IBD, Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s – How Tantra Can Improve Your Sex Life
Over my years of sexual counseling, I’ve helped many people suffering from IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) like Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis to not only improve their sex lives, but also their overall wellbeing through tantra.
I’ve seen how tantra, especially through the breathing exercises and relaxation techniques in yoga, can help clients gain more control over their bodies, boosting their confidence, performance, and overall outlook in the bedroom.
If you’re dealing with IBD and it’s affecting your intimacy, I’ll explain what tantra is and share some practical tantra tips to help you reclaim your sex life. Let’s dive in and see how this can work for you.
Contents:
- What Causes IBD?
- A Brief Introduction to Tantra
- How Can Tantra Help with IBD?
- How to Use Tantra for IBD Issues
- Consider Using a Specialist
What Causes IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis can be incredibly painful and life-changing. Constantly rushing to the bathroom and feeling too tired to even get out of bed can significantly impact one’s quality of life, including their sex drive.
Though there’s no clear medical cause for IBD, it’s widely believed that stress plays a major role, especially during flare-ups. We’ve all seen how animals can lose control of their bowels when stressed or upset. Therefore, many of the techniques in this article will focus on stress management and relaxation.
A Brief Introduction to Tantra
Tantra is an ancient spiritual practice originating from both Hindu India and Buddhist Tibet, dating back to around 300 BC. While it has evolved over the centuries into practices like tantric sex and tantric massage, the core concept remains the same: balancing energies to create spiritual or sexual harmony between two people. The goal is to deeply connect with your partner, often through meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and intimacy.
How Can Tantric Techniques Help with IBD?
So, what does tantra have to do with managing IBD? Tantra and its techniques focus on achieving a state of bliss by balancing physical and emotional energies. For someone going through a painful flare-up, using tantric tools to relax and control the body can be the key to enjoying sexual intimacy. Here’s how it can help:
- Promoting Awareness: Tantra teaches awareness of the body. By connecting deeply with your body (especially the lower body), you can gain more control over your bowel movements during intimacy.
- Relaxing the Mind & Body: Releasing mental stress helps relax the body. Breathing exercises focused on the gut can open up the body and make you more receptive to your partner’s touch.
- Increasing Confidence: Tantra fosters open communication between partners, creating a safe environment for intimacy. This helps you “let go,” boosting confidence and taking your sexual experiences to new levels.
How to Use Tantra for IBD Issues
Tantra is a vast subject, and while we can’t cover everything in this article, here are some key tips that are especially relevant for you when practicing tantra in the bedroom.
Choose the Right Time of Day
If you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease and are experiencing a flare-up, mornings may not be the best time for intimacy, as this is when your digestive system is most active. It’s important to choose a time of day when you feel more relaxed and less likely to have an urgent need for the bathroom.
Pay attention to patterns in your bowel movements. For example, if spicy food triggers discomfort or if the end of the day is when you feel most at ease, plan around these factors. Empty your bowels before intimacy and, if needed, your stoma or pouch.
Find the Perfect Space
If possible, try changing your usual setting. If you’ve had difficult experiences in the bedroom during a flare-up, consider a new environment to create a fresh experience. You could try a comfortable space with cushions on the floor or a sofa, or simply sit face-to-face instead of lying down, as long as both of you are relaxed and comfortable.
Set the Mood
Set the mood by dimming the lights, playing calming music, and ensuring the room is at a comfortable temperature. Remove distractions by turning off your phones. Light an aromatic candle to enhance the sensory experience and create a soothing atmosphere.
Start with a Breathing Exercise
Deep breathing can provide immediate relief for IBD symptoms and is an excellent way to prepare for intimacy. Begin by breathing slowly and deeply together from the belly, inhaling and exhaling 27 times. Keep the rhythm in sync with your partner. When exhaling, push your belly fully out while lifting your pelvic floor. This increases blood flow to your gut and intimate areas, offering relief before intimacy.
Loosen Up Your Body
Stretching helps loosen up the muscles and relax the nervous system. This promotes overall relaxation and reduces any muscle tension. Once relaxed, you’ll be better prepared to connect with your partner.
Look Into Each Other’s Eyes
Eye contact can deepen your connection with your partner. Look directly into each other’s eyes without looking away. It may be challenging at first, but with time, this will create a beautiful bond between you.
Experiment with Mindful Touching
Slowly and gently caress each other, starting with handholding. Gradually explore your partner’s body, drawing energy into your body and awakening your senses. Lightly brush over sensitive areas like the genitals or breasts, heightening excitement and intimacy.
Be Aware of Your Body and Adapt
It’s important to stay mindful of your body. If you feel any discomfort, feel free to adjust your position or use pillows for support. Use lubrication if needed, and avoid activities that may irritate your condition, such as anal sex. Communicate with your partner about your needs and be flexible.
Communicate the Waves of Enjoyment
As pleasure builds, you can use a numbering system to communicate your arousal levels to each other, with 10 being orgasm. Keep each other at a high level of arousal without rushing to orgasm, allowing you both to enjoy the journey.
Climax Together
When it’s time to climax, try to synchronize your pleasure with your partner. Let go and allow your body to express itself freely. Remember, the goal of tantra is not just climax, but deep connection. Even if the physical outcome isn’t what you expected, the emotional and spiritual connection is what matters most.
Consider Using a Specialist
If you’re struggling with IBD and want to explore tantra further, working with a tantric massage specialist may be helpful. Look for experienced professionals who can guide you through tantric practices designed to help with IBD symptoms and enhance intimacy.
Erotic Massage near Downtown Austin in Austin
For those seeking an intimate and therapeutic experience, an erotic massage near Downtown Austin in Austin can provide relaxation and healing. These sessions can help relieve stress, improve body awareness, and enhance your overall well-being, allowing you to feel more connected with yourself and your partner. Whether you're dealing with physical discomfort or simply looking to explore your sensuality in a deeper way, professional massage therapists can offer guidance in a safe, comfortable environment.
Consider finding a specialist who offers tantric massage to further explore how these techniques can complement your journey to better health and intimacy. With proper guidance, you can incorporate these practices into your daily life, ensuring a holistic approach to improving your sex life and managing the effects of IBD.
