The Origins of Tantric Body De-armouring
Andrew Barnes began developing Body De-armouring in 1998 which later became Tantric Body De-armouring, a practice he named in tribute to Wilhelm Reich (24 March 1897–3 November 1957). Reich was an Austrian medical doctor and psychoanalyst who belonged to the cadre of analysts succeeding Sigmund Freud. He introduced the notion of 'protective armour,' attributing muscular rigidity to repressed emotions. Reich believed that this mental and physical armour could be dissolved through hands-on techniques that release muscle tightness and help individuals become aware of their underlying emotional burdens.
The Aims and Challenges
Andrew Barnes' primary motivation for creating Tantric Body De-armouring was to prepare the mind, body and vagus nerve for the possibility of experiencing expanded orgasms, altered states of consciousness, or Kundalini awakenings. Without adequate preparation, these intense experiences could overwhelm the mind and nervous system. Yet, when properly guided and prepared, such experiences can be not only manageable but also deeply nourishing and transformative.
Self vs. External Stimulation
Have you ever attempted to tickle yourself? Most people find it impossible to elicit the same sensations that tickling from another person brings. The reason for this is rooted in the way our brain processes self-generated versus external stimuli. Similarly, it's generally not possible to effectively de-armour oneself. Just as the brain's cerebellum anticipates and nullifies the sensation of self-tickling, it also inhibits our ability to release deeply rooted physical and emotional tensions when we attempt self-administered de-armouring. This underscores the importance of involving an external trauma-informed practitioner in the Tantric Body De-armouring process.
Early Methods: Well-Intentioned but Flawed
During the 1970s, Osho communities, along with other well-meaning groups, frequently relied on invasive massage techniques and high-intensity processes. Their aim was to forcibly remove the barriers of fear, emotional boundaries, and physical discomfort to overcome trauma; unfortunately, this often circumvented the brain's natural defence mechanisms and caused re-traumatisation. While their intentions may have been noble, these practices often lacked a nuanced understanding of trauma and the nervous system.
Evolution and Adaptation of Techniques
Andrew Barnes was initially trained in the late 1990s in a style of Ka Huna massage, which also subscribed to this intense methodology. This approach used rigorous bodywork and ritualistic practices as a means to alleviate individuals' tension and stress. However, Barnes later adapted these practices, incorporating them into his own Tantric Body De-armouring techniques. He began mapping the muscles and fascia throughout the body that specifically relate to sexual stress and tension, which guided the focus of using trigger point release during the sessions.
Learning from Mistakes: Addressing Trauma
Regrettably, in the initial stages, both Barnes and many other practitioners operated with a limited understanding of the impacts of trauma on the nervous system, communication and boundary-setting skills, and the power dynamics between practitioners and participants. It was often believed that the path to healing could be achieved by intentionally inducing pain or triggering past fears and then 'powering through' these emotional and physical barriers.
Acknowledging Past Shortcomings
This approach failed to account for the complexities of how trauma affects the body's response mechanisms and could, at times, inadvertently exacerbate pre-existing emotional or physical issues. To address grievances and concerns, Andrew Barnes underwent an accountability process with third-party mediators from Safe Mediation. Since then, he has invested in supervision, self-reflection, training, and research, establishing ethical guidelines along the way. His aim is to integrate trauma-informed awareness and standardise the practice using empathetic approaches.
Scope and Limitations
While Tantric Body De-armouring employs trauma-informed approaches and aims to create a safe and nurturing environment, it's crucial to clarify that the practice does not directly address trauma. Specialised trauma healing training is required for that purpose. Participants interested in resolving deep-seated trauma should seek qualified professionals in the field of trauma therapy. Tantric Body De-armouring serves as a supportive practice for personal exploration and growth, but it is not a substitute for expert trauma care.
Modernising the Practice: The Shift to Trauma-Informed Awareness & Touch
In the evolving landscape of Tantric Body De-armouring, modern best practices have undergone significant changes. Andrew Barnes now emphasises the importance of supervision for practitioners, as well as trauma-informed consent, continuous communication, and individualised treatment plans for participants. These plans are designed to support participants in developing self-awareness of their capacities, boundaries and limits, along with communication skills. Prioritising guidance to ensure participants can exercise agency over their own experience is an essential requirement before proceeding with the Tantric Body De-armouring modality.
The Shift to a Collaborative Approach
In the past, the practitioner often dictated the direction of a session, which sometimes resulted in unintentional harm due to the subordinate role of the participant. However, with the emerging understanding of trauma and nervous system dynamics, the focus has shifted. Practitioners now support participants in creating a safe and empowering space for themselves and must adopt a more facilitative role. This enables the participant's own body intelligence and emotional awareness to guide the session. This collaborative approach offers a more ethically grounded and effective path to healing and transformation without the risk of re-traumatisation.
Redefining Consent: An Empowered Participant
In this collaborative setting, 'consent' transcends the traditional notion of the participant simply giving the practitioner permission to proceed with what they think is best. Here, the participant becomes an active architect in shaping their own journey. This extends to setting the pace of the session, and dynamically communicating their needs and boundaries.
Whether it's asking for a specific kind of touch, setting limitations, or even pausing the session to recalibrate, the participant has the full agency to make these decisions. They can also make suggestions, expressing their preferences to tailor the session according to their needs within the boundaries of the Tantric Body De-armouring session, and they hold the power to stop the session entirely at any given moment.
The Evolution Through Participant & Professional Feedback
Feedback, complaints, and grievances from participants and professionals are playing an essential role in shaping Tantric Body De-armouring. Their firsthand experiences and candid observations have led to more trauma-informed approaches, improved consent protocols, and personalised treatment plans. This mutual feedback cycle reinforces the collective commitment to continuous improvement and ethical integrity. It not only underscores the collaborative nature of the practice but also ensures it remains aligned with both contemporary scientific research and participant agency and well-being.
Final Thoughts
The journey of Tantric Body De-armouring is a tapestry woven from insights, challenges, and evolutionary growth. From its initial development in the late '90s, rooted in the ground breaking work of Wilhelm Reich, to the continuous refinement of techniques and ethical guidelines, the practice has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability. What stands out is the journey from a one-size-fits-all methodology to a more nuanced, participant-centred approach, focusing on practitioner supervision, trauma-informed care and continuous communication. This shift reflects not just a changing empathetic understanding of the human nervous system, but a broader societal shift towards personal agency and ethical interaction.
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