In Chinese medicine there are organ systems that connect to meridians, or energetic pathways, that cross the body in a series of acupuncture points. Keeping those systems in balance brings the body back into harmony and wellness. Sensuality and healthy libido are connected closely to these pathways. We will discuss some common imbalances and how they affect your reproductive and hormone systems, and how to increase your sense of pleasure and intimacy by bringing the body back into balance using acupressure and breath work. We will also explore some easy to find Chinese herbs and create a custom loose-leaf tea blend that will awaken your sensual nature and relax your body. If you are interested in experiencing acupuncture you are welcome book a visit to see me in my clinic in Denver at firelilyacu.com.
Yin and Yang are important concepts in Chinese medicine. The Yin energy is restorative, feminine, and fertile. It is dark like soil and from it emerges the Yang. Yang energy is vibrant, masculine, and bright. These energies flow into one another and always contain each other in an eternal dance. With Yin and Yang in balance we are balanced in all aspects of our bodies, our hormone systems, digestion, sleep, and sensuality.
Qi is the vital life force that circulates our body through the channels. Qi is the force that moves Blood and holds the Mind & Spirit. When Qi flow is blocked there can be pain, emotional instability, and hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture and herbs can help move stagnant Qi and restore deficiency to bring harmony to the biological systems of the body.
Acupuncture naturally triggers the body into entering the parasympathetic “rest and digest state.” The opposite is the sympathetic response or the “fight or flight state.” Our ancestors may have been running from predators, but the stress of daily life can force us to stay in a sympathetic response. It can cause chronic inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia. When we enter the parasympathetic state we can be free to digest food, sleep, rest, and recover. Our natural healing processes kick in. Feeling safe and comfortable to express our sensuality we must enter a parasympathetic or Yin state, but to reach climax we need to access our Yang energy. So finding a healthy balance between Yin and Yang is important.
The Five Yin Organs & Acupressure Points
Emotions affect our bodies in very tangible ways. In Chinese Medicine each of the Yin Organs is connected to a specific emotional response. Our raw emotions can create disharmony when they reach an extreme or are not fully expressed. This means that we can see how your predominant emotional state will impact your body and conversely, if we see a particular disharmony in an organ system we know what emotions will surface. Once we see the pattern we can use Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to bring the body back into harmony. These are the five Yin Organs and their related emotions and how they connect to sensuality.
Spleen - Worry: Overthinking and worry weakens the Spleen, leading to digestive disturbances and fatigue. For example, you may feel nauseous before a speaking in public, have loose stools with anxiety, or feel low energy from ruminating about a stressful situation. It’s difficult to cultivate sensuality when you are feeling deep fatigue and ultimately this disharmony can lead to a low libido. When the Spleen system is in balance we are more open and trusting, with a sharp intellect and healthy sex drive.
Foods to support the Spleen: sweet potatoes, rice, oats
Acupressure Point: Spleen 3, Stomach 36
Liver - Anger: Stress, the ever-present state in our society, stagnates the Liver system. You may feel anger, irritation, frustration, or even rage, which blocks the free flow of energy and blood circulation in our bodies. When the Liver is blocked we may experience rib pain, headaches, angry outbursts, or sexual dysfunction. The Liver system rules the reproductive organs. When the Liver is in balance we are kind, generous, and creative.
Foods to support the Liver: leafy greens, sprouts, citrus fruits
Acupressure Point: Liver 3, Liver 8
• Kidney - Fear: Kidneys are at the root chakra and govern our feelings of safety, security, and sexuality. When the Kidneys are in disharmony we experience urinary disturbances, low back pain, knee pain, sexual dysfunction, tinnitus, infertility, and the predominant emotion is fear. The Kidney meridian rules our reproductive hormonal systems. When the Kidneys are balanced we are calm, secure, and vibrant with a healthy libido and balanced hormones.
Foods to support the Kidney: walnuts, miso, mushrooms
Acupressure Point: Kidney 3, Kidney 1
• Lung - Grief: Depression and sadness can deplete the Lung system and lead to shortness of breath, low immunity, chronic cough, sinus congestion, and excess sweating. Grief is the emotion of the Lungs and when we are feeling down it can create an emotional numbness which makes it difficult to feel sensual and connect to our partners. When the Lungs are balanced we are courageous and focused with the ability to find deep connection with others.
Foods to support the Lung: pears, ginger, radish
Acupressure Point: Lung 1, Lung 9
• Heart - Overjoy: Overjoy is joy that has crossed into mania and anxiety. You may experience heart palpitations, insomnia, vivid dreams, a heavy or tight chest, or panic attacks. The Heart is the emperor of the mind and spirit, so it can be sensitive to any of the organ disharmonies. The Heart system is a key component in sexual dysfunction. When the Spirit is disturbed it is difficult to maintain close relationships with our loved ones and ourselves. When the Heart is in balance we are loving and happy, with an expansive mind and spirit.
Foods to support the Heart: dark chocolate, beets, adzuki beans
Acupressure Point: Heart 7, Pericardium 6
In my practice I find that balancing the emotions is necessary to treat any health condition. Pain, insomnia, digestive issues, sexual health, you name it. Balancing the emotional body balances the physical one.
Blending an Herbal Tea for Sensuality
Flowers are known to be calming and sensual in many cultures. There are many flowers in the Chinese herbal pharmacy that can be blended mindfully to awaken our sensual selves and calm the mind and body. We will balance the light floral tones with licorice root and green tea. Here are the benefits of each herb we will blend today:
Rose - Mei Gui Hua: This herb is an aphrodisiac and an antidepressant. It calms and lifts the Spirit, clears Heat and inflammation, and moves Qi and Blood to regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.
Jasmine - Mo Li Hua: This flower balance emotions, lifts the Spirit, calms digestion and detoxifies the blood. It is great to alleviate body aches and regulates Qi flow in the body. Jasmine cultivates purity, spiritual awakening, and love.
Chrysanthemum - Ju Hua: This herb clears Heat and calms the Spirit and alleviates anxiety. This flower is amazing at clearing red eyes and brightening the vision.
Jade Cloud Green Tea - Lu Cha: Green tea detoxifies the body and cools the Liver, while quenching thirst. It is full of antioxidants that are anti-aging properties that help the mind stay focused and clear with productive energy.
Licorice Root - Gan Cao: This root promotes longevity, balances blood sugar while adding a sweet flavor to the tea. It tonifies Qi and calms anxiety while detoxifying the Blood.
Honey - Feng Mi: This herb is a Qi and Yin tonic that detoxifies while replenishing moisture. It is good for fertility and boosts the immune system.
Dr. Sakshi Mears is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. She has been in private practice since 2017 and currently has a clinic in the Wash Park neighborhood of Denver on Old South Gaylord Street. Sakshi specializes in holistic wellness and can treat any health condition using a combination of therapies including acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, bodywork, CBD, and natural supplements. Patients come in for emotional wellness, pain, migraines, digestive disorders, fertility, hormonal regulation, menopausal symptoms, allergies, immune system support, and much more. Sakshi is also a yoga teacher specializing in hot yoga and prenatal yoga and has owned a tea shop and apothecary for many years. Learn more about Dr. Mears at firelilyacu.com.
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