11

Rocking the Boat

Libido

I just don’t have much interest in sex anymore,” Melissa said. It started soon after she skipped her last cycle, which she thought was a reason to celebrate as she remembered the days when a cycle would get in the way, causing mood swings and pain in her lower abdomen. Melissa used to plan her entire life around her cycle and now all of that had come to an end. She and her husband were snuggling in front of the TV when he made his usual clumsy advances toward her. She would usually get the message, and off they’d go giggling to their cozy bed. But now things were different: although she knew what he was up to, Melissa felt no desire in response, so instead, she just brushed his hand aside. She would never have come to see me if her husband hadn’t begged her to try something, anything, to get things going again. “My love for him hasn’t changed at all! Actually I am still sexually attracted to him after thirty years of marriage,” she said, sobbing. “Intercourse for the sake of satisfying your husband is not intercourse,” I said. “There are many happily married couples who no longer have sex. The issue is whether or not you would like to resume having intercourse. Menopause is an opportunity for you to reclaim what is precious and shed what is not.”

Like many other women her age, Melissa’s desire for sex had waned. We could easily blame this on a decline in estrogen, a word that gets its name from the Greek word estrus, meaning “sexual passion.” Fortunately however, hormone reduction doesn’t paint the whole picture when it comes to postmenopausal libido. A survey conducted by the National Council on Aging revealed that 70 percent of sexually active women age sixty and over were even more satisfied with their current sex lives compared to when they were younger.¹ In her book Women, Sex, and Desire, Elizabeth Davis describes how many older women continue to have sex as often as they did before menopause, and that it frequently gets even better for them. She admits that changes inside and outside of the uterus could easily make women shift their attitudes around sex, seeking gentler ways to reach orgasm, without causing pain or irritation. The secret to a satisfactory sex life after menopause, according to these women, is adjusting to the change and not giving up on their sex organs.

For many women, the menopausal transition and the changes that occur in this phase of life affect sexual desire. At times, heightened testosterone levels may induce a heightened desire for sex. Plunging estrogen levels, on the other hand, often result in the opposite scenario. The discomfort associated with vaginal dryness or hot flashes may also contribute to a lack of desire to engage in sexual activity. These changes may occur gradually or fluctuate daily, seemingly without rhyme or reason.

WESTERN AND EASTERN PERSPECTIVES ON LIBIDO

According to the North American Menopause Society, sexual health is divided into three components: drive, beliefs, and motivation. Drive is the physiological aspect of sexual health that includes involuntary arousal of sex organs and sexual attraction. Belief is the psychological component, which involves one’s own ideas about sex in general. And motivation is the incentive to engage in sexual activity.² Even though all three of these components play a significant role in libido, one can fill in for the other. Drive, for example, is usually stronger with the yin types, since their lower body in general is fed more energy. Even if their belief system steers them elsewhere, a healthy drive will eventually spur them on. Yang individuals with a weaker drive can still enjoy sex if they are motivated or believe it is an important part of their life. We will talk more about this in the section below.

Although Western medicine acknowledges that libido can be influenced by both psychological and physiological factors, an established treatment approach has yet to be implemented. With an emphasis on physiological components, researchers have examined hormone function, specifically testosterone, in the enhancement of sexual desire in men and have only begun to explore its role in women. Studies involving testosterone supplementation to enhance libido in women have either been inconclusive or showed moderate results. Moreover, significant side effects from long-term administration have been noted.³

In Sasang medicine, sexual health issues are divided into two major categories: excess and deficiency. Excess issues involve the stagnation of energy in our stronger organs, requiring outward energy flow from the genitals. Deficiency issues are due to a lack of energy, calling for more energy flow to the reproductive organs. The yin types are more often faced with the former condition, and the yang types with the latter. Take the Yin Type B, for example, who is so sensitive that the slightest issue surrounding sex can tick her off, slamming the door shut. So if you lack sex drive, don’t automatically think it is a weakness! The inability to balance one’s predominant emotion may be responsible, causing the stronger organs to absorb bodily energy for themselves, eventually stealing energy away from the genitals.

