Sex Is Medicine With Devi Ward

What is the relationship between Tantra and modern pornography? Can there even be a relationship between these two seemingly disparate approaches to sexuality?In this 2025 Tantra Talks Throwback episode, Dr. Erickson and Devi Ward Erickson take on the very nuanced topic of Tantra vs Porn and discuss:The difference between p✨rn and erotica—and why that distinction mattersHow habitual p✨rn use can dull your imagination (which is essential for Tantra)Why fantasy and visualization are powerful tools in solo practiceWhat happens when your sexual nervous system is trained to climax fastWhen and how p✨rn can actually be used skillfully (yes, really)Why Tantra is about refinement, not restrictionThey also share personal stories, cultural context, and practical tips for anyone navigating solo sexual cultivation, especially those working with semen retention, orgasmic awareness, or deepening their connection to pleasure.Tune in for more!Thank you for listening to Sex Is Medicine! We appreciate YOU! :-)Please make sure

Did you know your p3nis is medicine???In this powerful episode from the 2025 Tantra Talks archives, we’re flipping the entire script on what it means to be a man, to own a penis, and to awaken your vajra as a sacred, conscious tool of healing, transformation, and power

2025 Tantra Talks Throwback! If you followed spiritual communities online in 2025, you likely noticed this topic: Polyamory, Aubrey Marcus,  and “Radical Nonmonogamy”, etc., etc.But are all these radical liberating concepts simply code words for “Poly f*ckery” i.e. f*ck around without consequence?In this throwback episode of Tantra Talks from May 2025, we address one of the most common myths in Western Tantra:Do you have to be polyamorous to practice Tantra?Short answer: No.But we go way deeper than that. You'll discover how the unexpected choice of intentional monogamy could lead to more profound spiritual growth than you ever imagined, and learn about simple, powerful practices to transform any relationship context.Here’s what we unpack:Why Tantra is not inherently polyamorous or monogamousThe real danger of “poly-f*ckery” masquerading as spiritual awakeningHow non-monogamy can become another form of trauma reenactmentHow choosing “intentional monogamy” can serve as a powerful exploration in spiritual pract

​In this LAST Sex Is Medicine episode of 2025, we revisit a Tantra Talks episode from Spring 2025...And, this time, strive to set the record straight by offering authentic, lineage-based guidance on the most proper, respectful, and effective ways to engage with this medicine from the plant world.Tune in to learn about how to properly and respectfully engage with Grandmother Ayahuasca.Whether you’re curious, cautious, or committed, this episode equips you with lineage-tested principles. Discover:What we got wrong in the previous episode and WHYThe very real dangers of using Aya without proper lineage and guidanceHow to be in the right relationship with AyaThe dynamic dance of Tibetan Tantra and AyaWhy lineage matters in both Ayahuasca and TantraThe different lineages of Ayahuasca ceremoniesWhat to look for in an Aya facilitatorWhat to be aware of when looking to explore Aya useWhy Ayahuasca is not for everyone and how to know if it is right for youThank you for listening to Sex Is Medicine! We appreciate YOU!

How should we react when a partner is unable to maintain an erection?This episode of Sex Is Medicine answers listeners' questions about:Navigating psychosomatic ED as a coupleThe impact of aging on sex and the best remedies for addressing vaginal dryness, thinning tissues, and low libidoAre Throatgasms a thing?How to find your pelvic floor musclesThe use of fantasy to recover from porn addictionSit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of Sex Is Medicine Reboot!Thank you for listening to Sex Is Medicine! We appreciate YOU! :-)Please make sure you LIKE + SUBSCRIBE to Sex Is Medicine REBOOT! And please leave us a comment... we love to hear your thoughts!Do you have a question you want answered on air? We are delighted to answer!Send your questions to Questions@holisticsexologyinstitute.comLearn more about our work at HolisticSexologyInstitute.comFind out more about our government-accredited Holistic Sexology Certification Program. See you next week!With Love,Devi and Alaina

