Quality Standards of Tantric Massage

Tantric massage has undergone major changes since it first appeared in the Czech Republic. From a mysterious massage that almost nobody knew, it has become a big hit in recent years. Thanks to media awareness as well as positive client experiences, tantric massage is now one of the most sought-after massages of all. This expansion of Eastern philosophy and sacred eroticism, however, also brings negative phenomena. These are mainly cases where tantra is subordinated to a business plan and, at the expense of spirituality, tantric massage is practiced by people who have either no training at all or only a weekend tantric massage course and zero experience with the philosophy it is based on.

In an effort to protect tantric teaching from exploitation and in the interest of preserving the spiritual and therapeutic principles of this massage, the Tantra masáže Praha s.r.o. center prepared the Quality Standards and the Code of Ethics, which will help you orient yourself when choosing a suitable massage center and your tantric guide.

QUALITY STANDARDS OF TANTRIC MASSAGE

1. Goals and principles of the provided tantric massages

1. Definition of the term tantric massage

1.1. Tantric massage is a complex ritual, encompassing both the mental and physical side of the client. Its key element is the atmosphere, following the ancient tantric tradition, when tantric rituals took place directly in the temple of the Goddess of love and had a sacred meaning. The ritual offers the client the possibility to step out of ordinary social roles and identify with the essential masculine or feminine principle, thanks to which a person becomes freer and more authentic in their expression. The massage further develops the sensory perception of the receiver, especially the haptic sensitivity of the whole body, sensitivity to perceiving sound harmony and the development of olfactory experiences. For this purpose, aromatherapeutic essential oils, warm washcloths, ostrich feathers are used during the massage, and in some longer massages even musical instruments. During the entire tantric massage, vital energy is awakened from the beginning, maintained and distributed throughout the body. The massage in principle strives to develop sensitivity and perceptiveness to one’s own body and experiences, which subsequently helps to be more perceptive also towards other people, especially one’s partner.

1.2. In tantric massage, the role of the tantric masseuse or masseur is specific. They become a guide who leads the client into the ritual, introduces them to the principles of tantric teaching and tantric massage, but also to its boundaries. They teach them to breathe properly and guide them through the breath, helping them come into contact with their own body and feelings and experience a sense of deep relaxation and a meditative state of “letting go of control” during the massage itself.

1.3. Within tantric teaching and a holistic approach to the human being, tantric massage also includes massage of the receiver’s intimate parts. When touching them, however, it is not about achieving orgasm, but about experiencing the deep potential of sexual life force. During this massage, the receiver learns to use tantric breathing techniques and, with their help, to distribute natural vital energy throughout the whole body. Intimate massage always follows the client’s feelings and boundaries and the framework of the massage. Tantric massage is therefore not performed for the purpose of satisfying sexual drive, but for the purpose of cultivating sexual energy. The receiver enters the ritual familiar with this approach.

1.4. Tantric massage has a predetermined structure that was assembled to form a meaningful whole. The person being massaged does not determine the procedure of the tantric massage, however, at their request it is possible to omit certain elements. The goal of tantric massage is therefore not to fulfill the client’s ideas, on the contrary, they are led to detach from their fantasies and expectations. They thus learn to perceive the experience HERE AND NOW.

1.5. During tantric massage, sexual intercourse does not take place between the receiver and the giver. The receiver does not touch the giver and remains in a passive, receiving role throughout the massage. The practitioner does not enter into any negotiations with the receiver regarding possible sexual intercourse.

1.6. In tantra, nudity is not perceived in the context of visual stimulation, it expresses understanding of one’s own body and self-acceptance. It is a sign of openness and allows the free flow of energy in the body, which is one of the pillars of tantric teaching. The client is naked during the massage, the practitioner handles nudity consciously with regard to the tantric experience and maturity of the receiver. Clients are enabled to develop systematically under the guidance of a tantric guide (female or male), but of course a one-time experience is also possible.

1.7. Tantric massage is intended for men, women and couples of all age groups, regardless of age, skin color or sexual orientation. Within tantric massage, partners can also address relationship topics, such as rediscovering mutual attraction, intimate communication, differences in female and male sexual needs, mutual understanding and tolerance, etc.