Although all body types may be affected by stress-related sexual health issues, each has its own tendencies that can contribute. The yang types succumb to sexual health issues more easily than the yin types because yang energy correlates with the upper body, where the majority of it flows. The yin types have a stronger lower body, making it easier for energy to flow to the genitals, igniting arousal. The yang types tend to equate sleep rather than sexual intercourse with relaxation and stress release, whereas the yin types often think less about sleep and more about intercourse as a means of relaxation. There are many exceptions to this rule, since there are yang types who equate sex with relaxation and yin types who would rather just sleep after a long day at work. The challenge is to know where you stand in the sexual health spectrum. Is your upper body hoarding all of the energy flow, or are you simply tired and wanting sleep? Knowing your body type and its unique requirements can help improve not only your sex life but also your health in general.

Other Factors That May Contribute to a Lack of Libido

• Certain medications, such as antibiotics and antihypertensive drugs
• Excessive caffeine intake, which may eventually cause the energy in your lower body to weaken
• Other dietary factors, such as food allergies or body-type-incompatible foods

 

The following tips may be helpful in jump-starting your sex drive.

Tip #1: Find the Optimal Time

Yang corresponds with the morning and yin with the evening. Yang energy flows upward and yin downward. Yang represents activity and yin calmness and quiet. Do you see a pattern here? Most people have sex in the evening, during yin time, when their body is ready to slow down. When we are younger, yang energy may be abundant at all times of the day, but as we age, the ebb and flow of energy throughout the day becomes more apparent. We need plenty of yang energy to engage in sex, so if you are feeling sluggish in the evening, then reserve Sunday morning for a little fun between the sheets.

Tip #2: Be in the Moment: Bringing Energy Down to the Genitals

The center of bodily energy, according to Eastern philosophy, is the dan tian, which is located about one inch below the navel and is approximately three inches wide. The hustle and bustle of daily life causes our center of energy to slowly rise upward, to the point that when menopause arrives, it is somewhere in the chest or even higher, in the head. This is one reason why hot flashes are so common among menopausal women. Sex is another form of meditation, requiring our energy to be rooted in the dan tian.

While inhaling, imagine air flowing from your nose to the dan tian, and when exhaling, encourage it to flow outward from this area. Repeat this step over and over again while freeing your mind from the stresses of the day.

Tip #3: Warm Up and Put All Expectations Aside

You do not have to be aroused or even reach an orgasm to have a satisfying sexual experience. Making the time to clear your mind while spending it with your partner is more than enough. Most of us do not give or take this time, and our relationships suffer. Give yourself thirty minutes a day to chill with your partner, refraining from playing with the iPod or watching TV; simply focus on each other. Make physical contact during this time with no expectation or goal in mind, just letting it flow.

One way to get away from feeling inadequate and defeated by sexual expectation is simply to stop expecting! If our mind is always focused on the finish line, then the process is wasted. Mention ahead of time to your partner that orgasm is not the goal and that spending intimate time with them is what you desire the most. Simply placing your hands on each other is enough to stimulate and balance the flow of yin and yang.

Tip #4: Get Rid of “Have To’s”

Sex is not a validation of love, nor is it a requisite. A lack of libido itself is not a problem, nor a disease. If you are an otherwise healthy female, then chances are you can switch it on again. Yet before you blame yourself or your partner, keep in mind that many couples are still deeply in love with each other without having intercourse. The question is, “Could you still love your spouse without making love to them even once more throughout your life?” If the answer is a definite yes, and you are concerned about libido, then it’s just a matter of time. Women tend to blame themselves for an unsuccessful sex life. Most of the patients who come to see me about libido are women who are concerned about satisfying their husbands. I hardly ever see their husbands, and when I do, there’s a much higher success rate when both partners seek treatment.

Tip #5: Try Something New

One thing that keeps us feeling young is the desire to keep learning and trying new things. Ask your partner what turns them on. Is it a particular spot on the body? A new position? Is there a particular time of day or month when they feel like having sex? Reveal to your partner what turns you on and how you would like them to satisfy you. Reflect on this yourself, since there may be new parts of you that have yet to be discovered. Human touch is the most powerful healing energy there is! Search for the right spot by slowly rubbing your fingers along your body. You may want to try this with your partner, too. We all have places along our energy meridians that increase health and wellbeing. Surprising your partner by changing into something silky and sexy and/or bringing out a sex toy may also spark things into action. In Christiane Northrup’s book The Secret Pleasures of Menopause, she explains how these methods don’t have to be implemented with a partner. Getting in touch with one’s own sexual energy is the first, if not the only, step necessary to satisfy one’s sexual needs. Lastly, the use of lubricants, as you’ll see in tip 7, is another way to spice things up in bed.

