Sex and romance have been around since the dawn of time, so it is no surprise that our ancestors have written a number of guides on the subject. The Kama Sutra -- perhaps one of the best known books about love and lovemaking -- is an ancient Indian Hindu text that was written sometime between 400 BC and 200 AD. Don't let its age fool you; the Kama Sutra has plenty of tricks and techniques to spice up your modern-day relationship.
Origins of the Kama Sutra
Scholars believe that the Kama Sutra originated from oral stories that were originally passed down from generation to generation in verse form. Eventually, these stories were compiled by Vātsyāyana into a single book. The title comes from Kama, meaning sensual desire or pleasure, and Sutra, which is a short book or collection of verses.
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The Kama Sutra was first translated from ancient Sanskrit into English by Sir Richard Burton in the mid-1800s. This was the height of the Victorian age, so you can imagine the reaction it must have received in England during this time; in fact, Sir Burton's wife burned many of the translations following his death.
Today, there are a number of translations available for readers who are interested in learning more about this ancient practice. While you can purchase the complete book, there are several editions that are focused exclusively on the sexual positions from the original text, along with illustrations.
Myths Regarding the Kama Sutra
Perhaps the biggest myth regarding the Kama Sutra is that the work is entirely about sex and sexual positions; however, this is not the case. While sex does make up a portion of the text, many chapters are devoted to finding a wife, improving physical attraction, making money, and the priorities of life. Only 50 of the 1,250 verses from the Kama Sutra actually address sexual intercourse positions.
Another common myth in the Western World is that the Kama Sutra is a manual for tantric sex. While there are a number of sexual practices related to the tradition of Hindu Tantra, the Kama Sutra does not explain any of the sexual rites associated with this practice.
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Yet another myth is that you have to be a contortionist to enjoy the positions described in the Kama Sutra. This is certainly not the case. While some positions may be more advanced, there are a number of positions and practices, such as embraces, kissing, and marking with nails or bites, that any couple who wants to add some variety to their lovemaking may use.
Kama Sutra on Sexual Compatibility
The Kama Sutra divides men and women into several different categories, based on the size of their genitals, passion levels and endurance during lovemaking. When men and women have similar sizes and desires, theirs is considered to be an equal union; however, those who do not correspond will result in an unequal union.
When it comes to size, men are classified as hares, bulls or horses. Women, on the other hand, are categorized as deer, mares or elephants. The three equal unions based on size are:
|
Men |
Women |
|
Hare |
Deer |
|
Bull |
Mare |
|
Horse |
Elephant |
Sexual desires and carnal instincts also play a role in compatibility. A man who does not like being touched and has a low libido would be a poor match for a woman who feels intense passion while making love and enjoys being touched by her partner both during and after sex. In this case, the following categories are considered equal:
|
Men |
Women |
|
Small |
Small |
|
Middling |
Middling |
|
Intense |
Intense |
Endurance is classified as short-timed, moderate-timed and long-timed. As with the categories above, finding a partner who is your equal is important. All together, there are nine possible unions for partners according to the Kama Sutra.
Foreplay and the Kama Sutra
The goal of the Kama Sutra is to enhance the relationship between partners in order to increase pleasure. Try incorporating some of the Kama Sutra techniques into your foreplay to build up anticipation and drive your partner wild.
The Kama Sutra places a strong emphasis on showing your love for the other person before entering the bedroom. You can do this by having a pleasant conversation, engaging in a hobby together or feeding each other sweets before introducing any erotic touching. In other words, romance should play a key role in your sexual relationship.
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Joining your bodies in an embrace is a symbol of the feelings that you have for your partner. Try touching, rubbing and pressing your partner to make a total body connection. You should also embrace the four sexual areas of your partner's body, which includes the forehead, breasts, thighs and genitals.
Light biting can be a highly erotic foreplay technique. The Kama Sutra states that any part of the body that can be kissed -- such as the ear lobes or bottom lip -- can be bitten to create tension and improve sexual satisfaction. You can also use your teeth to remove your partner's clothing.
Aphrodisiacs
The use of aphrodisiacs to increase libido, potency and endurance was a well-known practice in ancient India. While some items, such as ram's testicles and monkey feces, may not sound particularly sexy, you can use common foods like honey, pumpkin seeds and ground black pepper to take your desire to new heights.
Positions of the Kama Sutra
While there are 64 different types of sex acts described in the Kama Sutra -- with varying degrees of difficulty -- you can begin slowly incorporating the most common positions into your lovemaking.
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Some positions are easily accessible to the novice. For example, the Yawning Position merely requires the woman to lie on her back and place her legs on the man's shoulders. Others may require more flexibility or strength to accomplish. With the Suspended Congress position, the man will stand with his back to the wall while lifting his partner's rear end. The woman, in turn, must hold onto the man's waist with her thighs and push her feet against the wall for additional support.
Keeping your romance and sex life hot is important for any relationship. Fortunately, the Kama Sutra has a number of tips to stimulate both you and your partner.
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Johnny... Robert... Chris...
They're the stuff that dreams are made of. We're talking about Hollywood's hottest heartthrobs. Whether it's their captivating looks or their overall charisma, these are the guys that sell tickets and drive ratings. You'd be hard-pressed to find a woman who doesn't have a celebrity fantasy. But before you go feeling guilty over those good feelings, consider this -- these harmless daydreams can actually help, not hinder, your relationship. So says renowned sex expert Ian Kerner.
