Sexuality has been explored, healed and celebrated through various lenses throughout history. One of the oldest and continuously practiced systems for enjoying, strengthening and healing one’s sex life is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). If your body isn’t working the way you wish it would in bed, understanding how TCM can help you is important.
In this article, I will delve into the fascinating world of sexuality from the Chinese medical perspective and tell you how it can make your sex life better.
With a rich history that dates back thousands of years, TCM’s approach to sexuality encompasses all aspects of health, the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. By hearing one’s sex life, all aspects of health can be improved. Sex, when practiced according to the ancient healing techniques, is a form of medicine and an anti-aging strategy.
This is an area of focus in my work. I lecture and see online and local patients, helping them improve their health and romantic lives using sexual techniques that can be practiced in bed.
A Healing View of Sexuality
From the Chinese medical viewpoint, sexuality is a means by which the flow of life’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee””), can heal the body. Qi is the life force that sustains us, and it plays a central role in all aspects of health. This concept is similar to the Western concept of energy, and it flows through channels or meridians in the body. When the flow of Qi is smooth and balanced, one’s overall health, including sexual health, is strong. When it is not, all aspects of health, including one’s sex life, suffers.
Making love, if practiced in accordance with medical teachings, can produce more energy in the body. The body can then use the energy produced by sex to heal itself or lengthen your life. But the other modalities of TCM, herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, nutritional supplements and other modalities, can strengthen the body so that great sex can happen also. Here are several sexual function problems that I address in my lectures and practice.
Common Sexual Health Issues Addressed by TCM
TCM has thousands of years of history diagnosing and treating sexual health issues. Some of the most common concerns addressed by TCM practitioners include:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): From the TCM perspective, ED may result from a man working too hard in other areas of life, thereby depleting the strength needed to maintain erections. This problem can be successfully addressed by TCM.
- Premature Ejaculation: While a man has his own timing, his ability to feel a sense of control over the duration of his erection is important. Having that ability and control boosts self-esteem and creates more joy in lovemaking. TCM’s sexual and other healing practices strengthen the aspect of a man’s energy that allows him to dictate how long it takes for him to go through his sexual stimulation process.
- Low Libido: A decrease in sexual desire in both men and women can be attributed to imbalances in the body’s overall energy and is often the result of too much work or other debilitating lifestyle factors. Specific sexual practices can substantially enhance libido, the number one sexual function problem in North America. Other hearing modalities in TCM can be recommended to revitalize Qi as well.
- Menstrual Disorders: Women’s sexual health is closely tied to their menstrual cycles because they affect how a woman feels throughout the month and how strong or weak her sex drive is. Irregular periods, painful menstruation, endometriosis or other gynecologic difficulties are the result of unhealthy patterns in the way the body’s energy is moving and functioning, which TCM can successfully address.
It’s crucial to note that TCM treatments are highly individualized. A practitioner will assess each patient’s unique constitution and imbalances before prescribing specific remedies and protocols.
Mind-Body Connection
TCM also emphasizes the connection between the mind and the body in sexual health. Stress, anxiety, and emotional strain can have a profound impact on how good it feels to be in bed. In TCM, emotions are closely tied to your internal organs, like the liver, kidneys and heart, and practitioners work to address the stress emotions caused in the body as part of overall sexual health treatment.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi, ancient exercise practices which combine movement, meditation, and breath control, are recommended to quiet the mind, calm the spirit, lower blood pressure, strengthen blood circulation and reduce the impact of stress on sexual health. The healthier the body is, overall, the more readily one’s sex life can improve.
The Role of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, is often employed to treat sexual health issues. An acupuncturist can help regulate the flow of Qi and strengthen the body.
Herbal medicine is another essential aspect of TCM. Various herbs have been used for centuries to address sexual health concerns. Ginseng, for example, is well-known for its ability to boost energy and enhance sexual performance.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet plays a significant role in TCM’s approach to sexual health. For example, here is a simple dietary guideline that I suggest to my patients and clients. Eat less raw and cold temperature food/drink and more warm and cooked food/drink. This way the body doesn’t have to heat food up to digest and utilize it. When you put cold food into your stomach, all the heat needed to bring it up to body temperature comes from you. Diminishing your internal fire by warming up ice cream and ice tea on a regular basis is one of many ways the fire for sexual connection is cooled. This is why I urge my patients and clients to consume substances that have already been altered by fire.
Conclusion
Traditional Chinese medicine offers a unique perspective on sexuality. It views sexual health as an integral part of overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of balance, harmony, and the flow of vital energy throughout the body. Through practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, mind-body exercises, and dietary adjustments, TCM seeks to address the root causes of sexual health issues and promote a fulfilling and balanced sexual life.
On the other hand, sex is a medical modality and I teach sexual skills that improve health as well.
This approach is customized for every person. It provides valuable insights and treatment options for those seeking to enhance their sexual health in a natural way. As with any medical approach, it’s essential to consult with a qualified and licensed practitioner who can provide personalized guidance and treatment tailored to your unique needs and constitution. By embracing the wisdom of the sexual healing practices that are thousands of years old, individuals will experience greater sexual health, pleasure and skill.”