Tip #6: Talk Openly and Be Patient with Your Partner

There is nothing more romantic than simply being with your partner, setting everything else in life aside. A healthy relationship is one that is open, expressive, and verbal. If something is bothering you about your partner, don’t hold it back for the sake of your relationship. On the same note, be open about yourself with your partner. Make the time to simply talk, agreeing not to argue or get on each other’s nerves. Only when both of you communicate and share energies can the spark of libido be reignited.

Tip #7: Recognize If Pain Is the Perpetrator

A loss of libido is not necessarily a result of lacking motivation; it can also be a result of vaginal dryness, causing significant pain during intercourse. After several episodes of pain, the body may simply say enough is enough, reducing your sexual desire. Luckily, there are numerous gentle and safe lubricants available, such as Wild Yam Cream, Sylk, Astroglide, and Key-E, which have offered many women significant relief. Emerita is another source that specializes in natural products, such as Oh! Warming Lubricant and Response Arousal Cream to enhance sensations. The application of a prescription plant-based or bioidentical estrogen and/or progesterone cream may also provide comfort in more acute cases.

THE YIN AND YANG OF LIBIDO

Yin and yang play an important role in libido, and deficiency in one or the other can interfere with sex drive and/or performance. Yin, for example, correlates with the desire to submit oneself, be penetrated, or let it all loose during sex, whereas yang is the desire to initiate sex, penetrate, and take control. Neither of these aspects is exclusive to men or women; yin and yang are not absolute, and both contribute in their own way to libido. Intercourse itself is the courting of yin and yang, giving and taking, submitting and controlling.

When yin and yang are abundant, sexual desire comes naturally, but if they are stagnant or deficient, it can be challenging to get our juices pumping. Stagnant yin is frequently the result of trauma to a woman’s feminine nature—when she submits or lets go prematurely, feeling defeated and taken advantage of by others or by events in her life. She may feel violated or raped not necessarily physically, but by circumstances beyond her control. Yang stagnation often happens when she gives every ounce of her effort to initiate, penetrate, or take control of something but does not succeed. Yin and yang stagnation take her away from the moment and instead fill her with regret, remorse, and distance from her partner.

Stagnation eventually morphs into deficiency—where regret and remorse become fatigue and exhaustion. Yin and yang naturally decrease slightly during the menopause transition, but as long as she is still living, these energies flow within her. Reduction of yin and yang does not equate directly with a lack of libido; instead, it forces her to reflect on her relationships and find a deeper, stronger sense of love. After raising children, working for decades, and waking up next to the same person day after day, it becomes a challenge for many to appreciate their partner and the process of making love. Deficient yin and yang nevertheless still need to be nourished and fortified, and satisfying sex with your partner may do the trick, as both of you fill in the gaps. If the flame of love is still flickering between partners, then hope for a healthy sex life is still there. When we are younger, sexual intercourse is primarily a means to release pent-up, stagnant, and agitated energy. Even though intercourse can serve this role as we advance in life, it also becomes a way to further unite and supplement our energies.

LIBIDO AND THE YIN YANG BODY TYPES

Sasang medicine holds that libido has two components: emotional and physical. The former component drives the latter, and hence our emotions are the key to unlocking sexual potential. Each body type has its own unique way of sending energy to the genital area by balancing emotions. The body-type-specific herbs listed in this section can also encourage flow to this area.

Each body type has its own reason for libido issues, depending on which organ is inherently stronger and which is weaker. As mentioned earlier, the yin liver and kidneys feed energy to the lower half of the body, and the yang spleen and lungs feed it to the upper half. Yin energy moves downward, nourishing and strengthening the reproductive organs. Born with stronger yang organs, the yang types are more prone to lower body issues such as sexual dysfunction than the yin types. But the yin types may have issues too, especially if their lower body energy stagnates and lacks yang. As an upward-moving energy, yang gives the sexual organs a boost and assists with arousal. Hence the yin types benefit from yang-stimulating herbs, and the yang types from those that are yin nourishing.

Whether you are yang or yin deficient, the symptoms of libido loss may be exactly the same, making it crucial for you to address them according to your body-type-related source. Strengthening yin or yang when there is already too much to go around can make things go from bad to worse. If you have any doubts about which body type you are, please retake the yin yang body type test or have a close acquaintance take it for you. If you are still not sure, then look to the “Continuing the Voyage” section for further options.