Kerner, the founder of goodinbed.com and numerous self-help books, tells the TODAY show: "Fantasies are a very normal part of sexuality. Having a celebrity crush is way better than fantasizing about a "real' person. It could be a good way to spice things up with your partner - if you have a good, trusting relationship. It's a great way to start a conversation with your partner around sex."
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So long as these handsome hunks run a close second to the leading men in your life, it's all good. Now check out who makes MyDailyMoment's list of the most in-demand male celebs.
1. Johnny Depp
This is not the first list of sexy male celebs that Johnny Depp can find his name on, and it is likely not to be the last. Depp is beloved for numerous roles on the big screen, including his bad-boy movie persona in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Now, in 2012, Johnny Depp joins a long line of sexy vampire actors (hello Robert Pattinson) with his new movie Dark Shadows. This is sure to make the sexy star an even hotter it.
2. Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson, the man who started the vampire craze himself, can't be left off of any list of celebs who make women crazy. Pattinson captured the hearts of Twilight fans young and old, including Twilight moms and teens, when he took on the role of sexy-but-controlling Edward Cullen, despite his public commentary mocking the series.
Pattinson's pale good looks made him attractive to more than just Twilight lovers, however, and fans are eager to see what Pattinson will do next. With rumors perhaps finally confirmed of a relationship between Pattinson and Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart, many in the industry and on online blogs are asking whether this off-screen couple would be willing to star in the upcoming erotic Fifty Shades of Grey movie that was loosely based off of a Twilight fan fiction story. Based on their huge cheating scandal, it's highly unlikely now.
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3. Chris Hemsworth
Australian actor Chris Hemsworth is perhaps best known for his role in the 2011 film Thor, but also has several big-screen credits to his name in 2012 including The Avengers and The Cabin in the Woods. As if a starring role in the well-received movie The Avengers isn't enough, Chris Hemsworth has also been recently featured in tabloid presses hitting the streets of London with his baby daughter India Rose in a baby carrier on his chest. Nothing like a sexy family man to get women going.
4. Brad Pitt
Pitt's recent engagement to Angelina Jolie - along with the gorgeous ring he got her - has done nothing to reduce the sex appeal of this longtime hot male celeb. Pitt's film Killing Them Softly with Andrew Dominik is sure to be a crowd pleaser and is considered one of the most anticipated films of 2012. The crime drama is set in the American west and is based on the novel Cogan's Trade.
5. Zac Efron
Zac Efron may have gotten his start on the Disney Channel, but today he is an undisputed movie star and a hot sex symbol for millions of women. Efron was recently in the feature film At Any Price, which was well-received at Cannes Film Festival and recently acquired for foreign distribution by Exclusive Media. The film features Efron as a man determined to become a race car driver at any price - including failing to live up to his obligations on his family's farm.
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Continuing on with our list of 10 male celebrities who drive women crazy, we're down to the last 5 slots to fill. There are so many male celebs on the big and small screen that exude sex appeal that it is hard to pick just 10. Still, these 10 are top male movie stars and men who have been recognized over the world for their amazing looks and their ability to drive women wild.
6. Josh Holloway
Josh Holloway captured hearts and minds as Sawyer in the famous TV series Lost. Everyone loves a bad boy and Holloway did not disappoint as the troubled love interest in the love triangle completed by the characters of Jack and Kate. Recently, Holloway has moved to the big screen with the action flicks Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and Battle of the Year: The Dream Team. His stunning sex appeal in movies continues to make him one of the hottest male celebs.
7. Jake Gyllenhaal
Oscar-nominated Jake Gyllenhaal has had a busy year already wrapping up his role as cop in the upcoming End of Watch. He is also scheduled to premiere this summer in an off-Broadway production at the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York called "If There is I Haven't Found it Yet." Rumors that he is hooking up with a Twilight Star have many women jealous as they admire his sexy and smoldering good looks.
8. Rafael Nadal
Nadal proves that not every sexy celebrity has to be a movie star - his athletic prowess helps to drive plenty of women crazy. Nadal's moves on the tennis court and his rugged good looks make him a top fantasy figure to many women. If he manages to win a seventh French Open title this summer, his status as a sex symbol is sure to rise even higher.
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9. Will Smith
While Will Smith has been out of the spotlight for several years, he's not out of the hearts and minds of women. For those who can't get enough of the former Fresh Prince of Bellaire, this sexy male celeb will soon be back on the big screen in the long-awaited Men in Black 3. His long and devoted marriage to Jada Pinkett is not in trouble though, according to a recent statement he made, despite rumors to the contrary. If it was, there would be many women in line willing to help pick up the pieces and provide comfort.
10. Ashton Kutcher
Unlike Smith's divorce rumors, Kutcher really did publicly split with his former love-interest Demi Moore. This public breakup has not dulled his sex appeal, however. Now, with rumors that Kutcher will be cast as Steve Jobs in an upcoming bio pic, the young actor will be given a chance to expand his film repertoire into a new sort of role if he stars as the charismatic entrepreneur.
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Announcements have also been made that Kutcher will be back for another season of Two and a Half Men, giving women the chance to see him on both big screen and small.
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