Frequency of sexual activity is a highly individualized matter because everyone’s needs and preferences are different. However, for most people, moderate sexual activity is beneficial for both physical health and mental well-being. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), both too frequent and too infrequent sexual activity may pose potential risks to overall health.
Potential Harms of Frequent Sexual Activity:
- Depletion of Essence and Qi: Frequent sexual activity can excessively deplete the body’s essence and qi. Essence and qi are fundamental substances for maintaining life activities. Excessive depletion may lead to physical weakness, fatigue, and lack of concentration.
- Kidney Damage: In TCM, the kidneys are considered vital organs governing growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Frequent sexual activity may potentially damage the kidneys, causing symptoms such as kidney deficiency, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees.
- Impact on Sleep: Excessive sexual activity may lead to physical fatigue and mental stress, affecting the quality of sleep. Prolonged insufficient sleep can have negative effects on overall health.
Potential Harms of Infrequent Sexual Activity:
- Decreased Libido: If sexual activity is infrequent, it may lead to a decrease in libido. TCM believes that regular sexual activity helps regulate the balance of yin and yang in the body. An imbalance may result in decreased libido.
- Impact on Marital Relationships: Lack of regular sexual activity between spouses may lead to emotional distance and communication barriers, affecting the overall relationship.
TCM suggests that moderate sexual activity is beneficial for both physical health and mental well-being. Generally, engaging in sexual activity one to two times per week is considered a suitable frequency. However, individual differences exist, so it’s best to adjust the frequency based on personal circumstances. It’s important to note that these recommendations are based on TCM theory, and individual considerations should be taken into account based on one’s constitution and health status.