YANG TYPE A

Sexual desire for the Yang Type A often departs as quickly as it arrives, and if she or her partner misses the cue, it could be too late to get the action going. Fluctuation in sexual interest is not the only situation when the Yang Type A switches gears quickly, since she is constitutionally on the cusp of yin and yang energies. The Korean name for the Yang Type A is So Yang, which refers to change, transformation, and fluctuation. If you have a Yang Type A partner or are one yourself, it is important not to feel offended by or ashamed of such rapid fluctuations.

Adapting to the changes of menopause is another skill that the Yang Type A easily acquires. Others admire how she rarely complains or dwells on her symptoms. Yet adjusting to menopause does not correlate with an increased interest in sex. A lack of libido is likely to disturb her partner more, since the Yang Type A’s focus is always on what lies ahead, not in the moment. A focus on the future causes the energy within the Yang Type A’s body to forge upward, toward the yang portions. As with all the body types, however, health is determined by the smooth flow of energy in both the upper and lower parts of the body. Excessive energy flow to the upper body will further weaken their kidneys, bladder, and uterus. Sexual activity, and the intimacy that it involves, can activate the lower body energy, strengthening these organs.

Solution

Slow down and listen to your body. Your sexual energy is deep within you, waiting to be accessed and engaged. Because it encourages the flow of energy down to the lower parts, abdominal breathing is a perfect practice for this. Menopausal symptoms are a reminder that you are living your life too fast and need to apply the brakes. Try eating and thinking more slowly, and taking the time to interact with your partner instead of solving everything in haste. Sex can offer you a chance to slow down and root your energy, sending it to your weaker kidneys. It is easy to write off sex as an unproductive activity compared to immediate imperatives, like washing the dishes or getting dinner ready. These activities, however, do not activate your lower energies like sex can.

Table 11.1 below provides a quick view of Yang Type A’s sexual advantages and disadvantages.

TABLE 11.1. AT A GLANCE: SEX AND THE YANG TYPE A
Advantages	Disadvantages
She can feel just fine living her whole life without sex.	Reproduction and spousal satisfaction are at risk.
She doesn’t waste time getting things started.	The show is usually over before it gets started.
She can stay in love without the need for intimacy.	Convincing her partner of this isn’t always easy.
She is capable of sexual arousal and enjoyment.	She rarely takes the time to feel it, and when she does, it’s often gone before she recognizes it.

The following are herbs that send energy to the Yang Type A’s sex organs and nourish the kidneys.

Mu Dan Pi
(Common: Cortex of Tree Peony Root; Latin: Paeonia suffruticosa)

In Sasang medicine, Mu Dan Pi, or tree peony, is used to promote the flow of energy toward the lower half of the body, igniting sexual energy and nourishing the reproductive organs. Along with this function comes the ability to assist with digestion, which also relies on the smooth downward flow of energy. The cold nature of tree peony makes it suitable for the hot-natured Yang Type A, cooling her temper and unsettled emotions. Coldness nourishes and supports bodily yin, making it suitable for the yin-deficient Yang Type A. It is also used for the Yang Type A’s menstrual cramping and lack of menstrual flow, which are both considered the result of blood stagnation in the lower body. The cold nature of tree peony is also effective in alleviating the Yang Type A’s hot flashes.

Common Uses

Tree peony alleviates libido issues (weakness and/or lack of flow toward the sexual organs), indigestion, and hot flashes.

Source

Hawaii Pharm offers a tincture of Mu Dan Pi on its website.

Preparation and Dosage

Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.

Caution

Tree peony is a cold-natured herb, making it suitable for the Yang Type A but not for the yin types, who benefit from warmer-natured herbs. Cold-natured herbs may cause constipation, diarrhea, and/or indigestion for the yin types. Since this herb promotes the flow of blood and energy, it is not recommended in cases of excessive uterine bleeding.

