The Kama Sutra, or Kamasutra, has become a Western buzzword for wild sex positions, but this isn’t (totally) true…

What IS the Kama Sutra?

The Kama Sutra is an ancient Hindu text, written sometime around 200 to 400 BC. This ancient Indian Hindu text is widely considered to be the book on human sexual behaviour. The Kama Sutra isn’t only about the act of sex itself, but also intimacy (and bride wooing, and other elements). It covers 64 different sexual acts, including embraces, caressing, kissing, biting, sexual positions and oh, so much more. But before you get intimidated by the various activities and positions, know that this beginner’s guide to Kama Sutra is a way to ease yourself into it without scaring yourself or your partner, or being overly intimidated by difficult pretzel positions.

A Beginner’s Guide to Kama Sutra

The best way to begin in the art of Kama Sutra is to jump right in. Initially, try the positions without sex toys or added stimulus from your favourite adult store products—build the intimacy without distraction. To ease into Kama Sutra activities, consider giving sensual massages before your lovemaking. This will not only relax you and your partner, but will also warm up your muscles.

Here are a few sexy positions to get you started building orgasms and increasing intimacy—but note that a position-filled race to orgasm isn’t the point of the Kama Sutra.

The Pillar Position

This structurally-named position is a sexual foundational. It won’t turn you into a pretzel, but is extremely pleasurable. Begin by facing each other in a kneeling position. The woman slowly opens her thighs, presenting her vagina to the man. The man then pulls the woman towards him, while guiding his penis to her ‘yoni’. This position not only shares the work but also has you face to face with your partner for kissing, nibbling and whispering sweet nothings.

The Indrani Position

This position is about deep penetration combined with female empowerment. For the Indrani position the woman lies on her back and then bends her knees upwards. The man then positions himself in front of the woman, connecting her knees with his armpits—for dual leverage. The man then enters her, while she remains in control by pulling him towards her or pushing him back with her hands. This position allows for front vaginal wall and clitoral stimulation that many women respond to sexually.

What’s Next

Once you’ve mastered these relatively simple— and non-pretzely—positions, move on to intermediate Kama Sutra positions and techniques. Another option is to continue with these positions but incorporate sex toys from an adult store into your Kama Sutra lovemaking.