In women, the natural process of menopause, with its subsequent decline of hormones, is sometimes an easy process—but, frequently, not. Often, in fact, the resulting side-effects are less than desirable. Loss of libido, or sexual desire, is one side-effect that makes life more difficult to deal with. This can lead to misunderstanding and confusion for both partners. Of course, menopause is not the only reason for a decreased libido, however. Declining sexual desire can be due to emotional issues, post-childbirth trauma, breastfeeding, menopause, drug reactions, stress, negative body image, relationship conflicts, hormonal imbalances and physical responses such as pain or inability to reach orgasm.
Here is the good news, though. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help boost a slumped libido. In Chinese medical theory, decreased sexual desire is described as an imbalance in the flow of energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) or deficiency in the amount of vitality and energy in each organ system. An organ system includes the traditional organ, its energetic nature and its associated meridian (channel the Qi flows through).
Once the specific pattern of imbalance is identified, acupuncture points and, sometimes, herbal formulas are chosen, and the treatment is applied. By stimulating these acupuncture points, various changes in the body’s biochemistry will occur. These changes are directed to balance the body-mind connection and strengthen the patient’s sexual health. Acupuncture can also be used to enhance or alter several other sexual health conditions in both men and women.