Can acupuncture help my libido?
Acupuncture and herbal Chinese medicine incorporate more than 2,000 years of experience in treating sexual dysfunction. Multiple studies have concluded that when acupuncture needles are placed in specific key locations of the body, many processes are activated including hormone release, nervous system regulation, and increased vascular blood flow. In addition to stimulating and regulating the physical body, acupuncture also has a profound calming effect on mental and emotional states, thus enhancing feelings of well-being and sexual desire.
Acupuncture has been used for several hundred years to treat a variety of medical concerns including pelvic pain, headaches, menopausal hot flashes, and anxiety. In my institution, we have developed an acupuncture and herbal medicine program that specifically addresses the concerns of women who are suffering from lowered libido. Our comprehensive approach couples both Eastern and Western medical practices, which have proven beneficial for women suffering from sexual complaints. The acupuncturist typically takes a comprehensive history and develops a complete history of your condition. An individualized plan of management is created and ongoing care often yields excellent results.
Traditional Chinese medicine specialists feel that sex drive and desire are from Yuan Chi. According to the book Chi and Libido by Tom Tam, Yuan Chi is defined as the genuine chi and can be thought of as the life essence provided at conception by both parents. Yuan Chi is housed in the kidney, and its primary function is to promote normative bodily growth and development as well as to maintain the health and vigor of all bodily functions. Yuan Chi can be diminished with time by a variety of different issues such as poor diet, excessive lifestyle, stress, and diseases such as cancer and their subsequent treatments.
When considering the complex issue of sexual function in women, treatment must be tailored to the specific patterns of imbalance that are revealed through tongue and pulse diagnosis as well as detailed history concerning diet, lifestyle, and medical and emotional health. Acupuncturists are specialized healthcare professionals who are required to complete 4 years of academic and clinical training before becoming eligible to take the rigorous state and licensing examinations. Strict standards are required to maintain their licenses. Needles, when used, are under strict healthcare regulations for maintaining sterile environments.
Can exercise be used to improve sexual function?
The obesity and overweight statistics of North American adults are alarming. Too many of us have gained more than a few pounds and we have developed into a nation of overweight couch potatoes. Of course, our bodies may have changed since our youth, but increased weight is clearly associated with a variety of health conditions: diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and heart disease.
Vigorous exercise can remarkably improve sexuality.
Besides the obvious health reasons, numerous recent studies have shown that regular, vigorous exercise can remarkably improve sexuality. Exercise has also been linked to decreased breast cancer rates. Exercise may enhance sexual performance and decrease sexual dysfunction from a physical, physiologic, and psychological perspective. A frequent and intense exercise program that focuses on cardiovascular and muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility can allow for longer-lasting and more comfortable sex.
It is estimated that one sexual encounter actually burns approximately 150-200 calories, which is the amount of calories in two to three small chocolate chip cookies. Physical exercise improves physiologic sexual response and functioning by increasing circulation, which includes blood flow to the genital region. A recent study conducted by Cindy Meston at the University of Texas at Austin shows that when women have exercised vigorously for 20 minutes, they are more quickly aroused than when they have not exercised previously. Exercise has also been shown to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and increase a personal sense of confidence. These positive psychological effects cause you to feel good about your personal, physical, and sexual attractiveness and ability.
Raye comments:
Regular exercise can not only do wonders for your mind and soul, but can definitely improve your complete sexual function. Exercise increases your blood flow, which will definitely help with circulation and performance. Another benefit to regular exercise is weight loss. And we all love that! It also makes a positive improvement on physical appearance, which will psychologically do wonders for your sexual function. I know it's hard to get motivated to go to the gym—I started with just walking, parking farther than my final destination. It was a gradual process to get to the gym. I just knew deep down inside that I needed to get my butt in the gym and work out, and I am happier now that I have committed to my health and know the benefits of exercise.
Using Tai Chi Chuan to Enhance Sexual Fitness
Sexual intimacy can be physically demanding; fatigue and tiredness can be reduced with regular exercise. Tai chi chuan has many benefits including increased flexibility, increased strength, and improved breathing. Tai chi chuan has also been linked to immune function, and increased relaxation, as well as encouraging whole body movements. Reduction of stress is also accomplished with tai chi chuan, resulting in peaceful serenity. Practicing tai chi chuan is also helpful in training your mind to be focused in the here-and-now, to be ever present in the moment and not wandering with your thoughts and interests. Staying focused during an intimate encounter is paramount. Movement, concentration, togetherness, and connectedness with your partner can be accomplished by practicing tai chi chuan. Try a class today with your significant other.
Too Much of Certain Types of Exercise May Be Hazardous to Your Sex Life
Recent emerging evidence, as presented and discussed by Dr. Irwin Goldstein, Director of Sexual Medicine at Alvarado
Hospital, suggests that excessive bike riding in women may actually be affecting their ability to perform sexually and achieve an orgasm. While the rider is placing her weight on the protruding nose of the bicycle seat, the pudental nerve may become entrapped by pushing it consistently against the pubic bone. Some women who cycle long distances or do repetitive spinning classes report deep aching, burning, throbbing, numbness, or tingling in the pelvic area.
New types of bike seats are emerging; for example, saddle seats with gel saddles, cutouts, and padding are designed to relieve pressure on the perineum and other tender body parts.
