Sexual appetite is a normal physiological desire and can be an indicator of the mental and physical health of a person. Sexual libido typically peaks around theid-twenties for both men and women and then generally declines at a steady rate with aging and reduced growth hormone. However, nearly percent of women and 31 percent of men complain of low sexual during middle age. For women, emotional issues, childbirth, breast feeding, onset of menopause, stress, weight gain, relationship conflicts, headaches, back pain, and inability to reach orgasm are among the causes for declining interest in sex. Certain drugs, hormonal imbalances, and clinical depression can also cause low libido. For men, libido is often related to underlying disorders including thyroid problems, pituitary gland tumors, depression, and impotence-which, itself, doesn't cause low libido but does psychologically interfere a man's confidence and interest in sex. There are no simple solutions for rekindling sexual fire, although entire industries have sprung outing instant fixes. The road back to a healthy libido varies greatly from person to person and is also gender dependent. For most men, physical fitness and activity can increase their testosterone levels and give them confidence. For most women, getting reconnected with their emotions, feeling connected with their partner, and feeling desirable are essential to restoring libido.

In classical Chinese medicine, sexual desire is the function of the fire or yang energy of the kidney-adrenal network. (Each organ system has a yin/yang or water/fire aspect. The yin aspect represents the phys­ical organ while the yang aspect represents the function of the organ system.) When the yang energy wanes or is obstructed by negative emotions or dampness (mucus) as a result of dietary or lifestyle factors. there is insufficient `fire' to get the sexual sparks flying. Also, the heart network, which houses the spirit, must be in synchrony and must pro­vide the physical attraction and emotional connection necessary for stoking the fire in the belly. At my wellness center, we work with many infertility patients and postmenopausal women. Low libido is an issue that gets top priority. Our approach is to boost kidney-adrenal fire by supporting hormonal function and aligning the heart and kidney networks-the mind and the body, so to speak. I use acupuncture and herbal therapies, and I offer dietary advice to help out patients reconnect with their sexuality.