Herbal Friend: Sheng Di Huang (Common: Rehmannia or Chinese Foxglove; Latin: Rehmannia glutinosa)

Sheng Di Huang, or rehmannia root, can be combined with Mu Dan Pi (tree peony) to strengthen the Yang Type A’s lower body. Sheng Di Huang is also commonly used for nourishing the blood, supporting kidney function, and strengthening the lower back, knees, and ankles. It can be purchased as a tincture from Herb Pharm. The Sasang-based formula Dokhwal Jihwang Tang, which contains both Mu Dan Pi and Sheng Di Huang along with several other herbs, can help nourish and support the reproductive organs. This formula is available on sasangmedicine.com: click “Sasang Store” from the main menu and then the “Add to Cart” icon beneath “Herbal Pills.” Type “Dokhwal Jihwang Tang” under “Ordering Instructions.”

It’s Not Over Till It’s Over: A Yang Type A’s Story

Joanne was convinced that her sex life was over and expected to live out her postmenopausal years without having one more sexual encounter. Yet life never fails to throw surprises at us, and in Joanne’s case it was a new boyfriend, who “just showed up” twenty years after she had divorced her husband. Joanne told me that after meeting him, she occasionally had “weird feelings” that came and went before she could recognize what they were. She said it felt like a “tickle” coming from her lower abdomen that would occasionally catch her attention when she was alone with him. When I mentioned that it could be her sexual energies talking, she giggled and responded, “I never knew that half of my body still existed!” I prescribed a Yang Type A formula (Dokhwal Jihwang Tang) that included Mu Dan Pi and suggested that she entertain these feelings by slowing her mind down and breathing deeply into them. We discussed how over the years her stronger spleen had taken over, hoarding the energy away from her kidneys and liver—where sexual energy arises. Joanne admitted that she simply dismissed any signs of intimacy with her boyfriend since there were always other things that needed to be done. After taking this formula for several weeks and making a sincere effort to slow her life down, the tickle she felt when with her boyfriend morphed into sexual desire and a reignited sex life.

YANG TYPE B

The Yang Type B’s weaker liver is often behind sexual health issues, as it governs the flow of energy to her genitals and interferes with fertility and monthly-cycle regulation. It is also common for the Yang Type B to have very little or no motivation toward sexual activity since she has “more important” things to do. The Yang Type B faces the biggest challenge when it comes to sexual intimacy since she spends most, if not all, of her energy on public responsibility, or sa mu, depriving her of close relationships.

The menopausal Yang Type B is further pushed toward her outward goals and accomplishments. If she has not completed the bulk of her public work by this point, then anger and frustration will set in. The balanced Yang Type B will relax her goals, especially the ones that, in the end, hurt those who are close to her. The idea that time is running out no longer makes her sad and angry. She views life as a continuum, realizing that not everything has to get done right here, right now. For the Yang Type B, menopause is a time to discover her joy once and for all.

Solution

The Yang Type B has the profound ability to detect when others are being truthful to one another, a trait born from the sa mu within her stronger lungs. Yet by the time menopause sets in, many untruthful people have come her way, which upsets her tremendously, sending yang energy bursting upward toward her head. In order to activate her sexual energies, the Yang Type B must renew her belief in humanity, appreciating those who are truthful and forgiving those who aren’t. Dang yo, or group orientation, associated with her weaker liver, is particularly difficult for the Yang Type B, who tends to be overcritical and sensitive to the faults of others. She benefits from finding commonality with, rather than distancing herself from, others, but forcing herself to do so will only cause more grief and anger. Sexual energy awaits the Yang Type B who gets in touch with her soft side and finds joy in occasionally yielding to her partner.

Table 11.2 provides a quick view of Yang Type B’s sexual advantages and disadvantages.

TABLE 11.2. AT A GLANCE: SEX AND THE YANG TYPE B
Advantages	Disadvantages
Sex rarely causes her confusion or stress.	This is only because sex is the last thing on her mind.
She doesn’t have to worry about getting pregnant . . .	But this is because over 90 percent of Yang Type Bs are infertile.
Sex can stimulate her weaker liver energy, reduce sorrow, and enhance joy.	Convincing her of this is not easy, as it requires that she preserve her bedroom energy.

The following are herbs that send energy to the Yang Type B’s sex organs and nourish the liver.

