Body of Knowledge

Trendies everywhere are discovering that the East is “the place” to look for guidance--spiritual and otherwise.

But the Westlake Village-based Kama Sutra Co. has been doing it for more than 30 years, creating products inspired by the ancient Indian guide to lovemaking, and designed to bring you carnal knowledge.

“When we started our company in the midst of the turbulent 1960s, Americans were angry and divided. It was a decade of flower power, free love and student protest. The message of our first product, Kama Sutra’s Oil of Love, was ‘make love, not war!’ ” said Madelyn Fajardo, Kama Sutra general manager.

Since then the product line has extended to include massage oils, bath gels, salts and more, all of which work in harmony with today’s interest in well-being of spirit as well as body.

The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana, written in India during the 8th century, is a work of philosophy, psychology, Hindu teachings and a classic guide to lovemaking. The teachings include the use of oils and fragrances. Kama has long been revered as the Hindu God of Love, and Sutra refers to principles or rules. Call (800) 216-3620 for information.