Western medical science focuses on human sexuality in terms of anatomy, physiology and psychology. In Eastern cultures, sex is regarded as an art, science, and a path to a spiritual development, a path towards greater intimacy not only with the partner but also with the Divine Self.

Those who understand the nature of sex will nurture their vigor and prolong their life. Those who treat its principle with contempt will injure their spirit and shorten their life. – Tung Hsuan Tzu

The most extensive approaches to sex are those of China (Taoism), India (yoga) and Tibet (tantra) which have drawn upon unique ancient classical texts on sexual practices. These texts include: Kama Sutra-Vatsyayana-400 A.D.,Ananga Ranga, Perfumed Garden-15th century, Tao Te Ching-Lao Tzu, fifth century B.C., The Yellow Emperor Classics-Huang Ti 2697-2598 BC, The Secret Art of Bedchamber-590-618 AD, Pillow Book and the Tantric Buddhism-8th Century. In the Han dynasty there were over 165 books on sexual techniques and 8 different schools on the subject.

Eastern metaphysical traditions make use of the mystery of sexuality as a means to the transcendental experience of unity. The feeling of oneness, achieved during or following the sexual act is the most universally accessible mystical experience (Douglas and Slinger 1979)

Chinese philosophers and healers have studied and practiced human sexuality to enhance relationships, vitality, and restore health of the body, mind and spirit. It is very important to note that this philosophy confirms not only an anatomical or physiological difference between man and woman, but also an energetic one.

The feminine energy or Yin is always receiving or being and opening the energy of the spirit. The male energy, or Yang, is the proactive of the two and is giving and doing. With this responsibility, the man is required to perfect his power of retention. The sexual energy of man is like a fire, quick to get hot, quick to boil, ultimately to explode. The female sexual energy, like water, heats up and boils slowly but staying warm longer.

The Chinese texts Classics of the Plain Girl and Counsels of a Simple Girl are conversations between the legendary Yellow Emperor and his female advisor, Su Nu. She shares with the Emperor the secret methods of lovemaking called the Sex Recipes of the Plain Girl and therapeutic lovemaking, called the Discourse of the Plain Girl. In these books, the Plain Girl declares that Woman is superior to man in the way that water is superior to fire. People who are experts in the art of love are like excellent cooks who know how to blend the different flavors with a tasty meal. Those who know the art of Yin and Yang can blend the pleasures of the senses, but those who do not know it will have an unexpected death, without ever having enjoyed the art of lovemaking.

The human body has the innate ability to heal itself. It is just a matter of triggering the right mechanisms. Specific points of the body, different breathing techniques and unique postures, channel energy to create balance. Therapeutic lovemaking allows energy to flow freely within the body. Using specific positions in lovemaking helps the energy to be concentrated in specific organs, and at orgasm, the energy is released in this healing way. By using these unique positions, sexual performance will be enhanced and more satisfying to both partners. Sexual problems as well as other health-related issues can also be resolved.

Sexual Positions; Therapeutic Lovemaking

When referring to the ancient texts you will find that many sexual positions are named after animals. Taoist masters believed that by imitating the movements of the animals, humans would be more in tune with nature and bring balance to heaven and earth. Here are just a few of the many positions as described in classical texts.

A. Mandarin Duck

This position is beneficial for man who has problems sustaining erection and has difficulties with sexual performance. This also improves the concentration of the man’s semen. For the woman this position benefits her sexual organs, uterus and ovaries. The position can relieve the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome. It benefits the woman’s Yin and strengthens the Jing (essence) of the man.

B. Pawing Horse

A position that is especially beneficial to the woman who has emotional blockage, mood swings and inability to reach orgasm. The stretch in the pelvic area allows the release of liver energy at the time of orgasm. Her hand is in the Mudra position, known to be beneficial in the release of negative emotions. This position is of benefit for liver qi stagnation.

C. Overlapping Fish Scale

This position is beneficial to the woman with premenstrual syndrome, fibroid tumors and to regulate menstruation. For the man it can prevent premature ejaculation and low back pain. Tonifys blood in liver channel for woman and for man tonifys kidney yin deficiency.

D. Tiger Attacks

Improves the immune system and bone marrow production. Also helps pain in the spine for woman. A position that is beneficial for harmonizing life force (Qi) and balances all five elements.

