been a key element in his professional life and a life-changing practice in his sexuality after suffering a spinal cord injury.
Get answers to these questions and learn about how to practice Tantra in our interview with Dr. Tepper:
What's the history of Tantra and how did it change when it started to be practiced in the West? Are there any key misunderstandings or misconceptions about it as a result?
What are the biggest challenges Tantra brings with it? How/Does it conflict with what we are usually taught in mainstream culture?
Does Tantra offer or lead to a different way to go about relationships with others? Does it offer or lead to a different way to relate with oneself? If so, how?
What are simple practices couples can incorporate into their everyday lives to start engaging in tantric sex?
What's the energetic model of sex and how is it different from the medical model of it?
What is the 'goal' of tantric sex and how is it different from 'regular' sex?
How can tantra help create a more proper narrative around sex for people with disabilities in our societies?
Follow Dr. Tepper at @drmtepper or find him and his work at drmitchelltepper.com
If mindfulness is something that interests you, we invite you to listen to our Carnal Theory interview with Courtney Avery, founder of Intimate Health Yoga, where we discuss how mindfulness can enhance our sexual experience through the senses. Also, Courtney, herself, walks us through a couple of introductory techniques and exercises meant to improve your ability to slow down, be present and receive pleasure–both in the bedroom and out.
Learn more about Tantra by visiting our Visual Resource Center
