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by Dr. Maoshing Ni
Sex has been a subject of
obsession throughout human history. It has often inspired heated
conflicts and extreme behaviors. From repressive societies to
promiscuous indulgence, sex, or its powers, through many
evolutions continues to intrigue us. In the midst of these
extremes, there is a distinct lack of knowledge and
understanding among the majority of people about the nature and
health consequences from the act of sex.
The ancient Chinese had the
benefit of a tradition that emphasized achieving health,
wellness and longevity as well as personal spiritual attainment
through special, often well guarded methods. This tradition
comes from the Chinese Taoists, and healthy sexual practices
were integral to enhance one's well being. Ancient Taoists, most
of whom were physicians, adhered to the philosophy that the
universe is governed by natural laws which when orderly, bestow
prosperity on earth but when violated, bring about catastrophe.
They believed that human life is also governed by these same
laws, and when wisdom is applied, one is able to avoid illness
and take advantage of the abundant offerings from nature.
Before we get on the subject of
sex, let's turn to nature for a moment. The two polar energies
of nature are that of Yin and Yang. Yin is characterized by the
feminine, nurturing, gentle, life giving like that of water
while Yang is masculine, possessive, rough and destructive like
that of fire. These are opposite yet complementary forces. In
women and men, these energies are reflected in the different
nature of each. By necessity, one depends on the other for
definition, growth and completion. The intercourse of these
energies produce a dance of water and fire, the dance of
ecstasy. Making love, therefore, is a powerful act that can have
enormous consequences, both negative and positive.
What then constitutes a healthy sex life?
There are three principles
regarding the art of making love.
First,
be aware of your body.
Do not force, or use artificial means to arouse oneself
if one's energy is low or if the conditions are not safe or
conducive.
Second,
follow the seasons.
Watch animals in nature, sex is most plentiful during
spring and summer and less so during autumn and winter.
Frequency is dependent on the individual's state of health.
Third,
be considerate.
Your partner's mood,
Vitality and preference will impact
both of your enjoyment and the therapeutic benefit.
When the Yin and Yang energies
come together and harmonize one another, the result is a
beautiful dance of ecstasy, fulfillment, and enhanced
Vitality.
Further, the sexual energy which is rooted in what we call Jing,
or sexual essence in Traditional Chinese Medicine, provides for
the potential for creating new life forms. Through special
practices, the Jing is transformed into infinite possibilities.
The benefits include health,
Vitality, longevity, mental clarity
and enlightenment. Most importantly, it allows the opening of
the energy channels for spiritual union and upliftment between
two souls.
There are five prerequisites to the healthy
act of lovemaking:
Generosity
The generous giving of oneself to fulfill the other
before seeking fulfillment for oneself
Appropriateness
Approach sex only with mutual desire and consent without
force
Love
Love, respect and care must accompany any act of sex
Ability
One can be counted on to perform satisfactorily
Trust
Knowledge of each other, comfort and at ease with one
another
In men, the loss of semen or Jing
represents a great loss of energy potential. Though highly
regenerative, it takes energy from the body and over time, the
regenerative ability diminishes and the body weakens. The
emphasis is for men to practice semen retention so that the Jing
or sexual essence is preserved. In women, the loss of blood
through menstruation and childbearing activities drains the
vital energy, thereby weakens the body. The focus for women is
to lessen the blood loss and rejuvenate the Jing from pregnancy.
Both types of weakness as well as many sexual disorders can be
averted or repaired through special sexual practices,
acupuncture, herbal medicine and energy enhancement exercises.
This is the Tao of Wellness approach where all aspects of one's
life need to be attended and balanced.
When sex is perceived as a
natural gift, an opportunity for harmonizing energies, a channel
for communication, an act of love and healing, a movement that
strengthens and elevates the spirit, a dance of ecstasy-the
world may become a more peaceful place. When Yin and Yang learn
to dance the dance of ecstasy, the power that emanates can open
the door to a more profound realization of human spirituality |