Taoist Traditions
Taoism, a major Asian religion, has its own Tantra-like traditions. In fact these two philosophies can be confused because they have similar approaches to many topics. Certain forms of Taoism and Tantra are parallel, but the philosophies are not the same. Some Tantra-like traditions in Taoism include those based on the idea that you can harness the energy of the sexual reproductive drive (referred to as jing, or ching) and use it for better health and happiness. In Taoism, the primary goal of sex is not necessarily physical pleasure, but rather to promote longevity and good health, and to connect. Taoists believe a man can absorb life energy (known as chi) from a woman by having sex with her. Because they believe women have a much bigger supply of this energy than men, it is apparently believed that woman can spare plenty of this life energy without any ill effects. Taoists believe that this life energy can help cure or alleviate a variety of health problems, such as high cholesterol and hormone imbalances.
Ejaculation Control
Under Taoism, seminal fluid is considered a precious life force, so men are encouraged not to “waste” it through unnecessary ejaculation. In fact, for a man in the ancient Tao community, having sex with numerous women in a short period of time without ejaculating at all was considered a feat worthy of much admiration.
So Taoists practice several techniques to help men learn to control (and avoid) ejaculation. One of these involves the perineum, the area of a man between the scrotum and the anus. By applying pressure to this spot immediately before orgasm, it is said that you can block the release of seminal fluid through the urethra when the man climaxes. However, some modern experts criticize this practice, saying it can possibly lead to damage of the perineum and bladder problems (from forcing the semen back up toward the bladder). In addition, critics say, there is no guarantee that this technique can really prevent a man from ejaculating.
The area between a man's anus and scrotum (technically known as the perineum) has been dubbed “the Million Dollar Point” by Stephen Chang, author of The Tao of Sexology, and is now commonly referred to by that term.
Because some men find it physically uncomfortable to reach the brink of orgasm without ejaculation, Taoists also devised exercises designed to divert the blood flow away from the genitals in order to relieve the pressure and swelling in that area. One of these techniques reportedly involved doing a headstand to help the blood flow back toward the stomach and upper body!
