Is Frequent Marital Sex Really Harmful? Advice from a 63-Year-Old Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Is Frequent Marital Sex Really Harmful? Advice from a 63-Year-Old Traditional Chinese Medicine PractitionerMr. Wang, a retired TCM practitioner with over 40 years of experience witnessing countless patients' journeys from illness to recovery, received a worried visit from his old neighbor, Mrs
Is Frequent Marital Sex Really Harmful? Advice from a 63-Year-Old Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Mr. Wang, a retired TCM practitioner with over 40 years of experience witnessing countless patients' journeys from illness to recovery, received a worried visit from his old neighbor, Mrs. Li. With a troubled expression, she whispered, "Mr. Wang, my husband, Lao Li, has been experiencing lower back pain lately. Could it be related to our marital intimacy?" The old doctor smiled knowingly; he understood her concerns were not uncommon. Many middle-aged couples question the frequency of marital sex and its impact on their health as they age. He decided to delve into the topic with Mrs. Li: Is frequent marital sex truly detrimental to one's health?
The Frequency of Marital Intimacy: Moderation is Key
The saying, "Marital intimacy in moderation nurtures the body," holds truth. Appropriate marital intimacy is a normal physiological need, fostering intimacy, relieving stress, and even offering health benefits such as regulating the endocrine system and boosting immunity. However, excessive or frequent intimacy can burden the body. Mr. Wang had seen many patients, particularly among the middle-aged and elderly, develop health problems due to overly frequent sexual activity.
With age, physical functions decline, and frequent sex can lead to weakness, lethargy, and symptoms like lower back pain, dizziness, and tinnitus. Mr. Wang explained, "TCM emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang. Excessive depletion of Jing (vital essence) leads to kidney Qi deficiency, causing cumulative damage difficult to repair."
The Impact on Men
Men expend more energy and physical strength during sex, especially in middle age when recovery is slower. Mr. Wang recalled a case involving a 50-something patient, Mr. Zhang, who despite a healthy lifestyle, experienced fatigue, insomnia, and memory loss due to overly frequent intimacy. Diagnosis revealed kidney Qi deficiency.
From a TCM perspective, excessive intimacy causes kidney deficiency. The kidneys are the "foundation of life," storing Jing and governing growth and development. Kidney Qi deficiency in men manifests as lethargy, lower back pain, weakness, and more. Western medicine suggests frequent intimacy can lead to chronic prostate congestion, increasing the risk of prostatitis.
Protecting Women's Health
Worried, Mrs. Li asked, "What about women? Are they affected too?" Mr. Wang nodded. "Certainly. Women's bodies also require rest and recuperation. Frequent intimacy can negatively impact them as well."
Women also expend significant energy during sex. Failure to recover adequately can weaken immunity, increasing susceptibility to gynecological infections like vaginitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Frequent intimacy can also trigger mood swings, leading to anxiety and irritability. Mr. Wang mentioned treating a woman in her 40s who experienced irregular menstruation and chronic back pain due to frequent intimacy. Her condition improved only after regulating her intimacy and undergoing treatment.
The Psychological Impact Cannot Be Ignored
Beyond physical effects, frequent intimacy can pose psychological risks. While intimacy should be an expression of emotional connection, excessive frequency can lead to fatigue, decreased attraction to one's partner, and strained relationships. Mr. Wang had encountered couples whose overly frequent intimacy created distance, transforming it into a chore rather than enjoyment. This can lead to emotional detachment and even marital crisis.
Maintaining Healthy Marital Intimacy
After Mr. Wang's explanation, Mrs. Li thoughtfully asked, "What can we do to maintain intimacy without harming our bodies?"
Mr. Wang offered several suggestions:
1. Adjust frequency based on health and age. Younger individuals recover faster and can engage more frequently. Middle-aged and older couples should moderate their frequency, ideally 1-2 times a week.
2. Communicate and respect each other's desires. Intimacy shouldn't be one-sided but a mutual expression of affection. If one partner feels tired or uncomfortable, the other should understand and respect their needs.
3. Nurture your bodies with balanced diet, exercise, and overall well-being. TCM emphasizes harmony with nature. Frequency can be slightly increased during spring and summer (Yang energy is stronger) and reduced in autumn and winter (Yin energy is stronger) to conserve energy.
Conclusion
Mrs. Li left feeling relieved. Marital intimacy itself isn't problematic; moderation is key. Mr. Wang concluded, "Like everything else, moderation is essential. Knowing when to restrain oneself allows for a more fulfilling life." Healthy intimacy strengthens relationships and promotes well-being, but excessive frequency can be counterproductive and harmful. Hopefully, Mr. Wang's advice helps couples find a sustainable rhythm that fosters a healthy and harmonious marriage.
References:
- The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: "Marital intimacy in moderation nurtures the body."
- China TCM Newspaper: "The impact of frequent marital intimacy on middle-aged and elderly individuals."
(Note: This article contains fictional elements for illustrative purposes. Seek professional medical advice if you experience health concerns.)
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