Libido and TCM
What a decreased sexual desire reveals
A decreased libido is a sign of physiological dysfunction according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Indeed, sexual dysfunction is never an isolated phenomenon. It is a symptom of a systemic imbalance affecting the organs, primarily the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen.
Before considering a treatment strategy, it is essential to establish a clear clinical picture, particularly regarding the genital area. However, in clinical practice, special attention is paid to the Liver and its central role in the mechanics of sexual function. This is often where the initial blockage is located in sexually active patients.
The role of the liver
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Liver stores Blood and governs the tendons; indeed, the corpora cavernosa and the elastic genital tissues fall under the category of “tendons.” Liver Qi stasis, common in contexts of work-related stress or emotional conflict, prevents Blood from fully filling these structures. Clinically, this manifests as a dissociation between libido (which depends on the Heart and Kidney) and mechanical capacity: the patient feels desire, but Qi does not circulate to relax the vessels and allow blood flow.
If the Liver is full of Damp-Heat, the condition worsens with inflammation of the genital tract and impaired ejaculatory control. Understanding this liver dynamic is essential. However, it is also important to consider that when the patient is preoccupied and overthinks, the Spleen becomes the weak link in the energy chain.
The role of the spleen
The Spleen is the source of Qi and Blood production. Excessive thinking, worry, or intense intellectual work injures the Spleen’s Qi, leading to Qi Deficiency. This deficiency results in an inability to sustain sexual function due to a lack of energy.
Even more seriously, this deficiency leads to the pathological formation of internal Dampness. This dampness, heavy and turbid in nature, tends to descend toward the Lower Burner. It then obstructs the orifices and weighs down the genital area, resulting in a loss of sexual responsiveness.
In this case, it is recommended to tonify the Spleen first before addressing the Kidneys. Beyond these factors related to the production and circulation of Qi, it is important to consider heat states that can consume or extinguish the vital flame.
The role of the kidney
Distinguishing between Cold and Heat in the lower burner is crucial.
A Kidney Yang Deficiency manifests as a genuine internal Cold: here, the Jing (or life essence) is present but deprived of its thermal engine, the Fire of the “Gate of Life” (Ming Men). Without this transformative heat, the Jing remains inert, unable to vaporize into Qi to stimulate erection or warm the uterus.
Conversely, a Kidney Yin Deficiency reflects a depletion of the material and cooling aspect of the Jing. This loss of substance creates Empty Heat, a pathological heat that stems from a lack of Yin (fluids, blood, essence) and not from an excess of external fire (infection or inflammation). Indeed, this Yin is necessary to contain and anchor the Yang, allowing it to float upwards.
Thus, this Kidney Yin deficiency consumes the remaining fluids, causing paradoxical nervous excitability, premature ejaculation, and dryness of the mucous membranes. The practitioner will focus their treatment on preserving and properly mobilizing the Jing.
Physiological cycles according to age
This clinical presentation inevitably evolves with the natural decline of Kidney Jing with age, as described in the Su Wen. Before age 40, pathologies are predominantly Excess (Liver Qi Stasis, Damp-Heat) or mild relative Deficiencies; treatment focuses on dispersing, clearing, and regulating Qi without heavy tonification.
Between 40 and 50, a transitional period when Yang Ming Qi begins to decline, mixed presentations are often observed, combining the onset of Kidney Deficiency with persistent stasis. Therapy must then harmoniously combine moderate tonification and circulation. After age 50, Kidney Deficiency (Yin or Yang) becomes the dominant root syndrome, often complicated by secondary Blood Stasis. This is due to age-related circulatory slowing and a lack of Qi propulsion.
The treatment then requires substantial tonification of the Jing combined with gentle activation of the Blood. Beyond the age of 60, when the Jing is significantly diminished, the approach focuses exclusively on preservation, nourishing the Essence with precious substances and adjusting the Shen to facilitate the acceptance of a sexuality adapted to the new energetic capacities.
To care for one’s libido, one can also practice Qigong, as described in the box below.
The role of the kidney
Distinguishing between Cold and Heat in the lower burner is crucial.
A Kidney Yang Deficiency manifests as a genuine internal Cold: here, the Jing (or life essence) is present but deprived of its thermal engine, the Fire of the “Gate of Life” (Ming Men). Without this transformative heat, the Jing remains inert, unable to vaporize into Qi to stimulate erection or warm the uterus.
