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Subtle nerves connect the fingers with the internal organs. Tantra teaches that hand gestures are effective in creating circuits through which energies can be channeled. This gesture, common to Yogic meditation, links the outward flow of sexual energy back to the breathing function, so helping to stabilize the mind.

A type of mystic gesture (Mudra), used in Tantric meditation as an energychanneling device. From a contemporary photograph.

A person who has the head anointed with oil is not subject to headaches, baldness, or gray hair. The strength of the cranial bones is increased, the sense organs become toned up, the skin of the face glows beautifully, and the person sleeps well and becomes happy.

CHARAKA SAMHITA

lieve discomforts of the eyes, ears, and nose. Massage of both big toes is also erotically stimulating and causes profuse salivation in a relaxed subject.

For general fatigue or depression, the gland reflexes should be massaged; these are the meridians that connect to the pituitary, adrenal, spleen, pineal, and sex areas. They are found in both hands and feet. Menstrual pains can be alleviated by massage of the meridians leading to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and sex organ, and also by gentle but concentrated massage of the region of the lower back and base of the spine. Quite a number of good books dealing with therapeutic massage are available and we advise our readers to consult one for specific problems. The Japanese have developed massage therapy far more extensively than any other nationality. Excellent works have also been published detailing the specific Shiatsu points and the me - ridians for use in acupressure massage. However, a demonstration by a knowledgeable person is by far the best method of learning massage techniques.

Foot massage certainly aids relaxation during childbirth and many instances of painless birth using these techniques have been documented. For menopause and sterility, there are precise methods of treatment. Constipation, which may greatly inhibit natural sexual activity, can be easily relieved by foot or hand massage. A regular attention to the art of massage helps the circulation of blood, freeing the body of toxic elements. Our society would benefit immensely if we developed the custom of exchanging relaxing and therapeutic hand and foot massage. In the Orient everyone learns some massage techniques; for simple village people and city dwellers, for maharajas' courtesans and Yogis, massage is part of the lifestyle.

Meridians also extend from the face to the internal organs. Thus, the inner condition of the organs can be diagnosed from a study of the facial features. The liver can be contacted by massaging between the eyes. There is a Yoga technique for this action known as kapala randhra dhauti (head cavity purification), which the Gheranda Samhita describes in the following way: "Rub the depression in the forehead, near the bridge of the nose, with the thumb of the right hand. If this exercise is practiced daily, diseases arising from vital imbalances will be cured. The internal vessels will become purified and clairvoyance

Nervous System

Reflexology chart showing the relationship of the internal organs to areas of the face. The upper part of the head is linked to the nervous system, the middle

Pituitary

Prostate (male)

Sciatic Nerve

Uterus

Buttocks

Circulation

Nervous System

Bladder

Digestion

Intestines

Some main pressure points on the head and ear, which are linked to the internal organs through subtle meridians.

Pineal

Head

Shoulder

Spine

Hip

Medulla Oblongata

Reflexology chart showing the back of the head and its relationship to parts of the body.

Massage of the whole body is an art form and an important aspect of both foreplay and afterplay.

Each toe is linked directly to the sinuses.

Head massage is a very effective cure for headaches and nervous exhaustion.

will be induced. This exercise should be practiced daily, after awakening from sleep, after meals and in the evening also." It helps activate and invigorate the liver and other internal organs and is a great aid to health.

The spleen can be reached by massaging either side of the nose; the kidneys are affected by massage of the slight depressions under the eyes (the "bags" that indicate late nights, over-work, and tired kidneys); the heart is contacted by light massage of the end of the nose; and the lungs by pressure on the nostrils, outward to the two cheeks. The sexual organ connects to the upper lip and slightly above it, up to the nose. This is one of the reasons why the kiss is a natural part of sexual foreplay.

The pituitary gland, which controls most hormonal secretions, can be stimulated by massage of the middle of the forehead, the pineal gland (the Third Eye) by massage of the crown of the head, and the thyroid gland by light massage around the neck. The temples can be lightly massaged to ease strain and mental tension. Most headaches can, in fact, by alleviated by considerate head massage. The cause of headaches is usually tensing of the muscles around the skull, which can easily be relaxed by massage of the scalp. The ears are also good massage points and are linked to the sex regions and the sciatic nerves. Thus, every part of the inner body is linked to outer terminals, which can be utilized to stimulate and relax all parts of the inner body. Since the brain controls sexual activity, this area is of great importance to lovers. A relaxing head massage can quickly alleviate tension, thus opening the body to erotic release.

