By Marisa Fanelli

Acupuncturists treat the mind, body, and spirit. It’s a critical distinction between acupuncturists and Western doctors, who generally focus exclusively on specific parts of the body. The mainstream approach to healthcare, separating body from mind, can result in patients failing to mention problems that affect them on multiple levels.

Issues around sex—not having it, having it but not wanting to have it, being unable to have it—are often swept under the rug in discussions with MDs. Acupuncturists, on the other hand, ask and hear a lot about people’s sex lives.

The multifaceted nature of sexuality means that many systems throughout the body play a role, and seemingly unrelated symptoms or habits can influence whether someone has a fulfilling sex life. Acupuncturists are experts at making these connections and restoring balance so that you’re able to fully experience and enjoy sex.

Relaxation is key to fulfilling sex

I hear from many patients, especially women, that they have unsatisfying or non-existent sex lives.

Last year, my confidence went through the roof when a very high percentage of my patients found themselves in sexually fulfilling relationships soon after beginning treatments with me. I started feeling like some sort of magical sex goddess—who needs Cupid’s arrow when my acupuncture needles can bring together kindred, passionate souls?

One night I mentioned this theory to a friend, who, after patiently suffering through my delusions of grandeur, brought me back down to earth.

“It’s a lot easier to meet someone and have good sex when you are relaxed, calm and happy,” she said. “That’s how you feel after you leave an acupuncture session.”

Okay, so maybe I wasn’t taking over for Cupid any time soon. But, my friend had a point: By calming the nervous system, my acupuncture treatments were helping to alleviate the stress and tension that can get in the way of good sex.

Whether you’re on a first date or in a long-term marriage that’s been plagued for years by unsatisfying sex, you’re probably stressed—and therefore, not showing up as your best, most confident self.

If you’re just meeting someone, you may nervously fumble and fidget, babble, drop things, or stutter. If you’re in a long-term relationship, you may say things you don’t mean or shut down emotionally. None of these things are helpful in the bedroom.

Acupuncture lowers stress. It helps bring you out of fight-or-flight mode by inducing physical and emotional relaxation. Over time, acupuncture has a cumulative effect, helping to keep you in a stress-free zone long after the treatments are over.

There is nothing more attractive than a self-assured, relaxed person. When we are relaxed, we are free to be our most authentic selves, unimpeded by fears or disguises.

Acupuncture helps you feel content—at peace—with who you are. This is the ideal state of mind for experiencing truly satisfying sex.

Acupuncture for better orgasms

How you feel about yourself, especially the way you relate to your body, plays a huge role in your sex life. So many people sabotage their sexual pleasure with fear and self-criticism. They are so focused on their perceived shortcomings that they hold back and are unable to let go and enjoy themselves.

From an acupuncture perspective, when emotional energy becomes stuck in this way, the energy of the body becomes tight and constricted as well. This can make it difficult to achieve orgasm.

Acupuncturists use needles to break up stagnation and allow for smoother flow to the sexual organs. This helps people experience orgasms more easily and frequently.

Acupuncture can help improve libido as well. The needles shift blood and energy to the genital area, increasing arousal. In acupuncture terms, sexual desire is improved by building Yang energy. Yang is the heat, the metabolism, the forward momentum of the body. It is the spark that ignites your sex drive. Acupuncture helps light the fire. (Read more: Acupuncture makes men better in bed)

As a bonus, acupuncture makes you more physically enticing to your partner, by improving your skin, hair and eyes. (Read more: Acupuncture can make you look younger)

If you’re looking to spice up your sex life, try acupuncture.

Photo by Sara Calabro

marisa fanelli_wayland acupuncturistMarisa Fanelli owns Healing Point Therapeutics in Wayland, MA. She is known for her unique hybrid treatments of acupuncture and hypnotherapy, which she calls “hypnoacupuncture.” A self-described hedonist, Marisa believes in promoting a lifestyle that is healthy and happy. Read more from Marisa on her blog, Balancing Point.

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