Exclusive Interview with the Owner of Tantra masáže Praha s.r.o.

(answers by Bc. Michaela Lynnette Torstenová)

You are the founder of a prestigious center for tantric massages. How did you actually come to tantra and why did you decide to devote yourself to tantric massage?

My journey to tantra began when I was 18 years old, when I discovered a flyer in the hallway of a language school advertising a course that was starting that very day. Out of curiosity, I called and set out for the course that same day. I was enthusiastic. I met open, educated people who did not want to be limited by conventions. They wanted to sing, dance, experience freedom and themselves within it. It awakened in me a desire to learn more. It was something that made sense. I met my then partner there and together we enrolled in a two-year tantric training, which brought us very close. After it ended, I was invited to one weekend tantra course as an assistant. During the Friday introduction circle, two men from Germany also introduced themselves. They had just completed a tantric massage course and wanted to open their own tantra salon in Germany. Before that, they wanted to try their skills in practice, so they offered two women from the course the opportunity to try a tantra massage for free. I have always been curious, so I was the first to sign up. It was an amazing 2.5 hours of concentrated care, tenderness, and pleasure focused on me. I felt that the masseur perceived every breath I took and sought only what would bring me joy. I felt like a queen. It was wonderful. The beautiful experience was still resonating in me when, less than a week later, one of the lecturers of the course called me to ask whether I would like to try a four-handed tantra massage with her. At that time, I only had a classical massage course, experience from training, and my own experiences, but Denisa told me not to be afraid, that she would lead the whole thing. I agreed, and again I experienced something very beautiful. I have been a very creative person since youth, so I took my partner as a guinea pig and began working on my own technique and approach. After about a month of experimenting and thinking, it was born, and I began discovering the effects of my tantra massage in practice. The field was largely unplowed. Tantric massages were only just beginning in the Czech Republic. I had success, and most clients returned. After two years, I opened my own tantric center, expanded and unified my technique, and began teaching tantric massage myself. Now people come to learn the “Inner wave” technique from me from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and occasionally from other countries. I have even taught an Indian.

Many clients surely wonder what feelings the masseuse herself experiences during a tantra massage?

The role of a tantra masseuse is very specific. A tantric masseuse must learn a great deal of knowledge about the human body, psyche, tension, and relaxation, and last but not least, she must know firsthand how tantra works with sexual energy and how to mediate these experiences to the client. The masseuse is a guide during this ritual and leads the client throughout the entire process. It is therefore important that she is connected and experiences the massage together with the client. The feelings are therefore mostly arousal and tenderness. Sometimes it is also care. After the massage, there is joy and a sense of satisfaction when she sees a radiant and relaxed client. Last but not least, there is a sense of meaningful work. Sometimes, however, unpleasant feelings can also arise. Especially with clients who do not respect the boundaries of tantric massage and want, for example, sex. The masseuse then cannot focus on the massage and the client, but on maintaining the framework of the massage and her own boundaries. Such a tantra massage then satisfies neither the client nor the masseuse. Fortunately, such clients are now rare.

Are your clients more often men or women? What is their usual age? How old was your youngest client and how old the oldest?

Tantric massage is still more popular with men, who often have more courage to try something unknown. Women usually receive it as a gift from a partner or a friend, but there are also those who book it themselves. With growing awareness of tantra and with stories from friends who have already tried the massage, the number of women is gradually increasing. The youngest client was twenty, the oldest client was seventy-eight.

Has it ever happened that a client wanted to move into a sexual dimension and demanded more than just a tantra massage?

Yes. Clients sometimes ask whether it would be possible to go further than what we offer, but for tantric massage the key is the feeling of safety and certainty of both the receiving and the giving person, and also that the boundaries of neither are crossed. During a tantric massage, the receiving person experiences the role of someone who is being cared for, and it is not good to move into an active role. The masseuse must be able to communicate this clearly to the client and thus maintain the framework of the massage.

Can a female client choose whether she wants to be massaged by a man or a woman? What do they prefer?

Yes. Even men can choose. Women usually prefer a woman on their first visit. They expect that a woman will understand their body better, will be more sensitive, and that they will not feel ashamed in front of her. Only during the second or third visit do they choose a man. However, there are also women who prefer male–female polarity from the beginning. They are usually surprised by their sensitivity and perceptiveness. Tantra masseurs are selected very carefully for my center, often having artistic inclinations. Another option is four-handed tantra massages, where clients can have both a man and a woman at the same time.

When a client decides to go for a tantra massage, should they prepare in some way? How does it actually proceed in brief?

