In the quest to balance our busy lives with a bit of personal pleasure, it seems ancient Chinese medicine has been holding onto a secret that’s just a tad more intriguing than your average health tip. According to Nina Cheng, a guru of traditional Chinese health remedies, not only is sex good for you (a fact that might not entirely shock you), but there’s actually a recommended dosage for keeping your heart ticking happily, and it’s all age-specific. Before you start marking your calendars, let’s dive into the heart (or perhaps other organs) of the matter.
Cheng, who’s been enlightening the masses via TikTok, reveals that, according to Chinese medicine, insufficient sexual activity is seen as a potential cause of disease. This belief hinges on the idea that org*sms can release “beneficial Yang energy,” improving the flow of Qi, which is essentially the life force running through our bodies. So, by not engaging in enough sexual activity, you might be missing out on more than just the fun parts.
Here’s where it gets specific: the Su Nu Jing, a sexology text that’s been around for a cool 2,000 years, lays out a schedule for sexual activity based on your age. If you’re in your twenties, congratulations, you’re supposed to aim for an org*sm every four days. Hit the big 3-0? Then it’s every eight days for you. And as the decades roll on, the intervals grow longer, with those in their sixties advised to aim for once a month. It’s like a sexual maintenance schedule, ensuring you run smoothly and don’t end up needing a jump start.
For those worried about keeping up with these ancient recommendations, Cheng also suggests a few herbal remedies to aid in sexual and reproductive health. From Fu Yin Tai for genital itching to Vitality Plus for boosting testosterone, it appears there’s a herb for every hiccup in your sex life.
Before you throw out your calendars and start living by the Su Nu Jing, it’s worth noting that the NHS also chimes in on the topic, suggesting that an active sex life can indeed offer benefits like stress reduction and improved mental health. However, they’re quick to add a modern-day caveat: make sure it’s safe sex to avoid swapping Qi flow improvements for STI treatments.
So, whether you’re a strict follower of ancient wisdom or just looking for a new excuse to spice things up, it seems that both history and health professionals agree: a happy sex life might just be a key component of your overall well-being. Just remember, while the ancient texts might not have covered the importance of consent and communication, those are two additions to the prescription that are absolutely non-negotiable in today’s world.
