Yin Yang and the Libido (Part 2)

An Energetic Approach to our Sex Drive

In the first part of this article, we explored the issue of the Libido through climate and other environmental factors, the reason why our sex drive changes as we age and the fundamental differences between genders. In this part, we will go deeper and look at the issue of the sex drive in the Five Elements as well as the Triple Burner. With all this in mind, some solutions may offer themselves so we can be in control when the topic becomes problematic.

Libido and the Metal Element: a Societal Issue

In recent decades, our society has changed considerably. Women now have not only the opportunity but are under cultural and economical pressure to emancipate themselves from the old models, including by taking jobs that once were the preserve of men. Professions such as finance, law, commerce, corporate management or the military involve a very large expenditure of Yang energy. Any profession that is confrontational in nature require a large reserve of Yang.

Women (in general) being Yin by nature will therefore have to make a much greater effort to meet the demands of these trades.

The type of energy that fuels and allows fight and self-defense is the Oé (We) energy. It is attached to the Metal because it is extracted from food by the Large Intestine. Yet the Yin organ coupled to the large Intestine is the Lung, a.k.a. 'master of energy', which deficiency causes "depression" of both physical and mental nature. As explained before, Lung is also linked to Pro (Po) or 'instinctual energy'. A deficient lung will automatically depress the instinct, including that of reproduction.

By over-using Oé (We) energy we deplete our Metal, which in turns causes Pro (po) deficiency, leading to a loss of (reproductive) instinct and depression, which are both directly linked to sexual drive.

This process tends to affect women more keenly because their yang energy is more easily exhausted in these confrontations. This is made even worse by the fact that they have to struggle in often abusive environments, and then have to go home were it still falls on them to take care of their family (an area in which society hasn't evolved as much yet).

So gentlemen, if you want your wife to want to share moments of intimacy with you, it's up to you to help them by supporting them. Our society has evolved, it's up to you to do the same.

This stress on Yang nature starts quite early in our modern lives: from the early school years to active professional life, all the ongoing competition wreaks havoc on our sex drive. This is why time off and vacations are so important to maintaining a healthy equilibrium.

If you find it hard to understand, picture this: how likely are you to want to make love for hours after performing an especially arduous mental or physical effort? Now repeat the same exercise for months, years on end.

The arduous effort we talk about here is no more than the permanent stress that too many people are constantly under, and the reason why so many suffer from loss of libido. They are exhausted, sexually depressed.

Libido and the Wood Element: an Environmental Issue

Libido is also linked to the Liver in Chinese medicine because the Liver is responsible for desire (in all its forms).

Because the Liver is linked to genital blood, it is directly involved the the erection of both penis and clitoris. Let us not miss the opportunity to remark that a healthy Liver (Wood Element) will show as the male's 'morning wood'.

From that perspective, loss of libido would be due to a weakened Liver/Wood, which is typically linked to toxic substances.

Alcohol is one of the main culprits and the link between its abuse and loss of sex drive is a well known phenomenon in both men and women. Aside from alcohol (and of course drugs), other chemicals can also drain Wood. For example, many bodybuilders and athletes who routinely take performance-enhancing substances report erectile dysfunction as well as a loss of desire.

As for the famous cliché: 'Not tonight Honey, I have a headache' and as with any of those, there is an underlying truth to it. Every acupuncturist knows the link between headaches and the Gallbladder, which linked to the Liver in the Wood element. A wekness of the liver will effect an excess in Gallbladder, which is a very common cause for headaches and migraines. As explained above, a deficient Liver will also translate as weakened desire.

Libido and the Lower Burner: the Problem of the Contraceptive Pill

In women, the contraceptive pill is also to be watched closely. The Chinese consider it as a way to 'freeze' the gynecological apparatus. When taken without interruption over years, it will deplete the Kidney Yang, which has a direct action on the Lower Burner, which in turn governs the gonads.

While it is true that the contraceptive pill provides a comfort, it does put the entire reproductive system on hold. Many of my female patients have reported that taking the pill suppresses their sex drive.

The same can be said of any hormonal approach to contraception such as some forms of IUD's or other form of implants.

As women exercise their right to control their reproductive functions, some may want to discriminate between methods so as not to compromise their quality of life.

In Conclusion: It's Within our Control

So, between nervous and/or physical fatigue, the toxic substances that pollute our bodies and those that impair its normal function, it is not surprising that more and more people experience drops in Libido.

Aside from acupuncture, there are a few simple things that can be done to keep the indispensable balance to a healthy sex life:

• Take time to rest (every day, at the weekend and on regular holidays)
• Date your spouse (ditch the kids and the rest of the family): the couple's Yang regenerates outside, in environments that are free of stress and constraints
• Avoid toxic substances
• Keep your abdominal area warm