Symptom family: Sexual Health Disorders

What is low sex drive?

Low sex drive, medically referred to as decreased libido, is a condition marked by a persistent lack of interest in sexual activity. It's a common issue that can affect both men and women, leading to strain in relationships and affecting individual well-being. Unlike temporary dips in desire, which can be triggered by stress or fatigue, low sex drive lasts for an extended period and is not necessarily related to transient factors. It's important to recognize that experiencing low libido is a complex issue, often involving both psychological and physiological factors.

How does TCM view low sex drive?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches low sex drive as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system. Unlike the compartmentalized view often seen in Western medicine, TCM looks at low libido as a manifestation of disharmony among the body's fundamental elements: Qi (energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and Essence. Diagnosing and addressing low sex drive in TCM involves identifying the specific patterns of imbalance, understanding that each individual's experience and treatment path may vary significantly.

Root Causes of Low Sex Drive in TCM

In TCM, low sex drive is often linked to either a deficiency in Yang, indicative of a lack of warmth and vitality, or Blood Deficiency, which relates to the vital energy that sustains the body's functions. For instance, Kidney Yang Deficiency might present as decreased libido alongside symptoms like lower back pain and a feeling of cold in the knees.

Blood Deficiency, particularly Heart Blood Deficiency, may manifest as a loss of libido, vivid dreaming, and an easily startled nature. These examples highlight the TCM perspective that sexual desire is deeply intertwined with the overall balance of the body's internal energies.

Explore below more details about what might cause Low sex drive according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Low Sex Drive

Common Symptoms: Chills Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Diarrhea Erectile Dysfunction Premature Ejaculation Nocturia Lower Back Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Decreased libido, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian | Yu Lin Zhu
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency Loss of libido, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more Huan Shao Dan | Li Zhong Wan
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang Frigidity, Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Frequent urination, Polyuria, Nocturia, White vaginal discharge... see more Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Ban Liu Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Low Sex Drive

TCM offers a range of formulas and herbs to address low sex drive, tailored to the underlying pattern of disharmony. For Yang Deficiency, treatments like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, which nourishes Yin while also supporting Yang, are recommended.

In cases of Blood Deficiency, Gui Pi Tang might be prescribed to tonify Qi and Blood, addressing the root cause of decreased libido. These treatments reflect TCM's holistic approach, aiming not just to alleviate symptoms but to restore the body's natural balance and vitality.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address low sex drive, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Low Sex Drive Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Chuan Jian Kidney Yang Deficiency
Yu Lin Zhu Kidney Yang Deficiency
Huan Shao Dan Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Li Zhong Wan Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Ban Liu Wan Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang

Acupoints for Low Sex Drive

Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, involves stimulating specific points on the body to correct imbalances. For low sex drive, points on the Heart Channel, like Shenmen HE-7, can calm the mind and nourish Heart Blood, addressing emotional aspects of decreased libido.

The Bladder Channel's Shenshu BL-23 point is another crucial area, known for its ability to tonify Kidney Yang and nourish Kidney Yin, essential for restoring sexual vitality. These recommendations underscore the TCM view of sexual health as integrally connected to the body's broader energetic landscape.

Explore below some acupoints used to address low sex drive, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Heart Channel
  • Bladder Channel
Shenmen HE-7

Shenmen HE-7

On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the articular region between the pisiform bone and the ulna, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

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