The Bath Ritual
The bath ritual is an important and sensual part of the Tantra massage — and, in fact, of Tantric lovemaking in general, with or without massage. Your bodies are sacred temples. During the Tantra ritual, you will be honoring and cherishing each other. A good way to show the other this adoration is by bathing. (Also, from a more practical standpoint, many people — especially women — feel more comfortable during sex if they have bathed beforehand.)
Be sure to spend some time preparing the bathroom before your partner arrives for the special bath. It should go without saying that the bathroom should be clean — remove all dirty clothes and linens, and give the entire room a thorough cleaning. Nothing kills the mood of a sensual bath more than dirt or mildew.
Set the mood by lighting candles and incense and playing music (but, obviously, you want to keep radios and other electric appliances a safe distance from the tub itself). For an added romantic touch, have a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice nearby. Bubbly and a bubble bath make for a great combination.
Bath salts and oils are also great additions to a sensual ambiance. Make sure the bath water is warm enough to be soothing, but not so hot as to be uncomfortable. A hot tub or whirlpool is ideal for sensual baths because of the exciting sensation of the jets hitting the skin (plus hot tubs are usually roomier and plenty big enough for two). But a regular tub can do just fine, especially if you have a massaging showerhead or bath attachment.
Wash each other with care and attention. Ideally, you should wash the entire body, including the hair (which can actually be surprisingly erotic). Use a luxurious scented shower gel or bath lotion to lather each other. Your soapy hands will be able to glide over your partner's body in new and thrilling ways. For a new and different sensation, try using a bath mitt, which you can buy at many drug stores or bath shops. Admire each other's bodies. You are preparing each other to make love, which may not necessarily mean penetration. It is part of the sensual, Tantric experience.
If you do not have a bathtub, a shower is the next best thing. What matters most is the attention you give each other.
There are few Tantric sexual rituals that do not involve the required aspect of ritual bathing. This was a staple of the Tantric sex practices, and virtually all sex rituals included a bathing aspect of some kind. Most sexual rituals also involved food, wine, and massages with oils.
When you are finished bathing, apply your favorite lotions and creams. Applying the creams to your partner's body is a great way to increase the sensuality. Men, shave or trim your facial hair.
The best way to wrap up a great bath? With some warm towels, plus a cozy bathrobe or some plush blankets. Think ahead, and have these items ready for your partner when you finish your bath.