Conversely, a Kidney Yin Deficiency reflects a depletion of the material and cooling aspect of the Jing. This loss of substance creates Empty Heat, a pathological heat that stems from a lack of Yin (fluids, blood, essence) and not from an excess of external fire (infection or inflammation). Indeed, this Yin is necessary to contain and anchor the Yang, allowing it to float upwards.
Thus, this Kidney Yin deficiency consumes the remaining fluids, causing paradoxical nervous excitability, premature ejaculation, and dryness of the mucous membranes. The practitioner will focus their treatment on preserving and properly mobilizing the Jing.
Physiological cycles according to age
This clinical presentation inevitably evolves with the natural decline of Kidney Jing with age, as described in the Su Wen. Before age 40, pathologies are predominantly Excess (Liver Qi Stasis, Damp-Heat) or mild relative Deficiencies; treatment focuses on dispersing, clearing, and regulating Qi without heavy tonification.
Between 40 and 50, a transitional period when Yang Ming Qi begins to decline, mixed presentations are often observed, combining the onset of Kidney Deficiency with persistent stasis. Therapy must then harmoniously combine moderate tonification and circulation. After age 50, Kidney Deficiency (Yin or Yang) becomes the dominant root syndrome, often complicated by secondary Blood Stasis. This is due to age-related circulatory slowing and a lack of Qi propulsion.
The treatment then requires substantial tonification of the Jing combined with gentle activation of the Blood. Beyond the age of 60, when the Jing is significantly diminished, the approach focuses exclusively on preservation, nourishing the Essence with precious substances and adjusting the Shen to facilitate the acceptance of a sexuality adapted to the new energetic capacities.
To care for one’s libido, one can also practice Qigong, as described in the box below.
The role of the kidney
Distinguishing between Cold and Heat in the lower burner is crucial.
A Kidney Yang Deficiency manifests as a genuine internal Cold: here, the Jing (or life essence) is present but deprived of its thermal engine, the Fire of the “Gate of Life” (Ming Men). Without this transformative heat, the Jing remains inert, unable to vaporize into Qi to stimulate erection or warm the uterus.
Conversely, a Kidney Yin Deficiency reflects a depletion of the material and cooling aspect of the Jing. This loss of substance creates Empty Heat, a pathological heat that stems from a lack of Yin (fluids, blood, essence) and not from an excess of external fire (infection or inflammation). Indeed, this Yin is necessary to contain and anchor the Yang, allowing it to float upwards.
Thus, this Kidney Yin deficiency consumes the remaining fluids, causing paradoxical nervous excitability, premature ejaculation, and dryness of the mucous membranes. The practitioner will focus their treatment on preserving and properly mobilizing the Jing.
Physiological cycles according to age
This clinical presentation inevitably evolves with the natural decline of Kidney Jing with age, as described in the Su Wen. Before age 40, pathologies are predominantly Excess (Liver Qi Stasis, Damp-Heat) or mild relative Deficiencies; treatment focuses on dispersing, clearing, and regulating Qi without heavy tonification.
Between 40 and 50, a transitional period when Yang Ming Qi begins to decline, mixed presentations are often observed, combining the onset of Kidney Deficiency with persistent stasis. Therapy must then harmoniously combine moderate tonification and circulation. After age 50, Kidney Deficiency (Yin or Yang) becomes the dominant root syndrome, often complicated by secondary Blood Stasis. This is due to age-related circulatory slowing and a lack of Qi propulsion.
The treatment then requires substantial tonification of the Jing combined with gentle activation of the Blood. Beyond the age of 60, when the Jing is significantly diminished, the approach focuses exclusively on preservation, nourishing the Essence with precious substances and adjusting the Shen to facilitate the acceptance of a sexuality adapted to the new energetic capacities.
To care for one’s libido, one can also practice Qigong, as described in the box below.
Self-treatment through Qigong
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong is not simply a supplement but constitutes approximately 40 to 50% of the sexual revitalization process, particularly after the age of 60. The remaining 50 to 60% is divided between diet, lifestyle, respecting the circadian rhythm, and, if necessary, appropriate herbal medicine.
Why this high percentage? Because after 60, the body assimilates nutrients less efficiently, and herbs act more slowly. Qigong is the only mechanism capable of actively generating Qi and circulating it rapidly to blocked areas. It acts as an internal engine that neither diet nor herbs alone can replace.
Training should not exceed 40% of your energy capacity. You should never sweat profusely or become breathless, because “sweat is the fluid of the Heart.” Thus, excessive sweating injures the Yang and disperses the Shen, negating sexual benefits.
Remember: consistency is more important than duration. It is better to practice for 20 minutes every day than for 2 hours once a week.
