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 | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian
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 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
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Low Sex Drive

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency Loss of libido, Easily startled, Vivid dreaming Gui Pi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Low Sex Drive

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yin Deficiency Loss of libido, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Low Sex Drive

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold in the Uterus Low sexual desire, Diarrhea, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge... see more Wen Jing Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Low Sex Drive

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Chills Weak Legs Bright Pale Face Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Leg Edema

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 | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian
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 Li Zhong Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Low Sex Drive

Common Symptoms: Easily Startled Vivid Dreaming Palpitations Insomnia Poor Memory Dizziness Anxiety Restlessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency Loss of libido, Easily startled, Vivid dreaming Gui Pi Tang
Heart Yin Deficiency Loss of libido, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Low Sex Drive

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
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 Li Zhong Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Uterus

In TCM the Uterus (or "Bao Gong") is not just a reproductive organ but a vital system closely linked to Kidney energy, responsible for menstrual health, fertility, and pregnancy. It's also connected to the Heart and Liver, reflecting the importance of emotional and blood health in reproductive wellness. In TCM, the Uterus is seen as a reservoir of Blood and Qi, crucial for reproductive health and general vitality. When the Uterus malfunctions or is imbalanced, it can lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriages, or menopausal symptoms. Additionally, there might be symptoms like lower abdominal pain or emotional disturbances such as mood swings, often linked to Liver Qi stagnation. These manifestations highlight the TCM perspective that the health of the Uterus is intertwined with the overall balance of energy and blood in the body, as well as emotional well-being.... see more

Uterus Patterns That Can Lead to Low Sex Drive

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold in the Uterus Low sexual desire, Diarrhea, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge... see more Wen Jing Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang

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
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that warm and purge

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
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
Li Zhong Wan Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Ban Liu Wan Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang

All Formulas Recommended for Low Sex Drive Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Heart Yin Deficiency
Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang Heart Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Low Sex Drive Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Jing Tang Cold in the Uterus
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Cold in the Uterus
Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang Cold in the Uterus

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for low sex drive

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang Heart Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for low sex drive

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency

All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for low sex drive

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Li Zhong Wan Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang Cold in the Uterus

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for low sex drive

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wen Jing Tang Cold in the Uterus
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Cold in the Uterus

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.

Shenshu BL-23

Shenshu BL-23

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).