E. Crane with Two Necks

A position that creates and sustains a harmonious sexual relationship. The couple is seated in close union and learns to give as well as receive sexual energy. Benefits Three Treasures being Shen spirit, Qi energy and Jing essence.

F. Flattering Phoenix

This position is tranquilizing the life force. Helps the woman with PMS and fibroids and harmonizes the joints of the man. Beneficial for woman with blood Qi stagnation and man with kidney deficiency.

The Use of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine to Enhance Sexual Performance

Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used to enhance sexual drive and improve sexual pleasure for 5000 years in Orient and is very helpful and popular today in modern Western world. Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist would diagnose the problem by taking a detailed medical and personal history, evaluating patients tongue and pulse, and help to achieve the harmony within. Chinese medicine is offering assistance for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and pain, decreased libido, lack of sexual desire, pms, urinary dysfunction, irritability, pain during intercourse and many more. It also helps with impotence and sexual anhedonia.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

In a quiet restful room, the patient lies down and the Acupuncturist inserts hair-thin disposable needles just beneath the skin in specific places on the body. It’s virtually painless. The power to heal resides within our bodies naturally. The Acupuncture needles are placed in specific points along pathways called meridians. While in place, they stimulate and strengthen the body’s own natural resources to heal itself. CHINESE HERBS are the oldest form of medicine. They work similar to western drugs, however they address not the symptom but the root of dysfunction. They should be prescribed by a licensed herbalist because if used improperly could cause complications.

Chinese Herbs Known To Increase Testosterone Level and Sexual Drive

• Lu rong-deer horn (Cervi parvum cornu), and Hai ma-sea horse (increases the level of testosterone and estrogen, helps with osteoporosis).
• Additional Herbs for Yang Deficiency: Yin Yang Huo (Epimedii, Hb), Ba Gi Tian (Morindae Officinalis, Rx), and Rou Cong Rong (Cistances, Hb).
• Additional Herbs for Qi Deficiency:Huang Qi (Astragalus), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Yohimbine, Muira Puama, and Damiana.

Exercises and Techniques to Enhance Sexual Performance

A. Microcosmic Orbits (Chia and Wei, 2003)

With the male’s genitals being external and the females internal, the union of the two provides an opportunity for the yin and the yang to mesh and achieve a perfect exchange of energy. Emotionally, the woman is yang energy; it is easier for her to express herself. Physically the woman is yin, while the male is physically yang and emotionally yin. During the act of intercourse, the male, with his external sexual yang energy is the giver to the female’s internal sexual yin energy. Emotionally, vice versa, the female gives through her heart and the male receives. Together, they compliment and balance each other’s energy, sexually and emotionally.

B. Kegel exercise and its variation from Taoist practice for both men and women.

Rapid contraction and release of pelvic area for one to two minutes Slow contraction and release of pelvic area for one to two minutes A woman can improve her sexual experience by strengthening the muscles in the vaginal wall by inserting two fingers in her vagina during these contractions. Also effective would be the Jade Egg, a more traditional device.

C. Massage the Ears

With the ears each having over 150 acupuncture points, they are an excellent source for stimulation of sexual energy. In Chinese medicine, the ear is an extension of the Kidney energy, which is responsible for sexuality. A couple instinctively massages, kisses and nibbles each other’s ears during lovemaking. When the ear is massaged, it stimulates the entire body (Oleson 1996).

D. Taoist Retention of the Semen exercise

The Taoist man uses his mind to control his breath, his breath to control his blood, and his blood to control the semen. By mastering breathing techniques and utilizing them during lovemaking, the male can control his heartbeat, which speeds up before ejaculation. Using deep, rhythmic abdominal breathing, he is able to control his heartbeat and thus quiet the rush of blood to the penis, suppressing the ejaculation.

Of all the things that make mankind prosper, none can be compared to sexual intercourse. It is modeled after Heaven and takes its form by Earth; it regulates Yin and rules Yang Thus the four seasons succeed each other; man thrusts, woman receives; above there is action; below, receptivity.-Taoist Master

Foods as Aphrodisiacs

The legend and reality of the existence of Aphrodisiacs has been questioned through time. The truth of the matter is that indeed there are foods that are rich in minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids that in both short and long term can enhance the sexual libido (Nickell 1999).

