Here’s how you can use sex to heal

Unconventional therapies can sometimes be the most transformative. It’s a path that a growing number of people choose either as a supplement to traditional counselling or as a complete substitute to the usual.

In Johannesburg tantric and bondage or BDSM therapist Josh Muller practices alternative healing from his Melrose studio. Here, he works on energy, based on the spiritual, emotional, and sexual vibrations of an individual.

For people navigating the challenges of trauma, relationship issues, or a desire to deeply connect with themselves, the therapeutic world of BDSM healing and Tantric Massage is a lesser known yet, enthusiasts say, profoundly impactful route.

“Both BDSM and Tantra provide a platform for individuals to explore boundaries, sensations, and emotions in a safe, controlled environment,” Muller explained. He elaborated on the transformative potential of these practices, “With BDSM, it’s about channeling and understanding power dynamics, consent, and trust. Tantra, on the other hand, taps into ancient teachings, helping people harness energy for profound spiritual and emotional healing.”

It’s about the notion of stripping energy and redirecting attention. “It helps people create their own reality. You strip the energy and redirect it for healing and self-awareness. This entire process is deeply intertwined with understanding and mastering one’s sexuality, the very genesis of who we are.”

For the uninitiated, using sexual energy in healing and self-realization may sound rather far-fetched. But Mueller said that it has a very real, and powerful impact.

While many people might be familiar with the term ‘Tantra’ or ‘Tantric Massage’, few truly understand its profound depth, he said. “It’s like taking ten steps between understanding the practice and actually creating your own reality through it,” he shared.

Simply put, Tantric healing occurs through a deep tissue, healing massage where the body’s energies are aligned, and it culminates in a yoni massage, which in turn means, a measure of sexual stimulation. But it is not sexual at all in its objective, because the energy released during climax is then redistributed through the body.

Also Read: The power of sexual pleasure

“The outcomes of Tantric therapy can be powerful,” said Mueller, who added that the treatment can aid in healing sexual scars, emotional wounds that have never healed, and aid in the spiritual and emotional growth of a person.

Muller said that he was always drawn to touch, from giving massages to family and friends as a child through to studying sports massage as a young adult. It was then that he discovered the potential of taking treatment a step further, into a deeper, more meaningful realm. He has practiced his craft for well over a decade and helped many people.

“When you clear trauma and create space in your body, the universe fills that void. This can then transform one’s approach to life. This energy is palpable, and those around you can sense it,” he said.

It’s not only the tantra that serves in its power to heal. BDSM or the family of bondage kink, can deliver incredible results when applied in healing, he said. “The Healing Power of BDSM

Also Read: Sexpo: Naughty But Nice

Is misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture but can be a potent therapeutic tool when applied with intention and expertise.”  Mueller emphasised the significance of trust and boundaries, both crucial aspects of a BDSM dynamic. “In BDSM healing, we navigate the realms of dominance and submission, but it’s always grounded in mutual respect, consent, and understanding. Through these sessions, individuals can revisit traumatic experiences or suppressed emotions in a space where they feel in control, ultimately leading to release and healing.”

“It’s like an intense form of role-play where you are allowed to be vulnerable, to face your fears and overcome them,” he added.

Mueller also does breathwork, using the ancient power of controlling breathing to deliver a physical and spiritual outcome. Breathwork is said to influence a person’s emotional, mental, and physical state, akin to a state of deep meditation. It has a therapeutic effect that may be helpful for relaxation, deep diving into the inner self, emotions, and managing stress amongst others.

Mueller’s approach to therapy is out-of-the-box and left of centre for the uninitiated. He believes in it completely and has dedicated his professional life to help others.  He pointed out, sometimes the most profound healing comes from the most unexpected sources. By using the power of BDSM healing or Tantric Massage therapies, he said that he is crafting a space where individuals can rediscover themselves, heal old wounds, and forge a stronger connection with their inner self.

“Whether it’s through BDSM or Tantra, the goal is always the same, to guide individuals towards a state of holistic well-being, to help them create their own reality, grounded in self-awareness, love, and healing,” he said.

Mueller will be at Sexpo this weekend to demonstrate the healing power of the tantra and BDSM.

Angie went for a treatment with Josh:

My experiences with Josh were truly amazing. I left feeling very relaxed and comfortable in my body, more than I was before. Josh was very kind and knows what he is doing, I also like that he makes sure you are alright with everything that he does before he does anything. The breathing exercises that he had me do were amazing and while you are busy with his breathing exercises you can feel how your body moves into a state of relaxation with the energy flowing through your body.

The tantric massage was a whole different experience to anything I have never had before. It made me feel a whole lot of new sensations which I had never felt before.

Even BDSM healing was incredible, especially as I was a complete novice. Having the ropes tied around my body opened a whole new thought process in the moment, and after.  I felt like the ropes around my body were pieces of armour and it was comfortable, it felt almost like someone was giving me a tight hug. I would recommend going to him and experiencing it for yourself because the feelings that you get during and after the process are just very difficult to put into words. It was transformative in so many ways.