Introduction

Sex is one aspect of life that is not just important for physical and mental wellbeing. It is also pleasurable. Sexual dysfunction affects general well-being and even relationships.

Libido is very important for sex to happen and be enjoyed. It is the drive or desire for sex and sexual activities. Physical, mental and social factors affect sexual function and desires. When they are negative, they can cause low libido.

Low libido is not a dead end. There are many treatment options, though, with their ups and downs.

Acupuncture is one of those ancient practices that has been helpful in treating low libido. It is accepted mostly because of its fewer side effects and low cost, although more research still needs to be done on it.¹

In this article, we see how acupuncture, an ancient healing method, is effective in helping with problems related to libido, which is an everyday issue.

Common causes of low libido 

Some common causes of low libido are: 

Health conditions

Health conditions like

• Obesity 
• Hypertension 
• Chronic pain
• Diabetes
• Heart problems 
• Thyroid diseases 
• Hyperprolactinaemia
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• Hypogonadism

Drugs and treatments

Some drugs have side effects that deaden sex drive. Examples: 

• Serotonergic antidepressants 
• Antihypertensives
• Opioids with prolonged use
• Recreational drugs (including anabolic steroids)

Medical and surgical treatments like chemotherapy, pelvic radiation and total removal of the womb as a result of cancers can also cause low libido.

Mental factors 

Mental factors like:

• Stress from activities of daily life, which is a risk factor for many physical and mental conditions 
• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Low self and sexual image 
• Past negative experiences with sex, like rape

Hormonal imbalances

Sex hormones play a role in sexual maturation and desire. When there is imbalance, it can affect sexual desires. 

Ageing 

Generally, aging comes with a decline in most life processes, and libido is one.

Coupled with physical changes that happen as you age, like reduced strength and bodily pain, sex might not be something you will be so interested in, hence low libido. 

Poor sexual satisfaction from a partner.

Previous experiences of poor sexual satisfaction from a partner can give you a bad perception of sex and this can lead to a loss of interest.

Poor communication and emotional connection

Unresolved conflicts and resentments, long-distance relationships where you don't see your partner often and lack of novelty in relationships that can lead to boredom that can decrease libido.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices

Alcoholism, smoking and drug abuse, poor sleep, lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet affect general well-being, which can lead to low libido.

Exposure to certain chemicals.

Chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA), used in making plastics, can also cause poor sex drive.²

Specific causes for men

Poor socioeconomic status, being unmarried, poor education level and fear of rejection for not being able to maintain erection and satisfy a partner can lead to low libido.²

Specific causes for women 

Postmenopausal symptoms

The female hormone oestrogen helps maintain the female sexual organs and functions.³Menopause comes with decreased production of this hormone. This can lead to vaginal dryness, tightness of the vagina that causes pain during intercourse and reduced genital sensations. All these can lead to low libido.

Body concerns 

Changes like weight gain and breast appearance that can make you feel less attractive and feminine can lead to low libido.

Pregnancy and ovulation 

They usually come with fluctuations in hormones, mood and desires. This can lead to a low sex drive. 

Gynaecological conditions

Surgeries and diseases like endometriosis, vaginal atrophy or pelvic inflammatory disease that can alter sexual wellbeing.⁴

Life stressors 

Activities like taking care of the family, relationships and work, that makes woman put sex last on the list of priorities.

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is one of the ancient treatment options used widely in Asian countries.It is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.⁵

It is a medical treatment idea based on the principle of inserting small needles on specific areas on the body.⁶

Acupuncture is used to treat various health conditions like nausea, pain, allergies, hot flashes, breathing difficulty, mood disorders, dyspepsia, and even tobacco use. It is used mostly because of its safety and fewer side effects.

Acupuncture is based on many principles. The Qi is the “vital energy” and underlines health.“Meridians” are specific channels in your body through which this energy flows. Needles are opened at points known as “acupoints”. By opening the “acupoints”, the energy channels allow energy to flow through them. This flow balances destabilised energy, maintaining health and wellness. Acupuncture is a holistic approach, meaning all parts of your being are involved in this balancing. Sometimes, acupuncture is not done alone, but rather as an add-on or combination with another therapy. It is an individual treatment, and no two people have the same experience. Studies still need to be done for more clarity on various ways the therapy works.¹

Acupuncture and Libido 

Acupuncture is effective in supporting sexual health and libido.

This is how: 

Balances hormones

Male and female sexual function depends on hormones.⁷They control maturation of sexual organs and development of certain sexual characteristics. An imbalance has effects on sexual functions. A study shows that acupuncture increases the female hormone oestrogen, which is very important for the development of sexual characteristics.⁸

For males, the main sex hormone, testosterone, is produced by the combined actions of the luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.⁷ Acupuncture helps to maintain a balance of these hormones, hence adequate testosterone levels. This means better sexual health. 

Manages stress 

Stress is unavoidable in today's world. The demands of work, family and relationships are overwhelming. This can affect sexual desires.

Stress disrupts the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Research shows that acupuncture creates a balance between these two systems.⁹

This means that your body can recover quickly from this and be able to function as it should.

Acupuncture also helps lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol increases heart rate. This can lead to anxiety, consequently affecting libido.¹⁰

Improves blood circulation

Acupuncture helps widen blood vessels, which enhances blood flow to the area.¹¹

This means that the sexual organs receive enough blood and nutrients for them to function effectively, including responding to sexual cues. Also, adequate circulation means that wastes that can cause diseases are adequately removed from the body. This keeps the body healthy even for sexual functions.¹²

Enhances energy levels and mood

Acupuncture promotes emotional and physical well-being by balancing energy levels. This is very important for sexual well-being.

Acupuncture regulates neurotransmitter levels.¹¹ Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that carry signals between nerve cells and influence functions like mood, stress levels, sleep, and appetite. Acupuncture can induce the brain and spinal cord to produce a variety of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. This helps you feel good, cope with stress and manage depression.¹³

General well-being 

Since acupuncture is effective in treating other health conditions like pain and nausea, it promotes overall health and psychological well-being has an extended effect on sexual function and libido.

Types of acupuncture for sexual desires

Manual Body Acupuncture(Traditional Meridian-Based)

A study shows that there was significant improvement in erectile hardness and reduced anxiety and depression, which increases sexual desires.¹⁴

Electroacupuncture 

Electroacupuncture at Baliao points improves the erectile function of patients with erectile dysfunction after stroke, increases the contraction amplitude of pelvic floor muscles, and promotes the quality of life of patients. This can enhance libido.¹⁵

Auriculotherapy 

In a study, it improved sexual function in breastfeeding women.¹⁶

Summary

Low libido or interest in sexual activities is caused by an interplay of factors. Health conditions, mental health, stress, anxiety and depression are common causes. There are various treatment approaches like medications and psychotherapy. However, acupuncture is shown to be effective because it is relatively safe with fewer side effects and cheap. It produces relaxation and calming effects, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality. It promotes the general well-being of the individual during treatment and not just the sexual aspect.