'Conscious Community' or Cult? What I learned from my journey with ISTA

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 participants in distress, financial exploitation, and the misuse of "trauma-informed" language without implementing actual trauma-informed practices.The 2-year attempt at mediation with ISTA that ended with defending actions that many considered rape, victim blaming, denial, and positioned themselves as victims rather than addressing the documented patterns of harm from numerous survivor reports.How ISTA's so-called "accountability process" ultimately harmed survivors furtherRed flags to watch for before joining trainings: lack of established lineage (teachers creating content without drawing from recognized traditions), spiritual bypassing, pressure to disregard boundaries in the name of "growth," financial exploitation, unclear processes for reporting concerns, and whether criticism is welcomed or punished.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 [email protected] 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

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 this episode to all of their fabulous Ejaculation Mastery for Men students to celebrate your success!Here’s to you guys! We’re so proud of you!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 [email protected] 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

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 episode, we will:- Deconstruct myths and misrepresentations surrounding polyamory- Explore the difference between polyamory and polyfuckery- Learn how and why the nuclear family was created (and how it does NOT reflect our human history)- Uncover how and why the nuclear family model creates suffering for families and communities- Highlight toxic approaches to non-monogamy that perpetuate patriarchy and white supremacy culture- Understand the role of queerness in non-monogamyAnd so much more!About Mel CassidyMel Cassidy is a somatic relationship coach committed to the path of liberatory love and rewilding intimacy. They specialize in working with queer and questioning humans (and those who love them), exploring post-monogamous relationships—with a focus on polyamory, solo polyamory, and relationship anarchy.They are of Irish, Greek, and Romani descent and have lived in 3 countries, across 3 continents. They currently live in British Columbia, Canada, and work with clients and students worldwide. Their first book, Radical Relating: A Queer and Polyamory-Informed Guide to Love Beyond the Myth of Monogamy, is published by North Atlantic Books.Find them on Instagram/Facebook/Substack/Insight Timer @radicalrelating or visit radicalrelating.caThank 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 [email protected] 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

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 many women.Listen to the full episode for our step-by-step guide to activating breast orgasms using Pleasure as Medicine.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 [email protected] 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

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 plans, the 6-week erotic embodiment healing intensive, Healing The Erotic Self (HTES), in addition to the 5-weekSHIFT Somatic Healing Intensive, and founder of the non-profit healing and SHIFT Somatic Healing Intensive, and founder of the non-profit healing and learning space, Erospirituality Centre.Centering Black erotic liberation, Queen uses the erotic to help trauma survivors and healthcare professionals create embodied safety and self-trust to heal and create healthy relationships. Mx. Queen is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and an AASECT-approved continuing education (CE)Learn more about Mx. Lena Queen at https://www.erospirituality.com/Attend Lena’s upcoming events - https://www.erospirituality.com/storeDownload Healing The Erotic Self Workbook - Healingtheeroticself.comConnect with Mx. Lena Queen on Instagram @sistasexologistResources:Erospirituality Sex, ecology, evolution - https://mikmawarchives.ca/documents/erospirituality-sex-ecology-evolution-%E2%80%93-the-ontopoetics-of-soulThe African Roots of Tantra - https://www.tantradharmacenter.com/african-roots-of-tantraThank 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 [email protected] 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

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 Medicine Reboot, Devi and Alaina answer questions about pain and pleasure in the cervix.Find out the answers to:Why your cervix hurts during sexIs it possible to have a cervical orgasm when you have an IUD?The keys to cervical pleasure during deep penetrationHow cervical orgasms may change after having childrenOne of the ways we can resist oppression and access our POWER is through embodied Pleasure and Connection! Click Here to join Devi and Alaina (and the IHS Team) on November 4th at 7 pm EST, for a conversation about the Power of Pleasure and how YOU can become part of the RESISTANCE! ***References for WSC - https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/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 [email protected] 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

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 your partner.Fortunately, PE is one of the more straightforward sexual dysfunctions to address, provided you understand the underlying causes and have effective methods to tackle it.This episode of Sex Is Medicine outlines:The definition of PE and how to know if you have itCommon causes of PEPros vs Cons of conventional remedies for PE Holistic methods to last longer and how they workCuring PE naturally and safely 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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 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 [email protected] 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

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 authentic Tantra. It has no relevance in the practice of actual Tantra. Same-sex relationships are very congruent with the original roots of Tantric Buddhism, which were revolutionary, transformative, and transgressive. In examining the roots of Tantric Buddhist sexuality, studies reveal the concept of "Pandikas"—people who are trans, gender non-conforming, or engage in same-sex relationships. There is a historical reference recognizing non-cis, non-heteronormative relationship structures. In some cultures, such as Chinese Taoist, women-to-women relationships were well-supported and celebrated. In contrast, in others, such as Roman and Spartan societies, male-to-male relationships received similar acknowledgments.Authentic, lineage-based Tantra for same-sex couples can incorporate all of the same methods and practices as used for heterosexual couples.Same-sex couples can use meditation, yogic breathwork, communication, and pleasure methods to enrich, balance, and heal the energy and physical. For queer men, women, and non-binary folks, heart-centered tantric practices can help improve relationships by healing wounds inflicted by Patriarchy, allowing individuals to foster loving relationships with themselves, their partners, and their environment.Tantra is a spiritual technology that has been transmitted from one human heart to another for millennia. Tantra is designed to support the liberation of body, mind, and sex for all human beings, without a single exception.Check out our Tantra Healing Program if you'd like to learn Tibetan 5 Element Tantra for Holistic sexual healing.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 [email protected] 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