1.8. For tantric massage to take place in the required quality, the environment in which it takes place must meet these criteria: the client must feel safe and intimate there, the place must not contain stimuli that distract attention, the massage room must contain comfortable seating for the initial interview and the final reflection, as well as a shower or bathtub for bodily cleansing. The massage itself is performed on a futon, to the sound of accompanying music, and should not be disturbed by noise from outside. Period-appropriate and thematically tuned accessories and furnishings are suitable. The massage must take place in an establishment approved for these purposes, meeting all hygienic conditions for providing massage services.

2. Goals of tantric massage

• An overall feeling of deep and lasting relaxation.
• Feeling one’s own sexual power.
• Gaining practical knowledge of how to work with one’s sexual energy in a tantric way.
• An experience of reverence and respect for oneself as well as for the giver.
• Building a positive relationship with one’s own body.
• Learning open communication about one’s own feelings and needs.
• Gaining respect for questions of intimacy.
• Removing shame.
• Immersing in the experience here and now.
• Inducing a meditative state of “letting go” of control and letting things flow freely.
• Stepping out of social roles – searching for one’s authentic self.
• Rediscovering sexual interest in one’s partner.
• Inspiration in the partner relationship, understanding one’s own needs as well as the partner’s needs.

3. Healing effects of tantric massage

• Relieves deep stress, helps get rid of anxiety and fear of life.
• Releases muscle tension, supports proper functioning of the circulatory and vascular system, helps with regeneration.
• Breaks down mental blocks and helps in treating non-physiological problems with conceiving.
• Has a positive effect on erectile dysfunction.
• Helps with premature ejaculation.
• Treats prostate problems.
• In women, it helps with inability to reach orgasm or painful intercourse due to insufficient relaxation.

4. Principles of tantric massage

4.1. Tantric massage needs, among other things, sufficient time to fulfill its goals. The minimum is 90 min for the massage itself and 30 min for a conversation with the client and relaxation. Thus, the shortest full tantric massage totals 2 hours of pure time of direct work with the client. Such a massage includes an introductory ritual in which the client learns tantric breathing techniques, followed by the so-called “exit massage” for releasing tension and stress, then washing with hot towels to warm up the muscles. This washing also has a ritual and celebratory meaning. The main part of the massage is an oil massage of the whole body, including the buttocks, feet, head, face, and also the intimate parts. The emphasis is on feeling the body as a whole, physical and psychological release, and experiencing conscious work with sexual energy. For deeper and more intense work, massages of 3 – 3.5 hours are suitable.

4.2. Any massages shorter than 2 hours of work with the client, including intimate massage, cannot be called tantra, because within such a short time it is not possible to fulfill the defined content of tantric massage – that is, its individual steps, which follow each other and have their meaning.

4.3. An exception is introductory massages, which may last only 60 min + 30 min for conversation, i.e. 90 min meeting, but without massage of the client’s intimate parts. These massages can also be referred to as tantric. Their length rather fulfills an introductory purpose. The emphasis is placed here on teaching breathing techniques, building trust and overall relaxation of the client.

4.4. Tantric massage does not include cuddling or intimate touching of the receiver with the masseuse or masseur. The masseuse is not the object of tantric massage and intimate touches with them cannot be bought or otherwise forced. Tantric massage is about experiencing the receiving role, focusing only on one’s own experience and observing one’s inner process. Tantric massage is not about experiencing an erotic exchange with another person.

4.5. Tantric massage is not stroking or intuitive touching without knowledge of anatomy, framework and specific massage techniques. It often releases physical and psychological blocks, for which knowledge of bodywork is necessary. However, tantric massage is also not a technically well-performed massage without acceptance of the spiritual and ritual framework (atmosphere, approach, spiritual meaning). It therefore cannot be understood as a combination of a classic massage ended by an intimate massage with ejaculation.

4.6. The goal of tantric massage is not orgasm, therefore it cannot be “ordered” and it cannot be promised to clients. It is necessary to preserve the principle of absolute purposelessness and observing the current feelings “here and now” that are worked with during the massage.

