City–based researcher bases his claim on principles of tantra sex, looks for tie–up with foreign laboratory

A city–based sexpert intends to demystify the arcane practices of tantra sex and its esoteric complex ideas. Researching for the last 15 years, practising clinical sexologist Dr Rajendra Sathe is attempting to decipher the role of neurotransmitters in tantra sex from arousal to orgasm.

Recently, Sathe was invited to conduct a workshop at the annual conference of American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors & Therapists (AASECT), in Miami (USA) where he put forward his premise on new perspectives in tantra sex and how it can be used to resolve common sexual problems. The five–day conference was held from June 5 to 9 and was themed ‘Embracing the sensuality of diversity in identities and culture’. Sathe was the only speaker from India and conducted a workshop on ‘From arousal to orgasm: Role of neurotransmitters in tantra sex.’

Though today tantra sex practices are shrouded in mystery, Sathe said, "The originators of the practice from ancient India very well knew the role of neurotransmitters and hormones in sexual activity. They knew that each phase of sex is influenced by brain and body biochemicals and these are important in optimising sexual activity." He added that these ancient tantric concepts can be deciphered in a way we can understand it today and used to resolve common sexual problems

Sathe said there are 80 to 100 neurotransmitters (biochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and anandmide) working in our complex brain. "They are important for our daily activities. The entire sexual act from start to finish is getting programmed through neurotransmitters," he said. Tantra sex involves practices like bringing in deep bodied orgasms, delayed ejaculation and ejaculation at will, he said.

Sathe said, "We know how the brain functions during sex in real time and how sexual activity is influenced by the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain."

Sathe added, "We can then understand which neurotransmitters could be brought back into better balance if there is a imbalance," said Sathe. Sathe is hoping to collaborate with an international laboratory to take his research forward on his exploration of how principles of tantra sex therapy could help solve common problems with zero or minimal use of drugs.

Sathe has authored three books: Kama–Tantra: Prem–Tantra (English), Kamasamasya: Samupadeshan Va Aushadupchar and Hastamaithuna Baddalche Hitaguj in Marathi.