Origin of The Tao
Lao Tzu, a wiseman and keeper of the Imperial Library in ancient China, was known for his wisdom. Disillusioned by the corruption at the palace, Lao Tzu decided to leave. As he was leaving, a guard at the palace gates asked Tzu to write out the essence of his understanding to benefit future generations. Lao Tzu wrote the 'Tao Te Ching' and left, and was never heard of again. The 'Tao Te Ching' or 'The Tao' is considered a wealth of ancient Chinese wisdom dealing with a variety of topics including sex, the ancient art of lovemaking, the Perfumed Garden and the Ananga-Ranga.

Tao and the Art of Sex
The ancient Chinese considered sex as an art form, evident from the colourful language and terminology used in the Tao. The private body parts are called interesting names - eg, the Penis is called the Jade Stem, Coral Stem, Male Stalk, Turtle Head, Red Bird and Heavenly Dragon Pillar while the Vagina is called the Coral Gate, Jade Gate, Cinnabar Gate, Vermilion Gate, Jade Pavilion, Golden Lotus, Open Peony Blossom or Receptive Vase. The Pearl on the Jade Stem and the Jewel Terrace are among a few of the names given to the Clitoris.

Sex, Health and Energy
Taoists believe that sex and sexual energy are used to improve health, harmonize relationships and increase spiritual realization. So, many of the Tao sexual positions are recommended to promote the flow of sexual health and energy. In the Tao sex manuals, lovemaking is referred to as the delight of the couch, the mists and the rain or as the clouds and the rain while the orgasm is called the great typhoon or the bursting of clouds. The method of lovemaking was of prime importance to the Taoists who believed that factors such as the conservation of the male semen, the satisfaction of the woman and the harmony of the Yin (female essence) and the Yang (male essence) had an effect on their longevity and good health.

The Tao Sexual Positions

The Tao details sexual positions meant to balance the Yin and the Yang and promote the flow of sexual health and energy. These positions have interesting names and come highly recommended by the followers of Tao.

Butterflies in Flight
The most famous of the Tao positions, this position is suitable for the woman who wants to make love to her man. In this position, the woman lies on top of the man, places her feet on his and moves up and down.

The Mandarin Ducks
Inspired by the mating of Mandarin ducks, this side-by-side position is well suited for sly, seductive lovemaking. Lying on his side, behind the woman, this position allows the man to thrust freely.

Silkworm spinning a Cocoon
The woman lies on her back and raises and spreads her thighs, exposing her clitoris to powerful stimulation. She can imagine her vagina as a flower opening and blossoming into orgasm.

The White Tiger
The woman is down on her elbows, while the man makes love to her from behind. The man can grip the woman's waist to help him thrust or reach around and stroke her clitoris upwards during each penetration.

Cat and Mice sharing a Hole
The woman is on top, supporting herself on her hands, while the man is free to caress any part of her.

The Dragon turns
The woman lies on her side, legs drawn together, while the man tries to enter her from behind. This is recommended as an exciting position for a man with a small penis, as it allows for maximum penetration. The manuals suggest that men with larger penis should attempt this only when the woman is fully aroused.

Seagulls on the Wing
Considered as an adventurous position, the woman lies on the edge of the bed, and the man enters her from outside the bed.

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