The ancient Chinese practice of Taoism tells us that "sexual energy is not just about sex!"

That's perhaps a bit hard to swallow in today's day and age, when this basic human instinct often gets a bad rap as being dirty and sordid.

But on March 8 and 9, Universal Tao instructors Andrew Fretwell and Ma Prem Shashi, students of Taoist master Mantak Chia, will be coming here from Thailand for a two-day seminar, titled "Taoist Secrets of Love," at the Therapy Place Palette (ts-palette. com/map.html) in Kagurazaka, Tokyo.

In the seminar, they will show how sexual energy can be channeled to improve aspects of daily life — as well as sexual relationships, impotence and menstrual difficulty.

The seminar costs ¥50,000 per person, and there are a limited number of places. Participants will not be required to remove their clothes.

The ancient Taoists developed many different methods to tap into the enormous power of sexual energy, and to channel it for any purpose — be it cooking for your family, dealing with work-related stress or healing others.

Other benefits include better physical health, balanced emotions and inner peace.

Classes will be split according to gender, with Fretwell teaching the men and Shashi teaching the women. Menopausal women, too, are encouraged to participate, as it is said they can benefit enormously by keeping their sexual energy moving.

A talk to introduce the seminar and the Taoist idea of sexuality will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today (March 7), also at the Therapy Place Palette. The cost is ¥3,000 per person.

Personal Chi Nei Tsang (Chinese massage around the navel and abdominal area that releases stress, tension and negative emotions) and energy-healing sessions with Shashi (leaves Japan March 13) or Fretwell (leaves Japan March 18) are available at ¥15,000 per session.

To book a place in a class or a session, contact Shizuya Tsuchiya at 090-8045-8154, or send an e-mail to [email protected]