Clients receive everything they need for the massage directly at our center. Preparation consists mainly in creating enough space before and after the massage so that nothing happens in stress or tension, and so that one does not rush straight to work or an important meeting afterward. Before the massage, it is also advisable not to eat a heavy meal so that the body does not have to focus on digestion. Upon arrival at the center, the client is led into the massage room by the masseur or masseuse. The entire meeting begins with a conversation during which the client learns everything about the course of the tantric massage and has the opportunity to express wishes, expectations, and concerns. In addition to information, the client also receives fruit, chocolate, and beverages according to taste. After a shower, the selected tantra massage begins with an introductory standing ritual, during which the masseur or masseuse relaxes and tunes the receiving person. After the ritual, the client is laid on a futon. The first part of the tantra massage takes place without oil, and through long strokes, tension and stress are released from the body. This is followed by massage with warm towels with lavender oil, a sensitizing massage with furs, feathers, and silk scarves, and a full-body massage with warm almond oil, the climax of which is an intimate massage of the lingam (male genitals) or yoni (female genitals) and the pelvic floor, which usually ends in orgasm. After the massage, the receiving person is again wrapped in a scarf and cared for, including the possibility of relaxation and refreshments. If they feel like it, they may then talk with the masseur or masseuse about their experiences; if not, they simply say goodbye. The ritual is always tailored to the maximum satisfaction of the receiving woman or man, and everything happens in accordance with their needs.

What is the interest in tantric massages for couples? Has there ever been, for example, a jealous outburst?

Approximately two to three couples per week undergo tantric massage for couples with us. This massage is a very specific matter. For some couples, it is important to be together in one room; for others, the presence of the partner is disturbing and they cannot fully immerse themselves in their own experiences. Couples therefore have the option to choose whether they want to experience a couples’ tantric massage in one room or each in their own space. Women who have more jealous partners usually choose a female masseuse, whom the partner typically does not feel jealous of. Jealousy appeared only once, in a situation where the partner greatly enjoyed the massage and reached orgasm during it, which upset his partner, who had been looking forward to a romantic evening and expected the tantra massage to only gently tune him toward her. Many things are possible, but it is important to communicate your wishes to us in advance and also to your partner.

Many salons do not offer couples’ massage. In what way is it more complicated than an individual one?

Couples are very specific clients. Working with a couple is always much more demanding than with an individual, because partners bring into the massage not only their personal topics, such as fears, shame, or poor sexual experiences, but also relationship topics. Sometimes it happens that one partner enjoys the massage while the other becomes jealous and, instead of focusing on the “here and now” experience, becomes angry at the partner for “enjoying it too much.” Motivation is also important. Sometimes one partner literally drags the other in because their sexual life at home does not work and they want to solve it, while the other partner may not be as concerned. In such cases, tantric massage sometimes becomes more of a couples therapy, which requires a high-quality team with a lot of experience, something that is not standard in many centers. Working with couples is more complicated, but often also brings the greatest satisfaction. Sometimes we see a couple transform before our eyes. People are different before and after the massage – suddenly you see a certain calmness, relaxation, instead of bickering they hold hands – then we know we have done good work.

Which couples do you recommend a joint massage to, and which do you advise against?

Couples who communicate openly and are tolerant toward each other have a certain advantage. Such couples come to us to rest, recharge, gain inspiration, and experience a pleasant, romantic evening flavored by this ancient art. In couples where there is a problem in the relationship, tantric massage acts as a catalyst. Couples then have the opportunity to address the problem in a protected environment and move it forward. Problems can be various – some cannot communicate their intimate needs and therefore experience long-term frustration and dissatisfaction, some feel insufficiently attractive or desirable, do not know how to touch their partner, rush too much, or lack imagination, some do not feel good in their own body, have problems reaching orgasm or erection, etc. In all of this, tantric massage can gradually help and be very healing. However, tantric massage requires a certain courage and willingness to enter a process of exploration and experimentation. We do not recommend tantric massage only in cases where one of the partners does not agree with the massage or has excessive fear of it. Even fear can be worked with. In such cases, we recommend one to two preparatory sessions where we will jointly explore possible concerns.

What should partners discuss regarding a couples’ massage and what should they take into account before deciding to undergo it?

Tantric massage teaches us to better perceive our body, intimacy, and arousal, and it is important that each partner feels comfortable and free and can focus on their own experience during the massage. Sometimes one partner fears that the other will become jealous and thus blocks themselves in their experience. In such cases, we recommend the first massage in separate rooms and only the second one together, when they better know what to expect. Partners should therefore discuss how the presence of the other affects them and whether they will feel ashamed in front of each other. It is also important that partners clarify how far they want the tantric massage to go. Boundaries should always follow the less courageous partner and can be gradually shifted.

