Use The Ancient Wisdom of TCM To Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day

Legend has it that the origin of Valentine’s Day isn’t such a romantic story but rather a tragic one. On Feb. 14, circa 269 CE, St. Valentine was executed. A priest who lived during the Roman Empire under the short-lived rule of Emperor Claudius II (268-270), who banned marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers, St. Valentine defied this decree and continued to perform marriages for young couples in secret. When his actions were discovered, St. Valentine was arrested, and eventually, he was put to death.  

Roughly around the same time, the most famous traditional Chinese medicine text was being compiled, “Huangdi Neijing” or the “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,” which revealed wisdom about sexual wellness. 

Ancient TCM Wisdom For Sexual Wellness

The first of two main parts of Huangdi Neijing, “Suwen” (Basic Questions), includes discussions about the role of sexual activity in maintaining overall health. It emphasizes the idea that sexual activity should be approached with moderation and balance. Perhaps that doesn’t sound too revelatory, earth-shattering or groundbreaking. However, if you consider the stereotypical ancient Roman lenience towards sexual indulgence, it’s arguably quite a divergence from Western sexual mores. The important takeaway in the Suwen section is that excessive or deficient sexual activity is believed to have an impact on the body’s vital energies and can contribute to health imbalances.

The text also touches upon the concept of Jing (loose translation: essence), which is an essential substance that contributes to both physical and reproductive health. Jing is associated with the Kidney organ system in TCM, and the preservation and cultivation of Jing are emphasized for overall vitality, including sexual wellness.

Additionally, the Huangdi Neijing underscores the importance of understanding the cyclical nature of Yin and Yang energies in the body. Balancing these opposing forces is crucial for maintaining health, and sexual activity is one aspect of this balance.

How Does Low Sexual Activity Negatively Impact Health in TCM?

For many couples celebrating yet another Valentine’s Day, lack of sexual activity is more of a challenge to overall Yin/Yang balance than excess sexual activity. You don’t have to be a TCM expert to know that, at least from a male perspective, frequent ejaculation drains the body of vital essence (Jing). But how does low sexual activity potentially harm health? 

For starters, low sexual activity may lead to Qi stagnation (stuck energy), leading to fatigue, irritability or discomfort. In addition, lack of sexual intercourse may cause the same problem as excess sexual activity: Jing deficiency, which also can cause fatigue as well as weakness and premature aging. 

How Does TCM Support Libido? 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples will seek ways to deepen their connection and enhance the spark in their relationships. We can all turn to TCM for inspiration. TCM believes that the body’s vital energies, Qi and blood, must flow smoothly for optimal health. Any imbalance or blockage in this flow can lead to various health issues, including sexual dysfunction. TCM views the Kidneys as a vital organ governing sexual function, and tonifying Kidney Qi is often a key focus in addressing sexual wellness.

To enhance libido and sexual function, TCM practitioners often recommend herbal formulations designed to nourish the Kidneys and balance Yin and Yang energies. 

TCM Formulas for Sexual Wellness

You Gui Pian

If your Kidneys—the seat of sexual wellness in TCM—could use a spark of masculine sexual vitality, consider You Gui Pian. Available as YanVive Plus from ActiveHerb’s Guang Ci Tang line of classic TCM formulas, You Gui Pian contains arguably the best ingredient for Kidney Yang deficiency, deer antler. The formula also contains anti-aging-support TCM herbs such as Shan Yao, a type of yam used in Western functional medicine for hormone re-balancing. YanVive is traditionally for tonifying Kidney Yang, strengthening the bones and muscles, and enhancing sexual vitality. According to TCM theory, the warming properties of the herbs in You Gui Wan help invigorate the Kidneys, promoting better sexual function.

Liu Wei Di Huang Pian

Conversely, if your Kidneys are deficient in cooling Yin energy, Liu Wei Di Huang Pian (YinVive) can help with sexual function. Undesirable male sexual performance, such as the inability to maintain an erection or premature ejaculation, can be symptomatic of Kidney Yin Deficiency. In addition, Kidney Yin deficiency can manifest as symptoms seemingly unrelated to sexual function. For women going through perimenopause or menopause: hot flashes. In addition, weakness or soreness of the lower body, excessive sweating, a pale complexion, lightheadedness, declined vision, or occasional ringing in the ears.

—-> ActiveHerb offers 5 additional formulas for sexual wellness. Need help choosing the right one for your specific needs? Consult with an acupuncturist or email us. 

TCM Sexual Wellness Tea

If you love herbal tea and could use a libido spark, consider herbal extract granules from ActiveHerb, such as Ba Ji Tian (Morinda Root). This TCM herb for sexual wellness tonifies Kidney Yang and supports circulation and the musculoskeletal system. TCM practitioners recommend this herb for individuals experiencing fatigue and sexual dysfunction related to Kidney deficiency.

Acupressure Points for Sexual Function

Here’s something fun to do with your partner this Valentine’s Day. Try experimenting with acupressure points that may at least indirectly support sexual function by promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood. Here’s a few to try:

Mingmen (GV4)

Located on the lower back, Mingmen is the “Gte of Life” in TCM.

Stimulating this point tonifys the Kidneys, and strengthens Yang energy.

Zusanli (ST36)

Zusanli (“Leg Three Miles”) is located on the lower leg. Measure about four finger-widths down from the bottom edge of the kneecap and then locate the point one finger-width lateral to the shinbone. This point tonifiies Qi. By promoting the overall energy flow, Zusanli may indirectly contribute to enhanced sexual vitality.

Sanyinjiao (SP6)

Found on the inner leg, Sanyinjiao, you can locate this tender point by measuring about three finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, then find the point just behind the edge of the shinbone. “Three Yin Intersection” harmonizes the Yin and Yang energies in the body. Stimulating this point may help support hormonal balance and improve sexual wellness.

Tap into ancient wisdom to nurture your relationship this Valentine’s Day and every day of the year. 

Do you use TCM to support libido or sexual function? Leave a comment.