It's not often we get the opportunity to speak to living legends!  Join us for a conversation about Reproductive Justice with Loretta J Ross and Marlene Gerber -two prominent leaders in the social justice movement.ABORTION AND REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE: An Essential Guide for Resistance, by Marlene Gerber Fried and Loretta J. Ross, emphasizes that the right to have and raise children is as essential for reproductive choice as the right not to.This critical approach—originating in Black feminism—provides grounding for radical abortion advocacy. Calling on us to join in, the book highlights abortion stories from individuals and organizations who are putting this analysis into action on the front lines, in the United States and beyond.By linking abortion rights to broader social justice initiatives, including Black Lives Matter, immigrant and refugee rights, disability justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, the authors expand the conversation at a critical moment.In this episode of Sex Is Medicine, we discuss:Why "reproductive

Beyond The Clitoris: A Dissertation On Female Pleasure ZonesThere is a concerning phenomenon in the field of sexology involving the emergence of a nearly militant insistence that the clitoris is the ONLY source of female orgasm.This viewpoint not only dismisses the lived experiences of millions of women but is also simply anatomically incorrect.While the clitoris and its surrounding structures are indeed extraordinary, they are not the only sources of orgasm. Orgasms can vary significantly and can originate from various parts of the body, the brain, and even the energy body.After over a decade of teaching people how to expand their orgasmic capacity, we've discovered that orgasms come in many variations, influenced by a broad range of factors—physical, psychological, emotional, intellectual, and energetic. In this episode of Sex Is Medicine, Devi and Alaina explore the many types of orgasmic pleasure that do not originate from the CUV complex, such as:- Cervical and uterine orgasms- P-spot orgasms- Anal orgas

This is a true story of coercion, manipulation, and abuse….What happens when sexual healers engage in acts of sexual harm? Who can you turn to when an organization's leadership lacks a genuine interest in accountability?In this episode of Sex Is Medicine, Devi speaks with ISTA survivor advocate, Cara Cordoni, to explore how "sex-positive, trauma-informed" communities can sometimes function as high-control groups that cause harm to those they claim to serve.In this episode, Cara shares her experience of participating in several levels of ISTA training, the coercion, manipulation, and abuse she witnessed personally and vicariously, multiple survivor stories, and the results of her 2-year attempt to facilitate change within the heart of the ISTA organization.Find out:How ISTA uses the promise of healing, liberation, and "conscious" sexuality to attract students and clients.Validated reports of sexual harm filed against ISTA from 18 countries spanning back to 2008The troubling patterns of manipulation, neglect of

Would you like to master the art of separating your orgasm from your ejaculation?Would you like to become a multi-orgasmic man, but don't know where to begin?Are you looking for guidance about how to practice semen retention and non-ejaculatory orgasms safely, but don't know who to trust?What would it be worth to you to have access to over 27 years of combined expertise in the art, practice, and skill of safe and effective semen retention methods?Well, here we are, serving it up to you on a silver platter!Join Devi and Alaina for this episode of Sex Is Medicine and find out the answers to:How and why you can practice "the million dollar point" safely and effectively.Why retrograde ejaculation is not as common as you thinkHow to relieve chronic tension in your pelvic floorHow to RELAX into your multi-orgasmic potentialWhy it's okay to fantasize during self-pleasureThey also discuss the importance of morning BJ's to maintain relationship satisfaction ;-)In honor of #NoNutNovember, Devi and Alaina are dedicating

The topic of polyamory seems to be everywhere these days. From articles in The Atlanticdescribing it as the ruling class's latest fad, to the controversy surrounding Aubrey Marcus and “radical monogamy” (essentially polygamy), polyamory is highly present in the media right now.But is polyamory really a new trend? Is it even new at all? Or is it a way of relating that predates colonialism and recalls a time when humans were less isolated and more communal?In this week’s episode of Sex Is Medicine, Devi and Alaina speak with somatic relationship coach Mel Cassidy about their new book, Radical Relating: A Queer and Polyamory-Informed Guide to Love Beyond the Myth of MonogamyDescribed as a provocative, trauma-informed guide to post-monogamy, this book helps readers build liberated relationships rooted in empowerment, equity, and authenticity.Join Devi, Alaina, and Mel for an in-depth conversation about the myths and misrepresentations of polyamory and how to navigate non-monogamy from a “woke” perspective.In this

