The Big Draw in the Taoist Sexual Practices is used to “draw” or “push” aroused Sexual Energy through the Microcosmic Orbit and the Dantian energy centers in order to transform Sexual Energy (Jing Energy) into Vital Force (Chi or Qi Energy) and/or Spiritual Energy (Shen Energy). The Big Draw is also called the Upward Draw or Power Lock.
In some more straightforward, down-to-earth explanations, the Big Draw is simply seen as a sexual climax without ejaculation. As such, Ejaculation and Orgasm Control, and Semen Retention are seen as important aspects of practicing the Big Draw.
In any case, additional therapeutic goals and applications are promoting sexual vitality, improving sexual relationships, or curing sexual and genital problems such as Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Premature Ejaculation (PE), low libido, prostate problems, fertility issues, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), and other menstrual problems, to just give some examples.
Another sought-after effect of the Big Draw is the moment after having achieved it: typically it induces a deep state of relaxation and meditation, and a deeply pleasurable feeling of peace and bliss.
In the Taoist Sexual Practices, there are many techniques that are used for sexual arousal and achieving the Big Draw, such as a range of Sensual Erotic Massage treatment modalities, Pelvic Floor Exercises, Testicle Breathing, Ovarian Breathing, or Sexual Qigong, among others.
A well-known Taoist-inspired massage modality that specifically aims at the Big Draw is the Taoist Erotic Massage. Another popular Taoist technique is the Male Deer Exercise. For women the latter is found as an equivalent in the Female Deer Exercise.
In Tantra — more specifically in Tantric Sex — you’ll find similar practices that can be considered the Tantric version of the Big Draw.
However, within Tantra the conceptual terminology and techniques used are rather different: there it’s typically about awakening and making rise Kundalini Energy from the Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra) while moving it along the spine through the other Chakras to finally reach the brain and the Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra).
Tantric practices boast several (combinations of) Yogic techniques to achieve Kundalini Awakening, such as practicing the Mula Bandha, Ashwini Mudra, Jalandhara Bandha, and Uddiyana Bandha, to name some commonly used techniques.