TANTSU® is a relaxing and stress relieving bodywork practice that can be received in a therapeutic context, or shared for enjoyment and connection between family and friends. 

A Tantsu session includes whole body holding (Tantsu cradles) , passive stretching, shiatsu pressure, massage techniques,  contact of the energetic body, spontaneous movement and non-verbal communication. Tantsu is an opportunity to relax into non-sexual, safe intimate contact. Tantsu's “cradles”, positions in which our whole body comfortably holds and moves with the receiver’s body, create a sensation of deep containment in which it is safe relax and open to a new state of wellness. 

Tantsu was created over 30 years ago by California poet and visionary bodyworker, Harold Dull, as a land-based complementary practice to his original creation of Watsu®, whole body holding and massage in warm water.

Tantsu can be practiced anywhere, with nearly every kind of person, from babies to the elderly, in loose clothing.

Three "expressions" of Tantsu include the original form of Core Tantsu, the new evolution community-based Tantsuyoga and one-on-one sessions by trained professional Tantsu practitioners. . .

WATSU® and TANTSU® are registered trademarks assigned to Harold Dull.

Tantsu is a new way to be with others, a new humanism, a way to access and share our creative joy in the interplay of whole body holding, breath, movement and stillness. It has been described as a "meditation-in-two.

Core Tantsu® includes 5 specific cradles as well as "finishing moves" that are derived from Zen Shiatsu.

The first two cradles you will learn in a Basic Tantsu or Core Tantsu class are the Posterior Cradle and the Anterior Cradle.  The intention of these cradles is to provide a safe containment at the base of the receiver's body and a gentle possibility for the receiver to enjoy contact, connected breath, stretching, pressure points and deep rest.

Once comfortable with the Posterior and Anterior cradles, one may continue to Tantsu’s more intimate cradles.  The Spoon, the Sacrum Cradle and the Lounge Cradle.  Through constant and well intentioned support of the base, these cradles help to cultivate vital life force energy and channel for abundant daily energy, creative expression and vibrant health.

Tantsu’s benefits include:  Balancing the nervous system, which harmonizes all of the body’s vital processes-  Increases immune system functioning-  Creates a positive environment for the body’s own healing process-  Promotes deeper breathing-  Relaxes muscular tension-   Relaxes lower back and neck tension  - Encourages health circulation of blood -  Helps to detoxify the body of accumulated toxins by encouraging movement of lymph fluid- Relieves pre-menstrual tension-  Increases vital energy-  Promotes deep and restful sleep-  Creates a flow of energy that balances anxiety and insomnia-   Provides a restful support for individuals in recovery from accident or surgery or during treatment for chronic illnesses-  Relieves mental tension and fatigue-  Promotes a healthy emotional response to stressful situations.

For a list of upcomingTantsu classes, see the calendar.

WATSU® and TANTSU® are registered trademarks assigned to Harold Dull.

Tantsuyoga is Harold Dull's latest inspiration for sharing Tantsu® in a community form world-wide.  Tantsuyoga is for everybody.

Yoga means union. In Tantsuyoga, we cradle someone from the back as they lie on their side on a mat or table, one on one, or two on one, or three in a round.  Each person takes turns being the "holder", the "held" and the "guide." The guide's  support helps the holder stay present with his/her contact with the held as he keeps his eyes closed.

Tantsuyoga incorporates seven holds and moves to celebrate various aspects of union.

Clear step-by-step instructions for three people to learn and join in a simple round are posted at tantsuyoga.com.

In the advanced rounds in our classes and Tantsuyoga by Two, the way our breath is drawn up each time the one between our arms breathes, and the "celebrations" can connect us deeply so that  we are spontaneously drawn into moves and stretches.  Into a dance of exploration that our guide joins.

In Tantsuyoga by Two, the  exploration continues a step further to include exploration on the "held's" second side as the two (holder  under the head and guide  at the hip)  coordinate their moves and stretches so closely that they become ONE holding the one between them. This containment can make a 30 minute session by two equally as profound than 60 minutes by one.

-Harold Dull

WATSU® and TANTSU® are registered trademarks assigned to Harold Dull.