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(click on interest)Aphrodisiacs
Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sex and beauty, aphrodisiacs include an array of herbs, foods and other 'agents' that are said to awaken and heighten sexual desire. Unfortunately, the 5,000-year tradition of using them is based more on folklore than real science.
Nevertheless, humans have sought ways to enhance or improve their sex lives for millennia--and have never been reluctant to spend money to make themselves better lovers. The ancient Romans were said to prefer such exotic aphrodisiacs as hippo snouts and hyena eyeballs. Traditional Chinese medicine espoused the use of such rare delicacies as rhino horn.
And, modern lovers are no less extravagant. In 2004, Americans spent about $1.4 billion to treat male sexual function disorders alone. Of that amount, Viagra rang up $997 million in sales or 71.2% of the total market.
There is a difference, of course, between helping sexual dysfunction and arousing our passions. The problem is that, these days, there are more solutions for the former than the latter.
Luckily, we don't really need scientific evidence to convince us that ambience is one of the few truly effective aphrodisiacs. Some mood lighting, great music and a little wine or champagne to ease inhibitions can all contribute to a great romantic mood. Add some chocolate-covered strawberries to the mix and the outcome could be exactly what the doctor ordered - without the pharmaceuticals.
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Mind & Body : Tantra Bliss
'Life without love and passion is a life not worth having lived.'
Rumi, Persian Philosopher & Poet 1207-1273
According to the philosophy of Tantra, the entire universe is a manifestation of pure consciousness. This pure consciousness is divided into two poles or aspects, neither of which can exist without the other. Shiva the masculine has the power to be but not the power to become or change. Shakti the feminine is the Great Mother of the universe and from her all form is born.
What is Tantra?
According to Tantra, the human being is a miniature universe. All that is found in the cosmos can be found within each individual and the same principles that apply to the universe apply to the individual being.
Tantra is a meditation uniting the spiritual and physical realms; a personal development path focused on the inner life. The practice of Tantra offers added insight into how our state of mind/being/body affects our lives. What gives Tantra a special kick for the Western mind is that while a spiritual practice, it doesn't exclude sex.
In India, traditional Tantrikas spend many years under the guidance of a spiritual teacher engaging in elaborate yogic rituals to purify and master the body and mind. These practices are intended to awaken the powerful psychic energies through which the adept enters into higher states of consciousness. When a disciple is deemed ready he or she partakes in sexual rites with a partner.
Tantric Sex
Tantric sex is meditative, spontaneous and intimate lovemaking. Through it you learn to prolong the act of making love and to channel, rather than dissipate potent orgasmic energies moving through you, thereby raising the level of your consciousness. Tantra transports your sexuality from the plane of doing to the place of being.
There is no goal in Tantric sex, only the present moment of perfect and harmonious union. Tantra teaches you to revere your sexual partner and to transform the act of sex into a sacrament of love. The practice teaches that lovemaking between a man and woman, when entered into with awareness is a gateway to both sexual and spiritual ecstasy.
The Benefit
Whenever we touch the body, changes occur both physically and emotionally. Not only does it affect the particular part touched, but the entire body and its senses respond. While Tantra touch stimulates and facilitates the natural healing capabilities of the body, it can speed the awakening of Kundalini.
Kundalini is a very powerful, intense and healing form of energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine (the sacrum). To fully awaken this powerful energy can take years of devoted yoga and meditation practice. Kundalini is known to infuse a tremendous amount of energy into a person, but is different and distinct from sexual energy. However the two are connected and intertwined.
The Challenge
The Tantric path challenges us to connect with ourselves and each other on an intensely personal level. This path of transformation which guides our interaction in the world can be reflected in the words of Ghandi, who said "You must be the change you want to see in the world." Use this personal mantras for everyday guidance when attempting to live daily from the heart in Tantric Bliss.