4.7. Tantric massage is incompatible with extra payments for sexual services (sex, oral sex, etc.).

4.8. Tantric massage cannot be performed without an initial conversation in which the client is informed about the course and intention of the tantric massage and in which its boundaries are also set. Subsequent reflection of the client’s feelings and experiences is also essential, unless the client is against it.

4.9. Tantra massage has a therapeutic and healing effect on a range of psychological and physical difficulties, but it cannot replace psychotherapy or be confused with it.

4.10. Tantric massage must not be performed by minors nor provided to minors.

4.11. Tantric massage must not be performed under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances.

5. Course of tantric massage

5.1. Tantric massage always begins with a conversation, which is a necessary part of the whole meeting. Its purpose is to introduce everyone involved, create a feeling of trust and safety, work with the client’s request and provide the essential information forming the framework of tantric massage. During the conversation, the masseur or masseuse:

• Provides information about the origin, goals and history of tantra.
• Works with the client’s motives (why they came, what they want to experience).
• Explains the course of the massage, goals and principles.
• Sets the framework.
• Helps to view the client’s feelings and experiences.
• Offers new impulses based on an assessment of the situation, needs and the client’s previous experience.
• Applies tantric techniques with the aim of providing the client with a new – tantric experience.
• Teaches the client tantric breathing techniques and supports them through their breath, which leads to the client beginning to feel their body more and experience current emotions.
• During the massage, also guides the client with words and supports them in their experience.

5.2. This is followed by the opening ritual of tantric massage, which is performed standing. This ritual serves to gain and strengthen trust between the receiver and the giver, this time in a non-verbal form, but it also has a spiritual and psychological meaning. It evokes a feeling of celebration and reverence for the receiver, creates the atmosphere of a meeting of two people, where one gently but surely leads the other. The first introduction to breathing techniques of tantric energy work also takes place.

5.3. Then the receiver is placed on a futon. The following tantric massage is, in the true sense of the word, a massage. Depending on the chosen length of the massage, this part may include work with hot towels and lava stones, elements of bioenergetics, an oil massage of the whole body combining elements from classic, Thai, Hawaiian, tantric-taoist massage, Indian head and facial massage. The entire body of the receiver is included, including the intimate parts. Emphasis is placed on feeling the body as a whole. Correct performance of the entire massage requires full understanding of the principles of the tantric ritual and the ability to apply them in practice. No less important is personal experience and embodiment, together with the ability to perceive the client’s personality not only physically, but also psychologically and spiritually, as a unique whole from which no component can be omitted. The client is supported in breath and experience throughout. All their feelings are accepted and supported. The client thus experiences the feeling that they can be fully themselves. The feeling of shame and any emphasis on a goal or outcome disappears. The client enters a state of deep relaxation.

5.4. An equally important part is relaxation and reflection on the experienced event after the massage. After the bath, over a cup of tea, the client is asked by the masseuse about their experiences. The masseuse helps the client process the experience and transfer its positive effects into everyday life. No pressure is exerted on the client – if for any reason they do not want to talk about their experiences, they are not forced to do so. The degree of openness is therefore entirely voluntary.

6. Most common client requests of the tantric center

• I want to immerse myself in the experience of meditation
• I want to give space to my own feelings and the expressions of my body and physicality
• I want to let things flow, not try to achieve anything
• I want to be guided (learn how to breathe, how to open up, how to relax)
• I want to be in contact with my body and enjoy my sexual power
• I want to give my partner an interesting gift
• I want to open communication with my partner about intimate questions and mutual needs
• We want to learn tantric techniques and use them in the relationship
• We want to revive our relationship and get rid of stereotypes
• We want to enrich our sexuality and gain inspiration
• Our relationship has become exhausted, we want to find our “red thread”
• There is a chasm between me and my partner, we don’t know how to cross it
• I can’t talk about my intimate feelings
• I miss touch
• I work too much, lately I can’t relax
• I am afraid of women
• I have prostate problems
• I ejaculate prematurely
• I have problems with erection
• I need to relax
• I was abused, violated, I am afraid of men
• I don’t like my body, I don’t deserve to experience pleasure
• I suffer from loneliness and depression
• I am afraid of intimacy
• I am ashamed
• I don’t know what intimacy is

2. Protection of rights of persons

1. Voluntariness and respect for the rights of participants

1.1. Tantric massage is provided and received voluntarily. None of its participants must be forced or persuaded in any way.