Wu Jia Pi
(Common: Devil’s Club; Latin: Oplopanax horridus)

One of the most spectacular sights when hiking the mountains of the Pacific Northwest is the majestic devil’s club. Its humongous leaves kneel down and pay tribute to a stem filled with bright white flowers bursting out from the center, indicating its profound medicinal power. Devil’s club gets its name from the prickly appearance of its thorny stem, which resembles a devil’s club. For thousands of years, the local Native American population made use of devil’s club for its healing properties. As a plant native to East Asia, it also plays a major role in Sasang medicine: it grounds the excessive yang of the Yang Type B, sending energy to her lower parts and strengthening her sexual organs. Like its cousin ginseng, it also has the ability to support and strengthen the immune system and has been traditionally used to combat pneumonia, tuberculosis, tumor growth, and diabetes.

Common Uses

Devil’s club addresses deficient libido, immunodeficiency (common colds and allergies), headaches, paralysis or weakness of the lower extremities, soreness/numbness of the muscles, and cramps and spasms of the legs.

Sources

Devil’s club is available from manufacturers such as Herb Pharm and HerbalRemedies.com.

Preparation and Dosage

Follow the manufacturer’s suggested dosage guidelines.

Caution

The prickly spine of devil’s club may cause topical allergies if touched. Devil’s club also has the potential to lower blood sugar levels and should be used with caution while taking medications for diabetes.

Herbal Friend: Mu Gua (Common: Chinese Quince; Latin: Chaenomeles lagenaria)

Quince fruit is another frequently prescribed herb for the Yang Type B’s weaker lower body. This herb, which is mainly prescribed for pain in the lower body, is not as effective as devil’s club in strengthening the lower body. Yet they get along very well together, enhancing each other’s effects. Quince fruit tea mixed with honey is often sold in Korean markets, but if you do not live near one, try ordering it from the PosharpStore website. You can also purchase quince trees from Willis Orchard Company or a delicious quince fruit spread from Nuts.com. Look for quince fruit extract at Hawaii Pharm. For best effect, devil’s club and quince fruit should be consumed together in one sitting.

YIN TYPE A

With over 70 percent of all Americans being Yin Type As, their ability to reproduce and perform in the bedroom cannot be underestimated. Yet not all Yin Type As are ready to jump into bed and get it on! Born with a stronger liver, they tend to absorb environmental toxins more than the other types. Toxic fumes, foods, and even emotions tend to stick around and inhibit the flow of energy to their genitals. The objective is to get their liver energy flowing again. Actually, the liver’s most powerful function, filtering blood, is a result of wanting nothing other than to be pure and free of restriction. Yet this desire often gets it into trouble, since there is no such thing as absolute purity, and nobody can be completely free of bacteria, toxicity, responsibility, and negativity.

The menopausal liver has already had its fair share of dealing with toxicity, and it is common for the Yin Type A to have difficulty ridding herself of it all. Often the liver will be so focused on eliminating the accumulation of the old that it has no time to take in the new. No matter how many vitamins and/or minerals the Yin Type A ingests, if her liver is congested, she may still be deficient. The more she lets go, the more she is capable of absorbing. Knowing what to let go of and what to take in is a fundamental challenge for Yin Type As because this ability, called ju chek, is associated with their weaker lung system.

Solution

The liver relies on the emotion of joy to flow smoothly and function normally. Without joy, the liver loses its bearings and absorbs excessive by-products from food and life. Joy that comes from the lower body is sustained more easily than that which is derived from the upper body. Lower body joy stems from intimacy and immersion, whereas upper body joy is momentary and fleeting. The genitalia need to feel joy to be stimulated. Fleeting moments of joy and sorrow actually confuse sexual energy, engaging the sympathetic nervous system and making you feel on edge most of the time. Bringing joy back to your genitalia requires that you free yourself from old and unproductive thought patterns and habits. It means that you have to let your liver out for a walk and relieve itself from constant burden.

Table 11.3 provides a quick view of Yin Type A’s sexual advantages and disadvantages.

TABLE 11.3. AT A GLANCE: SEX AND THE YIN TYPE A
Advantages	Disadvantages
Sex can be particularly joyful and fun for this type.	Her idea of joy and fun might be different from her partner’s.
Relaxation can reignite the libido for most Yin Type As.	Responsibility and obligation can easily reduce her libido.
Orgasm is an excellent way to release her pent-up liver energy.	Her stronger liver often absorbs excessive stress, stealing energy from her genitals and blocking libido.
She’s an animal in bed! (Her sexual energy is surprisingly robust once it gets going.)	It takes a while for her to warm up.

The following are herbs that release liver tension for the Yin Type A and promote the flow of sexual energy.

