Dark, BDSM & Fetish Tantra: What It Is, Benefits & Techniques

A dark tantra experience combines fetishism and BDSM with the art of tantra. Karma Tantric author, Maya Khamala, explores exactly what goes on in dark tantra and gives tips for trying it yourself.

On the surface of things, tantra, or tantric sex, so often associated with profound sensual and spiritual connection, may seem to have little in common with the world of BDSM and fetishes. Yet a more in-depth exploration reveals many common threads between these pleasure practices. In fact, historically, the perspective of tantra held that all life was an expression of the divine, so nothing was to be shunned as ‘unholy,’ making it an ideal framework in which to embrace the potential of darkness, sexuality and taboo.

What is dark tantra?

In searching for a dark tantra definition, it is useful to understand that while white tantra is a purely spiritual practice geared at transcending the ego, red tantra is more focused on blending sensuality with spiritual practice, and so dark tantra can be considered a specialized form of red tantra which moves into areas like bondage, sensory play, kink, fetishes and sadomasochistic practices–but all in a safe, sacred space. Those who practice dark tantra and BDSM or dark tantric massage often aim to transcend repressed sexuality and embrace their deepest, darkest desires. For many, dark tantra means ultimately achieving transformation and healing through a fearless exploration of one’s fantasies.

To break dark tantra down to its basic elements, it looks much like a blend of BDSM, tantra and tantric massage. At the core of dominance and submission is the integral blending of yin and yang, feminine and masculine: dark tantra honours both of these parts of ourselves without shame or fear. Dark BDSM tantra cultivates and harnesses the delicious tension between what is forbidden and what is blissful.

Understanding dark, BDSM and fetish tantra

Dark tantra blends the spiritual presence and intimacy of tantra with the taboo qualities of BDSM.
Many explore submission and domination within a dark tantra framework because it’s known for being both safe and sacred.
Oftentimes, the healing we seek comes from embracing the darkest of places without fear–this is dark tantra’s offering.

What can happen during a dark tantra experience?

During a dark tantra experience, your practitioner or sexual partner will artfully fuse dark tantra massage with a wide choice of tantra fetish acts. This means you’ll likely start out being lulled into relaxation by the calming, sensual strokes of your masseuse’s hands, as she also works in the dark tantra massage techniques of your choosing. These might include being blindfolded, light bondage, teasing (i.e. with a feather) or more pointed domination and submission acts, such as spanking.

At its core, BDSM tantra darkly embraces the seductive tensions of the power exchange, taboos be damned. Since dark tantric practice is modelled on your deepest fantasies, it necessitates a thorough in-advance discussion with your masseuse. Depending on your very personal preferences, your masseuse might even explore role-play for the duration of your session, assuming the role of an authority figure like a boss, nurse, or policewoman.

Different acts that can take place in some dark tantric massage sessions could include the following but are specific to each masseuse and her offerings:

Bondage
Blindfolds
Candle wax dripping
Sensory deprivation
Gags
Spanking & whipping
Orgasm denial
Orgasm control
Foot worship
Eye contact restrictions
Domination & submission
Voyeurism & exhibitionism
Leather, rubber & latex
Cross-dressing

Did You Know?: “Although studies show that BDSM can facilitate healing from trauma and other mental health issues, between 36 and 37.5% of those who openly participate in BDSM practices face judgement and discrimination.

What are the benefits of dark tantra?

Dark tantra offers countless benefits, and this is in part because people turn to dark tantra for wildly different reasons. Some are after the palpable improvement in mental health triggered by the decrease of cortisol associated with stress reduction, some wish to better control their orgasmic impulses, while others aim to deepen communication and trust with their sexual partners–skills inherent to both tantra and BDSM practices. Still, others with past traumas gravitate toward dark tantra to help them heal old wounds, release shame, and explore their full pleasure potential.

Improving mental health
Healing from past trauma
Releasing sexual blocks and shame
Reducing stress
Awakening sexual energy within the body
Accessing a wider range of pleasure and desire
Discovering full-body or multiple orgasms
For men, delaying orgasm or experiencing non-ejaculatory orgasms
Enhanced communication, connection and trust with partners

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Is dark tantra a safe sexual practice?

