Tantra is a mystical subject, it is nearly impossible to define. Even eminent scholars have had a hard time explaining what Tantra actually is. The different explanations of Tantra indicate its multifaceted nature. Tantra is a spiritual science, which means it is also mystical, in its interconnectedness, the holistic wisdom link betand the universe we inhabit.
Traditional dictionary definitions of Tantra are revealing. A Sanskrit word, Tantra is sometimes translated as "leading principle, essential part, model, system, framework, doctrine, rule, theory, scientific work," also as "order, chief part, rule, authority, science, mystic works, magical formulas, means, expedient, stratagem, medicine." Tantra is sometimes defined as "a type of mystical teaching set out mostly in the form of dialogs between a cosmic couple. intimate insightful dialogs, between God and Goddess, Shiva and Shakti, the male and female Tantric adepts, were at times written down and became known as Tantras. Naturally, these dialogs, being intimate, included sexual secrets as well as many other fascinating topics.
The performance of tantric massage ideally has the following goals:
o To awaken the Kundalini, which is a very powerful kind of energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine. When the Kundalini is awakened, it radiates upward along the spine and accelerates the body's capacity to heal itself.
o To activate the chakras of the body. The chakra literally means wheel or disc in Sanskrit and it is a centre of energy in the body that is located on the spine. It is said that there are seven main chakras along the spine, going from the base of the spine to the neck and head.
o To facilitate the body's healing in the physical, emotional and spiritual sense. Because tantric massage activates the chakras of the body, the ability of the body to heal itself is enhanced. But it is not just the physical pain that the body feels that is healed in tantric massage; even the emotional scars that the person sustains in his or her lifetime are soothed and melted away. Tantric massage also opens a person to unity on a spiritual level with the world around him or her.