Treating Sexual Issues with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Sexuality, when viewed from a holistic standpoint, is treated as a complex intersection of biological, psychological, spiritual, cultural and other factors. Rather than dividing or separating all of the important aspects of sexuality, practitioners of Chinese Medicine seek to strike a balance between the elements by using treatments that improve sexual health. Acupuncture is one of those treatments.

It is easy to assume that issues such as low libido, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm are strictly related to sexual function or sex organs. Many turn to prescription medication, which is sometimes the cause of the dysfunction in the first place. Take a look at this study, published in November 2013 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

According to the study authors, anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of people on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) experience sexual dysfunction. Both SSRis and SNRis are antidepressants. It is likely that the 35 men and women who participated in the study were taking them for anxiety or other mood disorders.

After nine 15-minute sessions of acupuncture, women reported improved libidos. Men experienced improvement in multiple sexual functions, such as erections, timing of ejaculation and the ability to orgasm.

Acupuncture at NJ Natural Family Health will always be accompanied by advice related to lifestyle, nutrition and other natural health treatments. These will inevitably overlap with the origins of sexual dysfunction. Conditions that affect libido, enjoyment of sex or the ability to orgasm are often due to hormonal issues, stress, headaches, fatigue or other causes. The underlying Chinese Medical diagnosis is what determines the needle placement.

You will see above that stress is highlighted as a common factor seen in issues involving libido (see link above).  Stress typically responds remarkably well to acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. You can read more about the science of stress here. Reducing and balancing stress hormone levels impacts your state of mind, relaxation and ultimately, your sexual health.