Figure 35-1.
Five-thousand year timeline slide [Courtesy of Acupuncture Media Works, LLC ©2011].
The patient interest in alternative medicines in the 1990s grew at a remarkable rate and continues to gain wider interest and recognition. A report from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey conducted in 1990 and 1996 released these remarkable numbers [1]. In 1997, visits to all primary care practitioners were 385 million, almost two million less than comparable visits in 1990. Conversely, visits to practitioners of alternative therapies rose dramatically from 427 million in 1990 to 628 million in 1997. It would benefit Western medical practitioners greatly to familiarize themselves with the different modalities available to patients and to be well versed in the underlying principles of those medicines.
The patient who has an interest in some of the techniques mentioned in this chapter, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, Ayurveda, and herbal medicine, must seek a licensed1 or certified practitioner of these arts. Although considered natural healing remedies, they are not to be practiced by the patient on their own.
Western medical science focuses on human sexuality in terms of anatomy, physiology, and psychology. In Eastern cultures, sex is regarded as an art, science, and a path to a spiritual development. It is a path toward greater intimacy not only with the partner but also with the divine self.
Those who understand the nature of sex will nurture their vigor and prolong their life. Those who treat its principle with contempt will injure their spirit and shorten their life. Tung Hsuan Tzu
The most extensive approaches to sex are those of China (Taoism), India (yoga), and Tibet (tantra) which have drawn upon unique ancient classical texts on sexual practices . These texts include Kama Sutra-Vatsyayana (400 A.D.), Ananga Ranga, Perfumed Garden (fifteenth century), Tao Te Ching-Lao Tzu (fifth century B.C.), The Yellow Emperor Classics-Huang Ti (2697–2598 B.C.), The Secret Art of Bedchamber (590–618 A.D.), and Pillow Book and the Tantric Buddhism (eight century). In the Han dynasty, there were over 165 books on sexual techniques and 8 different schools on the subject.
Eastern metaphysical traditions make use of the mystery of sexuality as a means to the transcendental experience of unity. The feeling of oneness, achieved during or following the sexual act, is the most universally accessible mystical experience. Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger/Sexual Secrets [2]
Traditional Oriental Medicine
A Comprehensive System of Modalities That Includes Herbal Medicine , Acupuncture, Massage, Meditation, and Exercise
Chinese philosophers and healers have studied and practiced human sexuality to enhance relationships and vitality and restore health of the body, mind, and spirit. It is very important to note that this philosophy confirms not only an anatomical or physiological difference between man and woman but also an energetic one.
The feminine energy or “yin” is always receiving or “being and opening” the energy of the spirit. The male energy, or “yang,” is the proactive of the two and is giving and doing. With this responsibility, the man is required to perfect his power of retention. The sexual energy of man is like a fire: quick to get hot, quick to boil, and ultimately to explode. The female sexual energy, like water, heats up and boils slowly but staying warm longer.
The Chinese texts “Classics of the Plain Girl” and “Counsels of a Simple Girl” are conversations between the legendary Yellow Emperor and his female advisor, Su Nu. She shares with the Emperor the secret methods of lovemaking called the “Sex Recipes of the Plain Girl” and therapeutic lovemaking, called the “Discourse of the Plain Girl .” In these books, the Plain Girl declares, “Woman is superior to man in the way that water is superior to fire [Common translation from The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine/Neijing Suwen written approx. 221 BCE]. People who are experts in the art of love are like excellent cooks who know how to blend the different flavors with a tasty meal. Those who know the art of Yin and Yang can blend the pleasures of the senses, but those who do not know it will have an unexpected death, without ever having enjoyed the art of lovemaking.”
The human body has the innate ability to heal itself. It is just a matter of triggering the right mechanisms. Specific points of the body, different breathing techniques, and unique postures channel energy to create balance. Therapeutic lovemaking allows energy to flow freely within the body. Using specific positions in lovemaking helps the energy to be concentrated in specific organs, and at orgasm, the energy is released in this healing way. By using these unique positions, sexual performance will be enhanced and more satisfying to both partners. Sexual problems as well as other health-related issues can also be resolved.
Sexual Positions: Therapeutic Lovemaking
When referring to the ancient texts, you will find many sexual positions named after animals. Taoist masters believed that by imitating the movements of the animals, humans would be more in tune with nature and bring balance to heaven and earth. Here are just a few of the many positions as described in classical texts [3].
