This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
On the surface, the Kama Sutra appears to be a guide to elaborate sex positions, but its true purpose is to promote emotional intimacy and relationships. This ancient Sanskrit text, written by Indian philosopher Vatsyayana, has become a go-to guide for many, but its meaning has been lost in translation.
According to certified sex coach Gigi Engle, the Kama Sutra is often misunderstood. "It originally had very little to do with sex," she says. "Sex has become very much equated with the Kama Sutra, but really, it's a spiritual book."
The guide is all about sustaining relationships, with only one section dedicated to actual positions. However, this section is a significant one, packed with sex positions that promote emotional intimacy between partners by way of touch and physical connection.
Engle notes that the ancient text teaches men to prioritize a woman's pleasure over their own, by focusing on making sure she climaxes before even thinking about their own orgasm. While the next-level positions are intriguing, Engle wouldn't recommend most of them, unless you are super agile and athletically inclined.
"It's not so much about going in and being able to do all of these different positions; it's more about finding ones that you can adapt," Engle says. "It's more important that you come into the night (or morning, or bathroom quickie) with enthusiasm, as that's what sets apart good sex from great sex."
