Ancient Practices
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Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the retractable fold of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis. It is a procedure typically performed on newborns, but can also be done on older children and adults. Circumcision is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures worldwide.
Coitus Reservatus
Coitus reservatus is a sexual practice where partners engage in sexual intercourse without reaching orgasm or ejaculation. The term literally means "reserved intercourse" in Latin. This practice involves maintaining arousal and penetration for extended periods while consciously avoiding climax. It's often associated with spiritual or tantric sexual practices and is believed by some to enhance intimacy and sexual energy.
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Kama
Kama is a Sanskrit term that refers to pleasure, desire, and sensual gratification in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. It encompasses all forms of aesthetic and erotic love, from sexual pleasure to the enjoyment of the arts. In the context of sexuality, kama is often associated with sexual desire and the pursuit of physical intimacy.
Kamashastra
Kamashastra refers to the ancient Indian texts and literature on sexuality, eroticism, and emotional fulfillment in life. The term combines "kama," meaning desire or pleasure, and "shastra," meaning treatise or scripture. These texts offer comprehensive guidance on various aspects of human sexuality, relationships, and the pursuit of pleasure within ethical and spiritual frameworks.
Kamasutra
The Kamasutra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text on sexuality, eroticism, and emotional fulfillment in life. Often misunderstood as merely a manual of sex positions, the Kamasutra is actually a comprehensive guide to love, relationships, and living a virtuous life. Written by Vātsyāyana around 400 BCE to 300 CE, it explores various aspects of human sexual behavior and relationships.
Kundalini
Kundalini is a concept in certain spiritual and esoteric traditions, particularly in Hinduism and some forms of yoga. It refers to a form of divine feminine energy believed to be coiled at the base of the spine. When awakened, this energy is said to rise through the body's energy centers (chakras), leading to spiritual enlightenment and, in some practices, enhanced sexual experiences.
Kunyaza
Kunyaza is a traditional sexual practice originating from central Africa, particularly Rwanda and Uganda. The term roughly translates to "to urinate" or "to make squirt" in Kinyarwanda. This technique focuses on stimulating the female genitalia, especially the clitoris and labia, to enhance pleasure and potentially induce female ejaculation.
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Lingam Massage
Lingam massage is a practice rooted in Tantric traditions, focusing on the massage and stimulation of the male genitalia, particularly the penis (referred to as the "lingam" in Sanskrit). This intimate practice is designed to promote relaxation, increase sexual energy, and potentially lead to heightened states of pleasure. Unlike conventional sexual activities, lingam massage emphasizes mindfulness, breath work, and the exploration of various sensations without necessarily aiming for orgasm.
Lingam
Lingam is a Sanskrit term that translates to "wand of light" or "pillar." In sexual and spiritual contexts, particularly within Tantra, it refers to the penis as a symbol of divine masculine creative power. The lingam is often paired with the yoni (vulva) to represent the union of masculine and feminine energies. While it's associated with the physical penis, the concept of lingam extends beyond mere anatomy to encompass spiritual and energetic aspects of masculinity.
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Pillow Book
A pillow book is a type of intimate journal or collection of observations and musings, often including erotic content, that originated in Japanese court culture during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The term "pillow book" comes from the Japanese word "makura no sōshi," which literally means "pillow notebook." These books were often kept by court ladies and contained a mix of personal reflections, poetry, lists, and sometimes explicit sexual descriptions or advice.
Pompoir
Pompoir, also known as "kabazza" or "Singapore Kiss," is an advanced sexual technique that involves the deliberate contraction and relaxation of the vaginal and pelvic floor muscles during penetrative sex. This practice is designed to enhance pleasure for both partners by creating a rhythmic, gripping sensation around the penis or other inserted object.
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Tantra
Tantra is an ancient spiritual practice originating in India that encompasses various traditions and techniques aimed at harnessing sexual energy for personal and spiritual growth. In the context of sexuality, tantra involves mindful, slow, and intentional sexual practices that emphasize the connection between partners, breath work, and energy flow. It's often described as a way to achieve higher states of consciousness through sexual union.
Tantric Sex
Tantric sex is an ancient Eastern practice that combines sexuality with spirituality. It emphasizes slow, mindful, and intimate lovemaking as a pathway to heightened awareness, spiritual growth, and deeper connection between partners. Unlike conventional sex, the goal of tantric sex is not necessarily orgasm, but rather the experience of sexual energy throughout the body.
Taoist Bedroom Arts
Taoist Bedroom Arts, also known as "the Arts of the Bedchamber" in Chinese tradition, refer to a set of ancient sexual practices and philosophies rooted in Taoist beliefs. These practices aim to cultivate sexual energy, enhance intimacy, and promote physical and spiritual well-being. The core principle involves the circulation and preservation of vital life force, or "qi," through various sexual techniques and exercises.
Taoist Sexual Alchemy
Taoist Sexual Alchemy is an ancient Chinese practice that combines spiritual beliefs, sexual practices, and energy work. It's based on the Taoist principle of balancing yin and yang energies within the body. Practitioners believe that sexual energy can be cultivated, circulated, and transformed to achieve physical health, spiritual growth, and even immortality.
Taoist Sexual Practices
Taoist sexual practices are ancient Chinese techniques that view sexual activity as a way to cultivate spiritual growth, physical health, and longevity. These practices emphasize the circulation and balance of sexual energy, known as "jing," within the body. Taoist sexuality often involves specific breathing exercises, meditation, and physical techniques designed to enhance sexual pleasure while preserving vital energy.
Taoist Sexual Yoga
Taoist Sexual Yoga is an ancient Chinese practice that combines principles of Taoism with sexual techniques and yogic practices. It aims to cultivate and circulate sexual energy (also known as "chi" or "qi") throughout the body for physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. This practice views sexual energy as a powerful force that, when properly harnessed, can lead to improved health, longevity, and spiritual enlightenment.
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Yab-Yum
Yab-yum is a term originating from Tibetan Buddhism, referring to both a sexual position and a symbolic representation in Tantric practices. Literally meaning "father-mother" in Tibetan, yab-yum depicts sexual union as a metaphor for the merging of wisdom and compassion. In physical practice, it typically involves partners sitting face-to-face with one partner straddling the other's lap.
Yoni Massage
Yoni massage is a tantric practice focused on massaging and stimulating the female genitalia, particularly the vulva and vagina. The term "yoni" is Sanskrit for "sacred space" or "sacred temple" and is often used to refer to the vagina. This intimate massage technique is intended to be a respectful, meditative, and healing practice that aims to enhance a woman's connection with her body and sexuality.