Helping to Regain a Healthy Sex Drive in Women Suffering from Female Sexual Dysfunction

A poor sex drive in a woman may be due to a variety of factors; these factors often differ from woman to woman. Multiple roles that women are forced to assume, daily responsibilities and fatigue as well as other psychological and emotional causes can all be causes for a woman’s poor sexual desire or female sexual dysfunction. In order to know how Chinese Medicine can help improve a woman’s sex drive, one needs to know the underlying cause(s) of the problem. Some reasons for a woman’s low sexual desire include her inability to reach orgasm, pain during intercourse, hormonal imbalances, relationship problems, weight gain, stress, side effects of drugs, onset of menopause, breastfeeding, post-childbirth and emotional problems. Anxiety disorders and depression can also affect sexual desire, and even the drugs that treat these conditions can contribute to low sex drive.

Female Sexual Dysfunction – Chinese Medicine Treatment in  Orlando 

Chinese Medicine has tools to treat female sexual dysfunction (FSD). In treating this condition, Chinese medicine practitioners target the Kidneys although the Heart, Bladder, Spleen and Liver can also be affected to a lesser degree and so may be targeted for treatment, as well. One of the most important functions of the kidney is its being a receptacle for Jing or Essence. Jing along with Shen (spirit) and Qi (energy) are the three of Chinese medicine’s most important elements in the provenance and nurturing of life.

A low libido is not the only thing Chinese Medicine can treat when dealing with FSD. This eastern modality can address other FSD issues including:

-Menopause
-Infertility
-Irregular menstruation
-Vaginal dryness

Chinese Medicine often sees female sexual dysfunction as the result of two factors: Blood Stasis in the lower stomach and Kidney Yang deficiency. Some of the symptoms arising in both women and men from inadequacy in Kidney Yang include low back pain, fatigue, cold limbs and frequent clear urination. When Kidney Yang deficiency is severe, a weakness in Mingmen (Life Gate) fire can occur resulting in cold symptoms. Migmmen may likewise refer to a woman’s uterus or to any part of the body between the kidneys. The Kidney Yang and the Mingmen must be warmed in order to restore balance in the body in instances when Kidney Yang deficiency is manifest.

When Blood Stasis is the underlying problem for FSD, there is usually blockage to Blood and Qi flow transpiring in the lower stomach that hinders blood flow to the genitals. A tender and tight sensation on palpation of the lower stomach region is usually an indication of Blood Stasis. The aim of the treatment is to resolve the stagnation in the lower stomach, and restore normal circulation to the problem area.

Acupuncture for Female Sexual Dysfunction

Sexuality is a complicated behavior and process. It affects various organ systems of the body including the vascular, nervous and endocrine systems, among others. Sexuality is also associated with and is affected by changes in age, cultural and social traditions, and personal experience as well as interpersonal relationships or even the lack thereof. A sexual partner carries with him/her unique responses and wants in his/her sexual relationship. If any of these factors are disrupted, it can result in some type of sexual dysfunction.

In several old cultures (and even in new cultures) for hundreds of years, people are likely to tend to the issues and needs pertaining to male sexual dysfunction. In the West for the last four decades, feminine sexuality, liberation and rights underwent radical transformation. This along with a rise in menopause and aging of American female baby boomers, the rise of complaints regarding female sexual dysfunction and the overall awareness of female sexual issues has caused female sexual dysfunction to be a major issue in modern society. When Viagra was introduced, it was quickly followed by an immediate demand for a female type of Viagra. The mainstream media has spent a considerable amount of coverage to help educate the public about female sexual dysfunction or FSD. Problems regarding sex have been tackled by several societies for several thousands of years. In fact, in China, Taoists thought that a healthy sexual life style can result in the minimization of illness and overall good health. They also thought that fostering great sexual habits and health equates to longevity and even immortality. “The Tao of Sex,” a popular Taoist text is one of the earliest texts in the world that discusses problems of sexuality such as certain sexual positions to what kind of herbs to use to help treat specific sexual dysfunctions.

FSD has four categories: desire, arousal, orgasmic, and pain issues. These issues usually overlap and so determining what issue to be treated is essential. A lot of medical conditions can be a direct or indirect cause of sexual problems. Some of the conditions that can affect sexual function involve mood disorders, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, incontinence and diabetes. Drugs such as antihypertensives and antidepressants are known sexual desire suppressors. Gynecologic problems may likewise exacerbate sexual problems. Chronic recurrent bladder infection, for one, may lower sexual desire. Chronic cervical or vaginal infections often lead to less enjoyable and desirable sexual intercourse. The onset of menopause can likewise mean lowered libido and vaginal dryness. Psychological problems due to past rape and sexual molestation can result in physical issues. A current relationship with a sexual partner can be fraught with problems leading to lowered arousal and desire.

Traditional Chinese medicine or TCM provides a lot of ways to resolve these problems. Vaginismus, an issue where the vagina tightens in order to prevent any foreign object from entering it and other endocrinal and neurological conditions can all be resolved with acupuncture. This treatment may even help resolve sexual pains particularly if they’re caused by chronic bladder infection or endometriosis. Acupuncture also improves arousal and sensuality and relaxes a person’s body and mood. Acupuncture is often combined with herbal medicine to especially address hormonal imbalance. Herbs can likewise be helpful in treating chronic bladder infections related to sex. They often help stimulate sexual appetite.

The best way to resolve any sexual health issues is to address the problem as soon as possible when they begin to arise. Talk to your TCM practitioner and your gynecologist if you thing you are suffering from sexual health issues.