Is it possible for women to have orgasms from breast and/or nipple stimulation?The short answer is yes! And here's why...Studies have determined that there is, in fact, a neural link between the nipple and the clitoris. Stimulation of the nipples activates the same sensory area of the brain associated with the genitals.Stimulation of the nipples activates:Your Brain -Stimulating the nipples activates both the chest area and the genital sensory cortex in the brain.Your Hormones - Nipple stimulation also triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that can cause uterine contractions, which may contribute to sensations in the genital area.Your Pleasure - Research involving women who have undergone a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) suggests a direct neural link, as the genital sensory cortex is still activated during nipple stimulation, even without the uterus being involved.This neural connection provides a neurological basis for why nipple stimulation can enhance sexual arousal, lubrication, and orgasm for

Erospirituality: Ancestral Remembering for Embodied Liberation with Mx. Lena QueenJoin Devi and Alaina for a deeply regenerative conversation about Erotic Liberation through Erospirituality with licensed, integrative somatic sex therapist, Mx.Lena QueenIn this episode of Sex Is Medicine, learn about:The Indigenous Roots of Erospirituality  Erotic Liberation as a radical, embodied state of being Erotic intelligence as a path to navigate love, desire, intimacy, and erotic powerReclaiming Embodied Intelligence to connect and integrate body, mind, spirit, and sexThe importance of Decolonizing ErosHow Healing the Erotic Self heals the WHOLE SelfAbout our guest:Mx. Lena Queen, LCSW, M.Ed. (Queen/they) is a licensed integrative somatic sex therapist, certified hypnotherapist, energy worker, TEDx Speaker, and Bliss breathwork facilitator.With over 23 years of personal and professional healing experience, they are an erotic liberation author, and creator of the erotic intelligence workbook and self-paced wellness plan

Your cervix is PORTAL into ENLIGHTENMENT! In Tantric Buddhism, the cervix is the bottom end of the Uma Channel (aka Shushumna Nadi, aka Central Channel).In the genital reflexology system associated with Taoist sexual teachings, the cervix is the “heart point,” and stimulation of this zone can catalyze deep emotional release and opening.Your cervix is one of the few organs of the body to boast triple innervation, with the hypogastric, pelvic, and vagus nerves all contributing pressure-sensitive pathways to this 3rogenous zone. In fact, your cervix is even MORE densely innervated than your clitoris!Directly stimulating the cervix allows you to “hack” into the vagal pathway, inducing all the vagal benefits of increased immune system function, improved physical and emotional health, greater resilience to stressors and triggers, and deep feelings of relaxation and well-being.Your pleasure is a gateway to health, wealth, and longevity, and you DESERVE to know, understand, and explore this!In this episode of Sex Is

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual issue that affects approximately 1 in 3 men aged 18 to 59 in North America. It occurs when ejaculation happens sooner than desired during sexual activity. PE is considered the most common sexual disorder among men and can lead to depression, low self-confidence, erectile dysfunction, and relationship problems.Conventional definitions describe premature ejaculation as a sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation that "always or nearly always occurs before or within 1 minute of penetration" and the inability to delay ejaculation in nearly all instances of intercourse. This often results in stress, frustration, and sometimes avoidance of sexual intimacy.Many men and their partners believe they have PE if they cannot last more than a few minutes, and we agree with this perspective! We define premature ejaculation as having little to no control over when or if one ejaculates. In short, if you consistently ejaculate before you want to, it becomes an issue for both you and

Did you know that men and (PWP) are capable of experiencing over 11 different types of 0rg4sm? That's right—there are more than 11 unique forms of 0rg4smic ple4sure available to you through g3nital stimulation!Unfortunately, most men typically only experience one or two types of 0rg4sm, leaving a vast world of pl34sure unexplored.In this episode of Sx Is Medicine, Devi and Alaina break down the more than 11 different 0rg4sms that men and PWPs can experience through breath, connection, and mindful m4sturb4tion.Thank you for listening to Sex Is Medicine! We appreciate YOU! :-)Please make sure you LIKE + SUBSCRIBE to Sex Is Medicine REBOOT! And please leave us a comment... we love to hear your thoughts!Do you have a question you want answered on air? We are delighted to answer!Send your questions to Questions@holisticsexologyinstitute.comLearn more about our work at HolisticSexologyInstitute.comFind out more about our government-accredited Holistic Sexology Certification Program. See you next week!With Love,Devi

