To some, low libido, otherwise known as a person’s sex drive—is a taboo subject, something not to be talked about.  For millions of people, however, decreased libido is real, and it can be mentally and emotionally crushing. Although often associated with men, decreased libido affects both genders and is not just the natural result of aging.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory have a long history of being a powerful option for decreased sex drive and other sexual needs, such as erectile dysfunction in men, infertility, and vaginal dryness. 

Even better than its success rate, acupuncture and herbal solutions have a powerful component - a history of support. 

Causes of Decreased Libido

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, low libido — like many conditions that impact the human body — is the result of a Qi (energy) imbalance. This imbalance is usually connected to three of the body’s most important organs: the kidneys, the heart, and the lungs.

Decreased libido often occurs when energy levels are depleted in these organs. As a result, all Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques, including acupuncture and herbal remedies, work to restore the body’s energy balance and flow. This naturally increases a person’s vitality.

However, there are also external forces that can affect the body and, by extension, result in a decreased sex drive:

• Stress
• Childbirth
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Effects of aging
• Hormone imbalance (e.g., low testosterone)
• Insomnia

Because acupuncture addresses the whole body, clearing blockages and restoring balance, it is very powerful at addressing all causes of decreased libido.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Vs. Western Options

One of the most popular forms of treatment for decreased sex drive in the Western world is the use of prescription options. Studies have shown, however, that after a few years of use, the effectiveness of some of these options begins to wear off.

This is because these options focus primarily on blood circulation in the genital area. They completely ignore the other organs in the body that contribute to low libido.

Acupuncture Can Help Restore a Lowered Libido

The first step in the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach is to talk.  It sounds simple, but it is a method that has worked for centuries to address an assortment of conditions and ailments.

With your Acupuncturist, you will be asked questions about your mental health, your general health, and any specific health concerns. This is important because Chinese Medicine theory addresses the whole body and mind as interconnected systems—a method that has been successful long before any medical textbooks were written. Your Chinese Medicine provider will also feel your pulse, examine your abdomen, and look at your tongue.

Once that has been done, a plan will be discussed and instituted based on the patient’s specific needs. Generally, a combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies will be the most successful treatment for decreased libido.

Your Traditional Chinese Medicine will locate and alleviate the imbalances and blockages that lead to low libido, as well as address external forces that may contribute to the issue.

A Combination of Herbs Can Increase Libido in Men and Women

In many cases, the results are almost immediate, and before long, many patients have not only increased their libido but also improved their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com. 

Cody Zhang is the founder of Vancouver's Body Option Clinic and has a goal to build the preeminent chronic pain treatment clinic in the lower mainland. He describes himself as a “compassionate, independent thinker” who can apply his logical mind in treating the pain/problem while caring deeply about the human being in front of him. When he’s not busy treating patients, he is weight training, learning new things and playing his Gibson Les Paul.