• Foods: oysters, shrimp, mustard, garlic, leeks, avocado, nuts, seeds, kelp, yogurt, eggs, beans
• Minerals: Iodine, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Chromium, and Calcium
• Essential Fatty Acids: L-Arginine, Phenylalanine and Tyrosine, Phenyletbylamine
• Vitamins: Vitamin E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Folic Acid, and Vitamin C
• All foods, vitamins and minerals should be taken in moderation and not exceed the daily dietary requirements.

Chinese medicine strategies of sexual enhancement are gaining a more important role in Gynecology and Andrology Medicine, especially that gaining public interest and approval. More studies showing empirical evidence of these strategies are underway.

Lucy is one of  the leading practitioners in the field of alternative medicine.  Lucy Postolov’s career began with her attaining a medical degree at the age of 23 in her native city of Tashkent, Russia. Ms. Postolov went on to complete her residency in the field of Neurology, while specializing in acupuncture and acupressure. Leaving a successful practice behind, Lucy came to the United States in 1990. It did not take long for Lucy to excel in America, first establishing her reputation with the esteemed California Cryobank (one of the largest tissue banks in the world) as Special Projects Manager. In 1995, Lucy was awarded the Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine from Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine in Los Angeles. In 1996, Lucy began her practice treating patients full-time at an acupuncture clinic in West Los Angeles. In 1997, Ms. Postolov was a medical consultant for California Cryobank, spearheading the umbilical cord blood/stem cell program. Ms. Postolov’s popularity and talents were such that she quickly outgrew the clinic in West Los Angeles in less than two years. With her wholistic and unique approach to healing the mind, body and soul as one, Ms. Postolov opened her own Acupuncture/Herbology treatment center in March of 1998, the Postolova Acupuncture Group, in Brentwood, California. Also in 1998, Ms. Postolov was one of four women awarded the Woman of Action award by the Israel Cancer Research Fund. In 1999, Ms. Postolov continued her commitment to oriental medicine with a position as consultant/practitioner with the groundbreaking Department of Integrative Medicine at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She has also appeared on numerous news programs as an expert in Traditional Oriental Medicine and has been featured on the KCET program Healthweek and ABC’s Good Day L.A. In 2000, Ms. Postolov was one of the first licensed acupuncturists to be granted full treating privileges at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Also in 2000 her Website; www.lucypostolov.com was launched.

REFERENCES Beurdeley M et al., Chinese Erotic Art. VT: Charles E. Tuttle Company Inc., 1969 Chia M and Wei WU: Sexual Reflexology. VT: Destiny Books, 2003 Cho ZH et al., Neuro-Acupuncture. Los Angeles, CA: Q-puncture, Inc., 2001 Douglas N and Slinger P, Sexual Secrets. VT: Destiny Books, 1979 Douglas N and Slinger P, The Erotic Sentiment in the Paintings of China & Japan. VT: Park Street Press, 1990 Dunas F and Goldberg P, Passion Play. New York, NY: Riverhead, 1997 Ernst E, The Desktop Guide to Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. London, UK: Harcourt Publishers Limited, 2001 Hahnemann S and Boericke W, Organon of Medicine, New Translated Ed. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 2002 Hooper A, Kamasutra. NY: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc., 1994 Maciocia, G: Obstetrics & Gynecology in Chinese Medicine. NY: Churchill Livingstone, 1998 Nickell N, Nature’s Aphrodisiacs. CA: Crossing Press, Inc., 1999 Novey DW, Complementary & Alternative Medicine. Missouri: Mosby, Inc., 2000 Oleson T, Auriculotherapy Manual. Los Angeles, CA: Health Care Alternatives, Inc., 1996 Stux G and Pomeranz B, Acupuncture: textbook and atlas. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1987 The Burton Goldberg Group, Alternative Medicine. WA: Future Medicine Publishing, 1994 Maciocia G, Practice of Chinese Medicine. Edinburgh et al: Churchill Livingstone, 1994 Illustrations by Kady Hoffman

Additional resources on female sexuality are available from MayoClinic.com:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kegel-exercises/WO00119
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexual-health/HA00035
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/womens-health/WO00110
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexual-health/HQ01363