In this episode, Alaina and Devi draw on their combined 27 years of expertise to answer a very common question: "Is it normal not to feel him inside you?”While it's true that many, many women and V-owners experience a lack of genital sensation, this doesn’t mean it's normal. Common? Yes. Normal? Not at all! Unfortunately, in the quest to boost body positivity, creators can sometimes unintentionally overlook sharing valuable insights that can help us all maximize our pleasure.This episode explores:The science around genital innervationWhy genital numbness occursHow to use pleasure as medicine to dissolve the numbness and pain that result from unprocessed trauma and emotional wounding. Tips for cultivating a sacred sensual healing session for yourself!Learn more about our tips for resensitizing your beautiful body at https://holisticsexologyinstitute.com/blog/Thank you for listening to Sex Is Medicine! We appreciate your interest and support :-)Have a question you want answered on air? We are delighted to answe

Welcome back to Sex Is Medicine, your number #1 resource for holistic sex education. In this episode, Alaina and Devi draw on their combined 27 years of expertise to answer a listener's question: "Can you practice tantra as a same-sex couple?" The answer is "Of course!", and here are a few things to consider:It's essential to distinguish between authentic, lineage-based Tantra (real Tantra) and Neo-Tantra. Authentic, lineage-based Tantra involves energy body yoga and meditation, whether practiced sexually or non-sexually, and whether done individually (solo)  or in partnership.The concept of "polarity" in Neo-Tantra creates a lot of confusion for Queer folks. The concept of "polarity" is not found in authentic, Buddhist lineages of Tantra. The concept of "Polarity" as it relates to sexuality was introduced to the Neo-Tantra industry by author David Deida. David Deida's teachings are not sourced from or associated with an authentic Tantric lineage. In short, the concept of polarity is not a concept present in

This episode clearly breaks down the overt and intentional lies told by Nicole Daedone regarding the origins of Orgasmic Meditation (OM). It highlights how these falsehoods were used to manipulate and coerce clients, employees, and the general public into practicing OM. The misleading narrative suggested that OM was a legitimate esoteric method of spiritual realization, supposedly transmitted by a Buddhist monk to OneTaste founder Nicole Daedone. These lies form the foundation of the OneTaste brand and its primary methodology, Orgasmic Meditation. They directly challenge the core of the OneTaste trial defense, which claims that the plaintiff and OM participants were always in “full consent.”  However, one of the basic tenets of abuse recovery is recognizing that you cannot consent to a lie. Withholding or omitting the truth, as well as intentionally deceiving people about the origins of a method to manipulate their perception, are hallmarks of abusive behavior. This is crucial because OM was, and still is, pr

It's back! Sex Is Medicine PODCAST -  your number one resource for Holistic Sex Education- is back!Sex Is Medicine is serving up sex-ed info rooted in 27 years of combined expertise! Alaina Salks and Devi Ward Erickson share the most cutting-edge and accurate information to answer your questions about holistic sexual wellness, helping you integrate body, mind, spirit, and sex.Brand-new episodes of Sex Is Medicine drop every Thursday morning, so be sure to like and subscribe on all your favorite listening platforms so you don't miss a single dose of Sex Is Medicine.This week's dose of Sex Is Medicine is served with tea…Alaina and Devi spill ALL the tea about WTF is happening with IATE, why the Authentic Tantra Certification Program is ending after a DECADE on the market (RIP ATCP!), + WTF catalyzed the radical changes behind the scenes of IATE.We invite you to grab a cup of something delicious, get cozy, and tune in to turn on your heart, mind, spirit, and sex!In this episode, Devi and Alaina shareDevi's exper

Join Devi Ward Erickson and her panel of certified Experts for the final episode of 2021!Devi and her crew answer listeners questions about:* Keeping and maintaining and erection with new partners* How to find time to practice Tantra* The reality of wet dreams* Why Gspot vibrators are a SCAMJoin us for the last episode of the season and make sure to subscribe to Sex Is Medicine in iTunes, Spotify, and Youtube