1.2. The client may interrupt or end the tantra massage at any time without giving a reason. They are not forced to explain anything, if they do not want to.

1.3. The masseur or masseuse may interrupt or end the massage if the client does not respect the previously stated boundaries of tantric massage, especially observing the passive role during the massage, or repeatedly tries to persuade the masseur or masseuse to provide sexual services.

2. Legal adulthood

2.1. Tantric massage must not be provided by a minor nor provided to a minor.

3. Protection of personal data

3.1. The tantric center does not store client data, especially their names, phone numbers or email addresses, without their written consent.

3.2. Data that the center obtains from the client for the purpose of booking is not stored further after the massage ends.

3.3. All staff members of the center are bound by strict confidentiality and will never disclose the client’s identity or data about them to a third party (outside the center).

3. Dealing with an interested person in tantra massage

1. Client information

1.1. A person interested in tantra massage must always be informed in advance about what tantric massage includes, what its intention, course and tradition are.

1.2. The boundaries of tantric massage are also stated in advance.

1.3. In the case of different expectations, the client is explained what the center, or the tantric massage, can offer and what it cannot.

1.4. The client has the right to ask clarifying questions regarding tantric massage and also to share what brings them to the massage, if they want to.

2. Helpful approach and respect

2.1. Clients must always be treated helpfully and with respect, even if the client asks questions and makes requests for services beyond the boundaries of tantric massage. In this case, the client must above all be explained the difference between tantric massage and erotic services, including what tantric massage can bring them. If the client continues to insist on services beyond the boundaries of tantric massage, they are told that we cannot provide such services and we say goodbye to the client.

2.2. The client must never be judged for their questions or disclosures about themselves. Given the intimate nature of tantric massages, client disclosures are approached sensitively, considerately and without judgment.

4. Complaints about the quality or manner of providing tantric massage

1. Right to complain

1.1. The client has the right to complain in the event of dissatisfaction with the quality or performance of tantric massage. The place where they can send their complaint or comments must be stated on the operator’s website. The contact should also state who handles any complaints.

1.2. If the center is a member of an association for tantric massages, the contact for the association’s staff member responsible for client complaints must also be provided.

1.3. The client will be sent the handling and assessment of their complaint within 30 working days, in writing by email or to the provided address.

1.4. In case of uncertainties, the client may be asked by the responsible staff member for details of their complaint.

5. Personnel and organizational provision of tantric massage

1. Environment and conditions of tantric massage

1.1. Tantric massage, like any other massage, is considered an epidemiologically significant activity and therefore falls under the Act on the Protection of Public Health (Act No. 258/2000 Coll.). A center for tantric massages must be approved by the relevant hygiene station and must follow the valid operating rules of the center. The establishment must also be duly approved and marked for the purposes of the trade licensing office.

1.2. The room in which tantric massage is performed should, with regard to the cultural tradition and work with the client’s intimate levels, offer above all a sense of privacy. It must not, for example, be possible to hear noise from other massage rooms, etc. The room should be equipped with a shower or bathtub for cleansing before and after the massage.

2. Education and qualification

2.1. A tantric masseuse must meet these requirements:

• Has completed secondary education.
• Completed a classic massage course accredited by MŠMT.
• Completed a tantric massage course led by a qualified instructor.
• Regularly, at least once every 2 months, consults her work with a qualified instructor, participates in regular group or individual supervisions under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Has knowledge and personal experience in the field of tantric teaching, especially its principles, meanings and benefits for the client.
• Is able to lead a conversation, work with the client’s request, ask questions, think constructively, respond authentically and spontaneously, clearly explain tantric principles and techniques as well as the individual phases and content of the massage, reflect what is happening and sensitively provide feedback to the client, maintain boundaries and the time frame of the massage.
• Is able to respond appropriately to the client’s current psychological state.
• Is skilled in massage craft, can work with the body, knows anatomy and body structure.
• Upholds and applies a therapeutic approach to clients.
• Follows the ethical code of tantric massage.
• Never offers clients sexual services.
• Continuously increases her qualification.
• Does not work in the porn industry, does not offer erotic massages, does not work as a prostitute.
• Essential qualities are personal maturity, psychological stability, the ability of empathy and clear speech.
• If the center provides tantric massages also to foreign clients, it is necessary to speak the relevant language fluently.