Yin Yang Huo
(Common: Horny Goat Weed; Latin: Epimedium spp.)

As its name implies, this innocent-looking weed was discovered when goats by the hundreds became more sexually active after consuming it. In Eastern medicine, this herb has been used for thousands of years to stimulate sexual energy in livestock and humans alike! Horny goat weed’s warming and yang-tonifying properties are also useful for the yang-deficient individual with sterility issues, making it suitable only for the yin types. This property also helps strengthen the lower body and assists with arthritic pain of the waist, knees, and ankles. After ingestion, horny goat weed travels to the kidneys and liver to support their function. Acrid in flavor, it also supports the pathogen-dispersing function of the lungs and immune system. In Sasang medicine, it is used to promote the flow of lower body energy upward to the lungs, stimulating sexual energy along the way. A recent study showed that this herb has testosterone-like properties, contributing to the Eastern idea that yang and testosterone correlate with one another.⁴

Common Uses

Horny goat weed addresses decreased libido, impotence, sterility, erectile dysfunction, and chronic lower body weakness and pain (e.g., waist, knee, ankle).

Sources

A capsule form of horny goat weed can be purchased from the Nature’s Way website. It can also be purchased in liquid extract form from the Amazing Herbs website.

Preparation and Dosage

Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.

Herbal Friend: Tu Si Zi (Common: Cuscuta; Latin: Cuscuta chinensis)

Tu Si Zi, or cuscuta, is another herb used to stimulate the yang energy of the liver and kidneys that is often prescribed for a lack of libido and other symptoms due to yang weakness, such as vaginal discharge, urinary incontinence, and diarrhea. Cuscuta and horny goat weed together enhance each other’s ability to support yang energy and address libido. Swanson Health Products offers a capsule form of cuscuta on its website. Both herbs can be taken at the same time according to manufacturer’s recommended dosages.

Between the Sheets of a Yin Type A

Melissa, a Yin Type A, started to cry when she told me that her sex life had “gone down the tubes.” When I inquired what had made things get so sour, she simply replied, “Life.” Melissa lamented about how she and her husband used to jokingly refer to Sundays as “sex days,” but now those days were long gone. Now every time she tapped her husband’s shoulder, he just snored away, and when he tapped hers, she replied, “Not now, I’m tired.” I was relieved to know that both she and her husband still had a desire for sex, even though it was hard to get the show on the road. After I met her husband and asked him a few questions, it turned out that her husband was also a Yin Type A. I explained to her that the yin types sometimes have difficulty getting foreplay started because of deficient yang energy. I then prescribed both of them a decoction with horny goat weed and cuscuta to ascend yang and promote movement of sexual energy. After about two weeks of taking the herbs, Melissa told me that on Sunday she was about to tap her husband’s shoulder only to find him awake and smiling at her. “Not only that,” she told me, “it happened again on Monday!” Sometimes all it takes is a little spark to ignite the flame again.

YIN TYPE B

With stronger kidneys, responsible for willpower and consistency, the Yin Type B tends to retain a healthy sexual desire later on in life compared to the other body types, but her shy and timid yin nature could put a damper on things, keeping this energy hidden within her kidneys and expressed only when she is by herself. Lee Je-ma stated that the Yin Type B needs to get out of the house more, while the Yang Type A needs to spend more time there. “Getting out of the house” can be interpreted literally, but also figuratively. The expression of sexual energy for the Yin Type B is a challenge often plagued with feelings of “my partner is probably not interested” or “I shouldn’t feel this way.” Little do most Yin Type Bs know that simply feeling sexy around others can enhance their sex appeal.

The menopausal Yin Type B is often tired of dealing with people, wishing to live like a hermit, away from the hustle and bustle of society. For most of us, sex occupies a very intimate place in the heart, and the Yin Type B, living in her fantasy world, may find it satisfactory to hide there, under lock and key. On the occasions when the Yin Type B feels lonely or yearns for intimacy, she often lacks the courage to express it. Maybe she’s been hurt too many times by doing so, or perhaps she has found it safer just to keep things inside. Menopause is a time when a woman’s inner world gets turned inside out, when she no longer has the ability simply to keep her inner thoughts unexposed. The Yin Type B is faced with a choice: to retreat further or exit her comfort zone.

