Episode Overview

Podcast: Rena Malik, MD Podcast
Host: Dr. Rena Malik, MD
Guest: Dr. Seema Anand
Episode Title: Soft Penis Penetration? The Taoist Sex Secret No One Talks About
Date: November 19, 2025

Main Theme:
This episode dives deep into misconceptions and hidden truths around ancient sexual practices—especially Taoist and Tantric perspectives on sexual energy, semen retention, and intimacy. Dr. Rena Malik and Dr. Seema Anand candidly address questions people are often too embarrassed to ask, debunk modern misunderstandings, and share practical, evidence-based advice for improving sexual and relational satisfaction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Misinterpretations of Taoist & Tantric Sexual Teachings

[00:57–05:04]

• Dr. Malik notes that "semen retention" is often attributed to Taoism but is widely misunderstood in the present day.
• Dr. Anand explains:
  • Ancient Taoist, Tantric, and Hindu views saw sexual energy as the most powerful type of energy, superior even to running a marathon.
  • The goal wasn't just to increase sexual energy, but to learn discipline and channel it into other aspects of life.
  • Erotic temple art (like at Konark and Kajuraho) was intended to raise passion, preparing devotees for spiritual attainment—not to be discarded or ignored.
  • Modern conversations oversimplify: “People will listen to half a sentence, come up with their own idea of what it's supposed to mean, and they've decided that it's all about semen retention. And semen retention means that you don't masturbate... it actually doesn't have anything to do with that.” (Dr. Seema Anand, 03:18)
• The ancient goal was not about masculinity or power, but about reaching higher consciousness and defeating “stagnation,” seen as more dangerous than displeasure.

Quote:
“The opposite of pleasure is not displeasure. The opposite of pleasure in ancient India was stagnation. It was numbness. It was death. Because pleasure was seen as a shakti. It's an energy.”
—Dr. Seema Anand [05:37]

2. Orgasming Without Ejaculation & Sex as Mindful Practice

[06:11–09:21]

• Dr. Malik explores whether ancient texts discuss orgasm without ejaculation.
• Dr. Anand clarifies:
  • The Kama Sutra doesn't, but Tantric texts do discuss orgasmic experiences without ejaculation, emphasizing circulation of energy and vibrant life force.
  • Sex/Yogic positions in Tantric practice are extremely slow and mindful, performed as mirrored movements to foster intimacy and a “complete energetic circuit.”
  • Eye contact is highlighted as more important than even physical union, forming the deepest connection.
  • Movements are ritualized—often counted in multiples of nine—to merge meditation and sexuality.

Quote:
“A lot of these positions... are performed extremely slowly. You count your breath as you do this... it's generally in multiples of nine. There's quite a lot of discipline and learning that actually goes into this.”
—Dr. Seema Anand [08:16]

3. The Societal Impacts of Sexual Energy & Wilhelm Reich’s Story

[09:21–11:38]

• Dr. Malik and Dr. Anand discuss how harnessing sexual energy positively could make society more pleasurable and less angry.
• Dr. Anand recounts Wilhelm Reich’s philosophies:
  • Reich believed increased orgasmic energy would solve societal problems and even weather anomalies.
  • His controversial “orgone” pods—intended to harness orgasm-derived energy—earned both followers and backlash, ending with his imprisonment.

Quote:
“He said that the negative energy that's hanging over the earth and the break in the atmosphere that's coming is because there aren't enough orgasms going out into the atmosphere.”
—Dr. Seema Anand [10:25]

4. The Taoist Secret: Soft Penis Penetration

[11:38–14:07]

• Dr. Malik asks about the Taoist idea of penetrating with a soft penis and what benefits this offers.
• Dr. Anand explains:
  • Takes pressure off performance: Reduces anxiety for those worried about erections.
  • Encourages extended foreplay: Partners go through arousal together, supporting mutual pleasure.
  • Supports those with ED: Helps couples reimagine intimacy beyond rigid expectations.
  • Practical challenge: Traditional male condoms can't be used; recommends female condoms (noting they're fiddly but could improve with more use).

Quote:
“It takes away the pressure of thinking that, oh, my God, I'm not getting hard enough to penetrate... it also helps to build up foreplay in a way that you're almost forced to do it.”
—Dr. Seema Anand [12:00]

5. Top Advice: “No Pressure Days” for Better Sex

[14:07–16:54]

• Dr. Malik closes by inviting Dr. Anand’s top tip for a healthier sex life.
• Dr. Anand prescribes scheduled “no pressure days”:
  • No penetration or sex is allowed, freeing couples to rediscover skin-to-skin contact, cuddling, kissing, and play.
  • Intimacy without expectation rekindles desire and reduces performance anxiety.
  • Recommends 3–4 “no pressure days” every 1–2 weeks.
  • Recognizes many people are reluctant, but says it has a high proven success rate.

Quote:
“You should have scheduled at least 3 to 4 non pressure days... Absolutely. Days which are just for skin to skin, cuddling, as much, kissing as you want... but without the pressure of knowing that this has to end in penetration.”
—Dr. Seema Anand [15:22]

• Dr. Malik reflects that men often only equate sex with penetration, missing out on other forms of intimacy, and that reframing intimacy can revive excitement and desire.

Quote:
“If you want sex like do this one because you're going to be really excited about sex... There was so much desire... which we're missing.”
—Dr. Rena Malik, MD [16:22]

Most Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “The opposite of pleasure in ancient India was stagnation. It was numbness. It was death.”
  —Dr. Seema Anand [05:37]

• “A lot of these positions... are performed extremely slowly. You count your breath as you do this... in multiples of nine.”
  —Dr. Seema Anand [08:16]

• “It takes away the pressure of thinking that, oh, my God, I'm not getting hard enough to penetrate... it also helps to build up foreplay.”
  —Dr. Seema Anand [12:00]

• “You should have scheduled at least 3 to 4 non pressure days... just for skin to skin, cuddling, as much, kissing as you want, playing with each other... without the pressure that this has to end in penetration.”
  —Dr. Seema Anand [15:22]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:57 | Introduction to semen retention and ancient sexual energy concepts | | 03:18 | Debunking semen retention myths; the purpose of erotic temple art | | 05:37 | Discussion of pleasure vs. stagnation in ancient Indian philosophy | | 06:38 | Orgasm without ejaculation and sex as a mindful, meditative circuit | | 08:16 | Ritual sex positions—slow, mindful, mirrored, and counted | | 09:45 | The story of Wilhelm Reich and orgasmic energy in society | | 11:52 | The Taoist secret of soft penis penetration and its modern relevance | | 14:17 | “No pressure days” as practical, evidence-based sex advice | | 16:03 | The importance of redefining intimacy for revitalized relationships | | 16:54 | Dr. Anand’s closing thoughts on successful intimacy practices |

Tone & Style Notes

The episode is factual but warm, mixing science-backed clarity with playful, relatable asides. Dr. Malik asks the “embarrassing” questions with professionalism, while Dr. Anand provides nuanced, often humorous context, helping demystify ancient knowledge for modern listeners.

Summary Takeaway

This episode encourages listeners to move beyond myths and headlines, embracing both ancient wisdom and new approaches to sexual well-being. Listeners are invited to explore discipline, deep connection, and forms of pleasure that transcend performance anxiety—empowering them to transform their sex lives with mindful, intentional intimacy.