2.2. A qualified tantric massage instructor must meet these requirements:

Has completed secondary education.
Completed a classic massage course accredited by MŠMT.
Completed at least 600 hours of professional massage education in total.
Completed at least a one-year systematic tantric training in a closed group.
Completed a self-experience course or training in the area of social skills and relationships (e.g., psychotherapy training or self-experience training for helping professions).
Has at least 2 years of experience in lecturing.
Has at least 3 years of personal massage practice in the field of tantric massage.

2.3. A supervisor must meet these requirements:

Has completed university education in a humanities field.
Completed an accredited 5-year body-oriented psychotherapy training (Bodytherapy).
Completed supervision training.
Has at least 3 years of personal therapeutic practice.

6. Professional development

1. Continuous increase of qualification

1.1. Masseuses and masseurs continuously supplement their education in the field of massages and bodywork, tantric teaching as well as psycho-social skills. Copies of certificates are submitted to the center operator.

1.2. Information about attended seminars and educational events or trainings should be available on the tantric center’s website, and upon the client’s request also documented by the relevant certificates.

7. Emergency and incident situations

1. Fire safety solution

1.1. The tantric center must have a fire safety solution prepared and approved by the fire brigade competent for the given locality.

1.2. This solution must be followed by the center, including checking the expiration date of fire extinguishers.

8. Improving the quality of tantric center services

1. Quality control of provided massages

1.1. The operator of the center is responsible for the quality of provided tantric massages. They therefore continuously monitor the quality of the center’s services, or authorize a qualified instructor for this task. In the event of deficiencies, they ensure correction without delay.

1.2. In the event of a complaint, the operator is obliged to investigate the matter and draw appropriate consequences from it.

2. Development of the center

2.1. The tantric center organizes regular educational seminars for its masseuses and masseurs in the areas of therapy, body care, sexual and relationship issues and psychohygiene, ensures supervision of the massage team, monitors and helps plan the individual education plan of masseurs and masseuses.

2.2. The center comes up with new services and responds to feedback and client needs.

ETHICAL CODE OF TANTRIC MASSAGE

1. Client information

• The masseur or masseuse explains to the client what awaits them during the tantric massage ritual, what principles this massage has, its origin and tradition, and what they can expect from it and what not.
• The masseur or masseuse clearly defines the boundaries and the course of the entire tantric massage ritual. The client understands that if something is unpleasant for them during the massage, they can say so at any time and the masseur or masseuse will fully respect it.

2. Working with the client’s request

• The masseur or masseuse asks what brings the client to us, in what they would like the tantric massage to help them, and what they want to experience in it.
• They work empathetically with the topic the client brings and state whether they can help with this topic and how.
• They refuse unacceptable requests and define the boundaries of tantric massage again.
• They focus on understanding its principles and benefits.

3. Confidentiality of disclosures

• During the tantric massage ritual, protection of the privacy of clients regarding their identity and the intimate topics they bring must always be maintained.
• These facts must not be disclosed to a third person.

4. Observing the boundaries and framework of tantric massage

• All offers and variations of tantric massage are specified on the website or in printed materials of the tantric center. No other services are offered to clients in the center.
• The client must not be provided sexual services, such as sexual intercourse (coitus), oral or anal sex, touching the masseuse, or any other form of erotic exchange, whether free of charge or for payment.

5. Observing hygiene standards of tantric massage

• The masseur or masseuse carefully maintain personal hygiene. Before each massage they take a shower, wash their hands with soap and treat them with antibacterial gel and cream.
• In the event of hand injury, latex gloves are used during the massage.
• The center fully follows all prescribed hygiene standards and the valid operating rules approved by the hygiene station to which the center belongs. These include especially thorough disinfection of all areas and surfaces in the massage room, including the shower or bathtub, using clean, ironed laundry for each individual client as well as high-quality and approved massage oils.