Solution

The self-conscious Yin Type B may fear the changes that menopause brings and sink deeper into isolation, choosing to find intimacy alone rather than with a partner. Yet menopause has a sneaky little way of reminding you that the tides are changing, and it’s time to jump on board. It is time to challenge your limitations and emerge from the status quo. With immense hidden energy inside your kidneys, there is an ocean of intimate potential knocking at your door and waiting to come out. Trust your instinct and take action. True, the first few attempts may end in failure, as your partner (or you) may be too tired, too stressed, or too busy, but don’t give up. Use your bang ryak, or innate strategic ability, to figure out a way. Lee Je-ma said that the Yin Type B cannot simply live her life by clinging to the comfort of home. Although comfort is a priority, it can also entrap her.

Table 11.4 provides a quick view of Yin Type B’s sexual advantages and disadvantages.

TABLE 11.4. AT A GLANCE: SEX AND THE YIN TYPE B
Advantages	Disadvantages
Thanks to stronger kidney energy, she is easily stimulated.	This can lead to undue sexual frustration and stress when fantasy doesn’t become a reality.
Sex is an excellent way to release excessive fear and worry from her stronger kidneys.	But sexual interaction itself can easily become a source of fear and worry for her.
Her stronger kidneys enhance the ability to be intimate and warm.	She is extremely sensitive to others’ lack of intimacy and warmth.
Of the three factors influencing libido, most Yin Type Bs have a strong drive and motivation.	The third factor, belief, is frequently her greatest challenge.

The following are herbs that calm the kidneys of the Yin Type B and stimulate sexual yang energy.

Ren Shen
(Common: Ginseng Root; Latin: Panax ginseng)

Ren Shen, or ginseng, is one of the most powerful herbs for the Yin Type B, as it strongly stimulates the spleen and gives her a jolt of energy. After a dose of ginseng, the Yin Type B may feel as if she can be more engaging and social—the spleen’s domain. The added energy also assists with flow in her lower body and sexual organs, which tend to get blocked by her excessively introverted nature. With more energy flowing to and from the genitals and a boost in social energy, the Yin Type B has a better chance at improving her sex life. Ginseng, a root shaped like the human body, is one of the most prized herbs in Eastern medicine, embodying the concept of “like treats like.” It is used to assist in recovery from chronic illness, support digestion, and encourage wound recovery.

Common Uses

Ginseng addresses fatigue, deficient libido, indigestion, chronic diarrhea, lack of confidence, dryness, and delayed wound healing.

Sources

There are numerous sources of ginseng on the internet, and it is often found in combination with other herbs to stimulate energy. I would recommend steering clear of these formulas if you are not sure whether or not the other ingredients are compatible with your body type. Korean ginseng from Nature’s Way and Chinese ginseng from Herb Pharm are both reliable single-herb sources. A slightly more expensive route would be to purchase a Korean brand of ginseng extract pill that is used widely amongst Koreans from the LuckyVitamin website; search for “Korean ginseng extract pill.”

Preparation and Dosage

Please follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.

Caution

Even though ginseng may sound like an elixir for the Yin Type B, it comes with a catch. Yin Type Bs are very sensitive to everything, especially when it comes to food and drink. Ginseng sends energy from the lower to the upper sections of the body, and for sensitive Yin Type Bs, it could easily bring on headaches. Start with a low dose and slowly work your way up to the standard dose if needed. Most Yin Type Bs can get away with lower doses, which saves them money and headaches. This property of ginseng makes it unsafe for the other body types, as it can possibly lead to high blood pressure and other upper body pressure-related disorders, such as headaches, visual disorders, anger, irritability, and so on.

Herbal Friend: Rou Gui (Common: Cinnamon; Latin: Cinnamomum cassia)

Rou Gui, or cinnamon, and ginseng are great friends that travel hand in hand throughout the lower body, stimulating the flow of energy. Cinnamon is slightly warmer and less yang stimulating than ginseng, yet both herbs have their stimulating and warming effects. Used together, these effects are greatly enhanced. The Sasang-based formula Kwangye Doksam Palmul Tang contains both ginseng and cinnamon with several other herbs to strengthen yang and promote energy movement in the lower body. This formula is available on sasangmedicine.com: Click “Sasang Store” from the main menu and then the “Add to Cart” icon beneath “Herbal Pills.” Type “Kwangye Doksam Palmul Tang” under “Ordering Instructions.”