Mandarin Duck
This position is beneficial for man who has problems sustaining erection and has difficulties with sexual performance. This also improves the concentration of the man’s semen. For the woman this position benefits her sexual organs, uterus and ovaries. The position can relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. From the Chinese medicine point of view, it benefits the yin of the woman and strengthens the jing (essence) of the man (Figure 35-2).
Figure 35-2.
Mandarin duck [Courtesy of Lucy Postolov, L.Ac].
Pawing Horse
A position that is especially beneficial to the woman who has emotional blockage, mood swings, and inability to reach orgasm. The stretch in the pelvic area allows the release of liver energy at the time of orgasm. Her hand is in the “mudra” position, known to be beneficial in the release of negative emotions. From the Chinese medicine point of view, this position is of benefit for liver Qi stagnation (Figure 35-3).
Figure 35-3.
Pawing horse [Courtesy of Lucy Postolov, L.Ac.].
Overlapping Fish Scale
This position is beneficial to the woman with premenstrual syndrome and fibroid tumors and helps regulate menstruation. For the man it can prevent premature ejaculation and low-back pain. The Chinese medical benefits tonify blood in liver channel for woman and for man tonify kidney yin deficiency (Figure 35-4).
Figure 35-4.
Overlapping fish scale [Courtesy of Lucy Postolov, L.Ac.].
Tiger Attacks
This improves the immune system and bone marrow production and also helps pain in the spine for woman. A position that is beneficial for harmonizing life force (Qi) and balances all five elements (Figure 35-5).
Figure 35-5.
Tiger attacks [Courtesy of Lucy Postolov, L.Ac.].
Crane with Two Necks
A position that creates and sustains a harmonious sexual relationship. The couple is seated in close union and learns to give as well as receive sexual energy. From the Chinese medicine point of view, benefits “Three Treasures” being Shen “spirit,” Qi “energy,” and jing “essence” (Figure 35-6).
Figure 35-6.
Crane with two necks [Courtesy of Lucy Postolov, L.Ac.].
Flattering Phoenix
This position is tranquilizing the life force. Helps the woman with PMS and fibroids and harmonizes the joints of the man. From the Chinese medicine point of view beneficial for woman with blood Qi stagnation and man with kidney deficiency (Figure 35-7).
Figure 35-7.
Flattering PHOENIX [Courtesy of Lucy Postolov, L.Ac.].
Acupuncture
A treatment that involves puncturing the skin with hair-thin needles inserted into underlying tissue. The word acupuncture originated from the Latin “acus” (needle) and “puncture” (puncture) and originated in China some 5000 years ago. A typical treatment consists of needles inserted at specific points in the body, extremities, face, and ears along lines called meridians and channels. These meridians and channels are vessels for the life force or “Qi” to flow freely. Through diagnosis unique to the Chinese medicine practitioner, which is observation of the tongue, palpation of the abdomen and meridians, and traditional pulse palpation, it is determined where blockages, stagnations, or deficiency of energy occurs.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine
One of the most ancient forms of healthcare began with Shennong Ben Cao Jing (pharmacopeia of the heavenly husbandman) in the second century B.C.
Chinese herbs are effective when prescribed according with traditional Chinese diagnosis. They work the same way as do conventional pharmaceutical drugs via their chemical reactions.
The Use of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine to Enhance Sexual Performance
Differentiation and Treatment
- 1.
Lack of sexual desire
- 2.
Sexual anhedonia
- 3.
Impotence
Lack of Sexual Desire
From the Chinese point of view, lack of desire could be due to three reasons.
Heart Qi deficiency
Treatment principle:
In the case of heart Qi deficiency, which in some instances is accompanied by spleen Qi deficiency (overcritical of partner or over watchful of themselves), points to use are Bl15, H9, Sp1, and P6. The use of moxa or silver pellets at home on Sp1 is also recommended.
Kidney yin deficiency
Acupuncture treatment:
Points to use: K3,6,10, and BL25
Kidney yang deficiency
Acupuncture treatment:
K2, K7, BL23, and BL52
Sexual Anhedonia
Treatment principle
Patients who can perform but do not enjoy sex. Chinese diagnosis is liver Qi stagnation.
Acupuncture treatment:
Bl22 and Liv 2, 3, 5, 8, 9
Chinese herbal formula:
“xiao yao san”
Impotence
Treatment principle:
Could be due to kidney yin deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, and liver Qi stagnation
Acupuncture points:
Kidney yin deficiency: K3, K6, and K10
Chinese herb:
Shou Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa, Rx) single herb
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (cinnamon twig and oyster shell) (formula)
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi)
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