Facial massage can be relaxing, invigorating and sexually stimulating. The different areas around the mouth are linked to different parts of the digestive system: the top of the upper lip to the stomach, the lower lip to the intestines, and the corners of the mouth to the first part of the small intestines. In the East a good doctor can diagnose problems by studying the patient's face.

An all-over massage is one of the best tonics; it is also an excellent way to tune in to your lover's body and come to know the idiosyncrasies of his or her erogenous zones. All massage, like love-making, should be reciprocal. It's preferable to indicate places where massage would feel particularly good by inarticulate sounds rather than words, because specific directions like "left hand down a bit" can weaken the erotic effect. In time, a personal code of sound and movement will develop, and beyond that, an intuitive rapport. But affirmation is important to both the lover and the masseur or masseuse. In an intimate situation massage does not depend on prescribed rules or techniques. Competency is largely intuitive and will arise spontaneously provided a feeling of confidence prevails.

Healing and relaxing massage should become an integral part of your relationship. Used during foreplay, it will rid the body of accumulated tensions and bring it to that state of relaxation suitable for the practice of evolutionary love. Use massage to express your emotions; don't be afraid to pour out your feelings through your fingertips. Effective massage can range from deep muscular manipulation to a simple laying on of hands. The secret of its effectiveness lies in the intention, concentration, and confidence of the person performing the massage, coupled with the trust and surrender of the person being massaged. The hands of healers emit a kind of "electric charge" that can positively affect the life energies of the "patient."

Use massage to awaken and tune up the physical and Subtle Body. Become aware of changes in the temperature of the skin over different areas of the body. Notice how these relate to imbalances and tensions and recognize them as signals that will aid in your intuitive knowledge of your partner's body.

Massage can be used to heal, relax, and generally attune the bodies of the couple; it is also a powerful means of erotic arousal. It can be used to sublimate or concentrate

sexual energy, as an integrated aspect of foreplay. In methods developed in the harems of the East, the whole body is massaged with the bodies of others. This technique is referred to as "Oriental," "Thai," or "full body" massage and involves the recipient body being rubbed all over by the active body. Both bodies are lubricated with perfumed oil or lather; then the masseur or masseuse lies on top and employs his or her body to stimulate and invigorate the body of the other. The elbows, knees, thighs, breasts, chin, forehead, feet, and other bodily parts are all used. This manner of sensuous massage can culminate in love-making, or it can be an act of loving service in itself. It has long been a favorite of rulers and of businessmen in the East. It can be practiced by the modern couple, preferably in an exotic environment, to the accompaniment of mu - sic, either taking turns or as a special treat for one's partner. Its benefits will be felt by both participants, whoever is taking the active role.

Treat massage as a ritual. Start with the head, feet, or spine and mentally repeat your intention to clear away all obstacles or blockages in the partner and invigorate the body and charge it with positive energy. Try to harmonize your breathing and use breath control to aid your concentration. There is a special secret to creative massage. This is that the person massaging channels energy from his or her whole body out through the hands. Consciously draw this energy up through the body and visualize it as being emitted through the fingertips.

Oils should be used during massage, ideally they should be slightly heated, particularly in the winter. Many massage oils are available on the market, but very good results can be obtained with those you mix yourself. Choose a non-sticky base oil such as sesame seed oil, and add to this some essential oils of flowers or herbs; sandalwood, rose, jasmine, thyme, lavender, rosemary, and

patchouli are some of the possibilities. Baby oil is a good base to work with because it's easy to obtain and quite pure. Almond oil is good for the head, hands, feet, and eyes, in particular. An Indian massage oil known as Amla is particularly beneficial.

W h e n massaging, be creative and truly inventive. Try visualizing the subtle channels and Chakras and concentrate on clarity of breath and thought. Mantras help to establish rhythm and reinforce concentration. Remember that touch has a great potential for healing and vitalization. Massage is a wonderful means of communicating feelings and is an ally in times of need. For the couple, the art of massage is a valuable way of serving each other.

Massage is an important aid in channeling sexual energy. From a Japanese print of the eighteenth century.

From among the senses, the sense of touch pervades all the others and has the mind inherent in it; the "mind field" is co-extensive with the tactile sense.