Are the “couples effects” noticeable after the first massage, or are more sessions needed?

The first couples’ tantric massage is usually a very strong experience. It changes people’s perception of intimacy, sexuality, and closeness, revitalizes the relationship, stimulates communication about intimate topics and mutual needs. The tantric experience often reignites a spark that has long been extinguished; one realizes what they want and need. Some of our clients want to learn the massage themselves so they can enjoy it with their partner, or they want to return to deepen and expand the experience. Sometimes problems are of a more complicated and deeper nature, and more experience is then needed to achieve the desired state. Longer-term work is needed, for example, in cases of sexual abuse of one partner, erectile dysfunction, lack of desire for lovemaking, etc.

An intimate massage is part of this type of massage. Many salons do not offer it. Do you know why?

In tantric massage, we approach a person as a whole being and want them to experience that all parts of their body, including the intimate ones, are worthy of love and tenderness and do not need to be ashamed of. Another reason for intimate massage is the awakening of sexual energy, which lies at the very roots of tantra, where sexual energy is perceived as the driving force of a person that awakens, activates, and brings revitalization and a sense of life force. The receiving person learns surrender and acceptance of their own body and its expressions. Intimate massage is of course not mandatory, so if a client does not feel ready, it can be omitted, but otherwise it should be part of tantric massage. A reason why some centers do not include it may be fear that they will not be able to maintain boundaries and that the massage will turn into an erotic one.

I know that tantric massage, among other things, awakens sexual energy. If one does not consent to intimate massage, what happens to this energy? Does not its release lead to frustration?

In Western culture, people often approach sexuality in a utilitarian way. First, they try to awaken sexual energy and then discharge it as quickly as possible through orgasm. This approach does not lead to deeper fulfillment, so often even after experiencing orgasm, we do not feel internally satisfied. In tantra, sexual energy is awakened and, with the help of breath and touch, further distributed throughout the body, where the goal is not its discharge, but achieving a high level of energy in which tantrics learn to remain. Whether orgasm occurs or not is not essential. In tantra, we also distinguish an internal orgasm, during which ejaculation and the associated loss of energy do not occur, but the person experiences it as a deep, fulfilling sensation throughout the whole body. If we learn to remain at a high level of energy, this state is not experienced as frustration, but as a state of fullness and happiness.

A layperson asks: What is the difference between tantric and erotic massage?

In erotic massage, you buy a woman who, for your money, satisfies you orally or manually. The entire experience lasts 30–45 minutes and is only about “that one thing.” Tantric massage has a completely different approach to the human being, intimacy, arousal, and the goal of the massage itself. The masseuse is a guide who initiates you into the secrets of tantric experience, teaches you proper breathing, trust, self-acceptance, and deep relaxation of both body and mind. She teaches you a purposeless way of experiencing nakedness or arousal and initiates you into the secrets of the inner orgasm. The massage is not guided by the client’s demands and it is not about ejaculation.

Can you give us a few tips on how to recognize a reputable salon?

A tantric massage should not be shorter than 90 minutes of pure massage. There should naturally be additional time for conversation before the massage, during which the entire ritual is thoroughly explained and you have the opportunity to share what brings you to the center. Be cautious of centers that offer 60-minute massages including intimate massage or employ only young, beautiful masseuses. Also suspicious are girls photographed in erotic lingerie or provocative poses. If you want certainty, ask whether oral sex can be added. Avoid any center that offers such services, as they only pretend to be tantra and provide hidden erotic services. A tantric masseuse should have tantric education in the form of at least a 50-hour course or training with a qualified teacher, as well as a massage course accredited by the Ministry of Education. Psychological and therapeutic skills are an advantage.

You also conduct courses in tantric massage. Do clients attend them more to pursue massage professionally, or to enrich their own partnership? Do you receive feedback?

It is about sixty to forty. More clients learn tantric massage to enrich their own lives, while some want to practice tantric massage as a profession – these are mostly women. I then offer the most skilled ones work in my center. There are also more and more men among the clients who want to surprise their partner with the art of tantric massage or better understand women and their needs.

Do you personally prefer tantric massage from a woman or a man?

To be honest, whether the giver is a man or a woman is less important than what kind of person and personality the masseur or masseuse is. The giver must evoke sympathy and pleasant feelings in me. During the massage, I then prefer a sensitive, sincere, and open approach, without expectations of results. Every tantric massage is a journey of discovery into the unknown, and it depends on the giver where they guide the receiver, or where they take them. I like surprises. To be able to relax, I need to know that I can go only as far as my body allows me and that no one expects anything from me. Then tantric massage is the right experience – for me and for clients.