Acupuncture has been used as a form of alternative medicine in China for centuries. It has many benefits, and has been said to cure ailments in the body, including sexual ones. There are pressure points all over our bodies, which acupuncturists use needles on to break up blockage or imbalances, and allow a smoother flow of energy. About 43% of women are affected by a low sex drive, whether due to stress, anxiety, or other conditions. Acupuncture has been rumored to treat allergies, sleep disorders, and many other conditions. More importantly, it helps treat multiple sexual issues, helping you regain your sex drive, and have better sex. Yes, better sex from tiny needles.
Pinpointing The Issue
Within the acupuncture scope, low libido is seen as an imbalance of energy (Qi) within the organ systems, specifically the kidney and heart. A series of needles will focus on pressure points associated with the sexual issue, and work to shift blood and energy to the genital area, increasing arousal, and Yang energy. Yang energy is the metabolism and spark that ignited your sexual drive.
Healing Different Sexual Issues
Acupuncture can be used for more than just a lowered sexual libido. Once the issue is established and the cause, then acupuncture can help people dealing with:
- Diminished Libido
- Vaginal Dryness
- Infertility
- Menopause
- Premature Ejaculation
- Low Sperm Count
- Diminished Sperm Motility
- Impotence
The Study
A study published in 2013 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine focused on 35 men and women with sexual dysfunction. The dysfunction was most likely caused by the antidepressants they were taking for anxiety or other mood disorders. About 50- 90% of people who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) experience sexual dysfunction.
The patients were treated with 9 sessions of acupuncture. Each session lasted 15 minutes. Some of the acupuncture points used in the study — called kidney 3, governing vessel 4, urinary bladder 23, heart 7, and pericardium 6.
These are the common points of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnoses for, “conditions which often include sexual dysfunction,” says Dr. Baljit Khamba, ND, an assistant professor of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University California, a naturopathic doctor in San Diego, and one of the study’s co-authors.
By the end of the study, women reported improved libidos, while men experienced improvement in multiple sexual functions including erection, timing of ejaculation, and ability to orgasm.
Sexual Health Benefits
Acupuncture has little to no reactions or side effects. When speaking with the acupuncturist, make sure to tell them exactly what the issue is, and they will work their magic. The pressure points associated with your sexual drive, once the flow opens up will:
- Improve circulation– Enhances senses, which helps you reach an orgasm.
- Balance hormones– Hormonal imbalance can affect your sex drive.
- Lower stress levels– Being stressed out affects your sex drive and life. Acupuncture helps you to relax, which boosts your sex drive.
Can you imagine that little tiny needles put onto specific pressure points could solve your health issues? As crazy as it may seem, many different studies backup acupuncture and its success, especially with sex and hormones. As stated by Dr. Khamba, acupuncture “is a particularly useful way of treating the root cause” of any sexual dysfunction. Your insurance plan may cover a limited number of acupuncture treatments. Find out if your health insurance covers them, and if so, great! You can start researching acupuncturists in your area. If not, a session can cost anywhere from an initial visit of $75-$95, followed by routine visits of $50-$70. Prices vary within your area. Acupuncture is holistic, efficient, and can enhance your sex life. Definitely worth giving it a “shot.”