CHARAKA SAMHITA

Roughness, stiffness, dryness, fatigue, and numbness of the feet are all quickly removed by regular oiling and massage; the internal organs also benefit. Massage of the rest of the body removes offensive body odor, heaviness, torpor, itching, loss of appetite, physical tiredness, and sexual debility. It is a wonderful practice that helps overcome the problems of this world and the next.

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

Foot massage is a part of everyday Indian life. From a Guler painting circa 1810.

In the Springtime the rounded hips of amorous women are adorned with silken garments reddened by the color of saffron.

Languid with passion, they rub sandalwood paste mixed with sweet flowers, saffron, and musk on their breasts.

RITUSAMHARA

the perfumed garden

Yogic teachings stress the importance of the sense of smell, which is associated with the primary Prana, the upward-moving vitality, the Heart Chakra and the principle of cohesion. Sweet-smelling herbs, oils, and incense are credited with the capacity to stimulate the creative attitude and uplift the spirit. It is these qualities that make scent an integral part of religious rites and rituals. The sweet odor of rose, jasmine, saffron, sandalwood, basil, cedar, patchouli, and marijuana possess the same uplifting (sattvic) property as sweet tastes, which provoke the erotic and spiritual sentiments.

Pleasant-smelling perfumes and oils are an essential part of the Tantric lifestyle and are used to lift up the heart and the mind. Perfumes and fragrant oils also have the ability to create an atmosphere of psychic protection. A knowledgeable use of scents can help promote a harmonious emotional atmosphere in the home. Scent works mainly on the instinctive centers, stimulating many of our primal urges.

In cultivating self-awareness one of the most important factors is conscious observation of bodily odors, which are associated with different physical, emotional, or psychological states. Every person has a distinct odor, which, though constantly changing, is as special and unique as the color of the eyes or the way of walking. Body odor is directly related to diet and, to a certain extent, the general lifestyle of a person. A person who eats onions or garlic regularly will find that this odor permeates the breath, sweat, and sexual secretions. Similarly, a meat eater, a vegetarian, a smoker, and an alcohol drinker will have characteristically different body odors. Body odors are also affected by the spiritual qualities of a person.

The odor of a woman changes according to the time of her monthly cycle and the degree to which she is sexually excited. A man undergoes similar changes of odor with sudden excitement, anger, physical exercise, sexual longing or abstinence. In fact, a sensitive person can learn a great deal about a to-

tal stranger just from the sense of smell. Primitive magical traditions throughout

the world associate unpleasant smells with lower spirit forms and demons. Such bad smells are believed to have a "vibrational" property that attracts non-corporeal entities of a low evolutionary order that exhibit "possessive" characteristics. The rites of black magic often call for the use of noxious substances as burnt offerings; among these are dried blood, red pepper, and asafetida, all of which smell unpleasant.

W h e n the internal forces of body and mind are in harmony, a subtle and delightful perfume is exuded from the pores of the skin. Yogis and spiritual leaders are commonly reported to have a naturally fragrant aura, which is a manifestation of their spiritual attainment. It has been recorded that a week after the great Hindu teacher Swami Yogananda died in America, his body still emanated the sweet fragrance of roses. This fact was attested to by many doctors, who were totally perplexed by the phenomenon, since a corpse normally decays very rapidly and begins to smell bad after just a few days. The Oriental custom of garlanding prominent teachers or highly respected friends with flowers is a way of acknowledging their inherent spirituality.

Many Eastern treatises on the Art of Love detail the different categories of sexual organs, classifying them according to their shape, taste, and smell. In the Hindu text known as the Ananga Ranga the "Lotuswoman" is distinguished by her Yoni, which "resembles a lotus bud, perfumed like a sweet-smelling lily that has newly burst open," the "Art - woman" by her "sweet honey-smelling Yoni," the "Conch-woman" by her "salty Yoni," and so forth. Likewise, the "Hare-man" has "sweet-smelling, sweettasting semen" and the "Horse-man" has "salty semen that smells of goats."

Sexual excitation causes all sorts of exotic odors to emanate from the body, from the breath, the skin, and the sexual organs in particular. It is rightly said that the most exquisite scent a woman can wear is her own natural odor. A special trick of courtesans in medieval Europe was the use of their sexual secretions as perfume, behind their ears and around their necks, in order to attract customers. A great deal of human interaction occurs on the unconscious level and the sense of smell plays a significant role in this. One of the big drawbacks to the use of birth con-