Although dark tantra is completely safe when explored with a skilled and experienced dark tantric masseuse, as with all tantra fetish (and indeed all sexual) acts, it’s important to be attuned to the safety aspect. As some fetishes require a sense of mild danger (i.e. restraints, whipping), it’s important that they be performed in a controlled environment. Trained professional tantric masseuses, such as those at Karma Tantric, are well versed in the art of dark tantra BDSM and the strong communication skills necessary to harness its potential, and they take pleasure in creating a sexy yet sacred space in which you can safely explore your wildest sexual desires.

Who can practice dark BDSM and fetish tantra?

Those best suited to dark BDSM and fetish tantra are people who wish to shake things up, either in their relationships or in their relationship with their body and sexuality. Those who practice must also be committed to strong, two-way communication with one’s partner or masseuse. When all is said and done, however, any consenting adult can participate in BDSM and fetish tantra.

How to try dark tantra for yourself

One of the best ways to explore dark tantra and what it can offer you personally is to explore the wide-ranging sensual art form yourself. Whether you’re single or with a partner, dominant or submissive, there are plenty of techniques that are easy to try in the comfort and privacy of your home. Try them alone or with a partner, combine them as desired, and always ensure mutual consent and excitement!

In no particular order, here is your beginner’s guide to dark tantra BDSM, and tantra techniques.

Tantric masturbation

Particularly for those exploring solo, think of tantric masturbation as a way of becoming extra intimate with yourself by tuning into your own deepest desires–what better way to learn what you want from a partner? This is about touching yourself mindfully and ideally not starting with the genitals, but rather, with other erogenous zones (breasts, stomach, neck, ears), stroking yourself as you would a lover. Add a dark twist as desired by punctuating the self-pleasure with a bit of measured pain: you might try pinching or slapping yourself or using nipple clamps.

Bondage

With good reason, experts recommend that you don’t embark on your first bondage experience with a near-stranger (unless it’s a trusted professional masseuse). You might use rope, handcuffs, a silk scarf, or anything else that works for you and your partner, incorporating dark tantra massage or playful touch once your restraints of choice are in place. Establish a safe word just in case anything becomes too intense or the person being tied needs to pause or stop for any reason.

Sensory deprivation

Blindfolds and earplugs are two of the most common props used during sensory deprivation play, intended to block out the stimuli of the outside world, often for the submissive partner. The reasoning behind this is that a person’s sense of touch is usually heightened by eliminating the other senses. The dominant partner can then tease or ‘torture’ their partner’s body mindfully with techniques or props such as ice, feathers, floggers, hot wax, and sex toys.

Spanking

Being spanked turns many people on because pain releases endorphins. Spanking can be approached with an open hand, or an object such as a paddle, a whip, or a cane. It may be delivered spontaneously or go on repetitively for a prolonged period, with gentle, tantric touch interspersed between spanks to emphasize the delicious contrast. Whether you’re on the giving or the receiving end, be sure that the person with their butt in the air (or draped over the giver’s lap) has total control: it’s important to always start off gentle and seek feedback along the way.

Roleplay

Roleplay offers partners endless possibilities insofar as exploring power, authority, and tension go. You might explore playing a submissive (prisoner, doctor’s patient, student, baby) one day and a dominant (prison guard, doctor, teacher, parent) the next. You might incorporate costumes and props, agree on a script beforehand, or simply hone in on focused dirty talk tethered to whichever roles you’ve chosen–your imagination will do the rest!

Orgasm control

Orgasm control, AKA edging, is the practice of stopping your partner from reaching orgasm right when they’re on the brink by stopping whatever was being done to get them there (oral sex, manual stimulation, feather teasing, intercourse, etc)–or by stopping yourself from orgasming while masturbating. Getting to know your partner intimately is tantra, and the dark part comes with knowing their reactions so well that it becomes second nature to drive them crazy (or they you). The idea is to build up the pleasure and cut it off at the last second again (and again, and again) until the person in control decides it’s time to allow a release.

Explore Dark, BDSM & Fetish Practices Further With Karma Tantric

At Karma Tantric, we’re committed to helping people explore their sexual persuasions without the fear of being judged. Several of our expertly-trained masseuses specialise in offering dark tantric massage experiences to delight your senses. So, if you’d like to try a massage for yourself, get in touch with our friendly team today to book yours.