This book can solve a lot of problems. Couples with failing relationships typically communicate little, have few common activities, and have poor or no sex. Learning Tantra is a fun activity that teaches couples to communicate and trust. Furthermore, Tantra gives couples a common activity that makes them feel special. They develop intimacy that their friends do not have.
Tantra encourages fitness. No one need be musclebound to enjoy Tantra, but fitness makes Tantra more pleasurable. At the same time some Tantric exercises are quite physically undemanding. Unfit individuals can enjoy Tantra also.
The book is well-written and well-illustrated, and discusses many of Ms. Anand's experiences. It discusses Tantric sexual techniques, but does not discuss Tantric history and mythology in detail.
Ms. Anand's book first asks the reader to examine their own sexuality in terms of Tantric principles. Two chapters discuss opening lines of communication and trust between partners, and developing skills for enhancing intimacy.
The chapter "Opening The Inner Flute" is necessarily technical. This chapter discusses the Tantric and Taoist principle of the "chakras" (energy centers) which permit "mental orgasm". Mental orgasm is non-ejaculatory, encompasses the entire body, and is superior to a genital orgasm. The chapter includes exercises to help partners begin to experience their chakras.
Ms. Anand next discusses "self-pleasuring" (foreplay) as a technique for breaking through individual sexual inhibitions and for building a couple's sexual intimacy and trust. Another chapter discusses role-playing games that allow couples to communicate in a non-threatening manner. The book does *not* mention using safewords, an omission that might cause discomfort while couples are learning Tantric positions.
The remainder of the book progressively develops Tantric sexual techniques and positions that individuals and couples can experience and enjoy. These sections are clearly written and illustrated, and offer suggestions to accommodate different body shapes, weight, and other comfort concerns.
The book's Appendix discusses Safe Sex. This well-written discussion suggests different techniques for new partners and for long-term partners, a sensitive and sensible approach.
