Although we are considered a sex-driven society, it seems almost an oxymoron to think that one of the most common issues I see regularly is sexual dysfunction. Whether it manifests as a low libido, vaginal dryness, impotence, premature ejaculation, or just a general disinterest, these are all implications of depleted Ojas, hormonal imbalance, and/or weakness in the reproductive tissue. Furthermore, these common disorders are often a red flag for imbalances in other areas of the body that have led to the decreased sexual energy in the first place.

The reproductive tissue in Ayurveda is known as Shukra Dhatu in men and Artava Dhatu in women. Many of the disorders in this area of the body are due to a doshic imbalance invading these tissues, causing improper functioning and a depleted sexual energy. Although these are all very serious disorders that can greatly affect one’s daily life and intimate relationship, this issue is rarely considered a primary condition, meaning a low libido or any sexual dysfunction almost always has an underlying cause stemming from another (potentially more harmful) disorder. Therefore, it is vital to not only treat the sexual imbalance directly with herbs and oils, but rather look a bit more deeply into the root causes (i.e. exhaustion, hormonal imbalance, stress, obesity, thyroid issues, etc), and treat these underlying conditions simultaneously.

There is a wide range of causes that may be involved with a low libido or any sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, these causes usually come in multiple numbers and often feed off of each other. For example, one may experience high anxiety, which leads to insomnia, which leads to hormonal imbalance, which causes impotence, and thus the cycle begins. It is rare that our disorders are not interrelated, and often treating one condition will bring benefit to the others. Here is a non-exhaustive list of common causes of sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

Common Causes of Sexual Dysfunction

Hormonal Imbalance (i.e. low testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone)
High stress
Chronic fatigue and burnout (mental or physical)
Sleep issues
Emotional imbalances, including depression, anxiety, insecurity, and grief
Menopausal transition
Low or imbalanced Ojas
Low or blocked Prana (which governs circulation)
Low Agni (digestive fire)
Excessive toxins (ama)
Malabsorption of vital nutrients such as zinc, folate, and B vitamins
Improper diet
Improper lifestyle
Substance abuse
Prescription medications (i.e. antidepressants, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)
Primary disease such as diabetes, cancer, hypothyroidism, anemia, arthritis, high blood pressure, and chronic fatigue)
Overall doshic imbalance (e.g. Vata imbalance can cause impotence, dryness, and premature ejaculation)
Low self-esteem; poor body image
Imbalance in the relationship
Past sexual trauma or sexual abuse

In Ayurveda, it is always vital to treat not only the symptoms but, more importantly, the root cause(s) of the disorder. It is important to do some internal investigation and try your best to really discover the causes of your (or your loved one’s) sexual imbalance. Once you have made a list, you can begin to treat these issues directly, thus alleviating your sexual distress. Here are some ideas you can utilize to increase libido and sexual potency. Choose the ones that resonate with your sexual imbalance, and leave the other ones behind. If you are aware of the causes, you will be clearer about the path needed for you.

How to Increase Sexual Energy with Ayurveda

1. Reduce overall stress.

Stress is quite possibly one of the most common causes of sexual dysfunction (and most other disorders). Chronic high stress levels often cause sleep issues, hormonal imbalance, poor circulation, low energy, and emotional instability; all of which can have a negative effect on sexual potency. By reducing your daily stress level, you will undoubtedly alleviate many of your health issues, including a low libido or other signs of sexual imbalance. Some great stress reducers include:

Meditation
Daily walks outside
Yoga
Regular Exercise
Deep belly breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and other calming breathing techniques
Abhyanga (self-oil massage)
Reduce your daily workload
Create a healthy, consistent daily routine (meal times, sleep times, etc)
Make time for you (and essential self-care practices) each day
Make time for your partner (and not just when you are exhausted at the end of the night)

2. Reduce your workload.

If you are too busy and exhausted to function by the end of the day, it would be no surprise that the overall sexual energy would be affected. Both mental and physical exhaustion can lead to depleted sexual energy, causing issues such as impotence, premature ejaculation, vaginal dryness, and general low libido. If your relationship is being affected by your sexual dysfunction, it should be a high priority to reduce your daily workload (which will also reduce your stress levels) and focus on rejuvenating your system.

Overworking is all too common in our society, and sadly we sometimes focus more on our work than on ourselves or our loved ones. If this is an issue for you, prioritize your schedule and lighten your load, or at least consolidate and organize your tasks. Avoid working over 35 to 40 hours a week to have time for you, your health, and your relationship. Once you prioritize your work needs, you will know what needs to be done today and what can wait until tomorrow.

3. Eat a healthy diet.

Sexual imbalances are often caused by eating an improper diet. If you are deficient in essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, folate, vitamin Bs, omega-3s, and antioxidants, this could be a major culprit in your sexual disorder. Therefore, whether you are experiencing low libido, impotence, dryness, or anything in between, eating a diet rich in whole foods, fresh colorful veggies, and taking in a wide range of vitamins and minerals (ideally through whole food sources) will undoubtedly help improve your sexual imbalance.

Eating a poor diet high in processed foods, additives, preservatives, refined sugar, unhealthy fats, and the like will also lead to weak digestion, decrease overall energy, and increase toxic accumulation; all of which are common causes of many sexual imbalances. On the contrary, eating a healthy diet helps to increase the digestive fire, boost energy levels, and flush out toxins from the system, thus combating your sexual issues on multiple levels.

4. Detoxify the body.

Excessive toxins in the body can lead to clogged channels, poor circulation, sluggish digestion, reduced motivation, depleted energy, and, of course, sexual dysfunction. If you feel this may be an issue for you, it will be essential to flush the toxins from your system, clearing your vital pathways and welcoming unobstructed blood flow and energy.

Detoxification can be done mildly by making positive dietary changes while taking some detoxifying herbs, or can be done more intensely by performing a full-on cleanse.

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Try our Detox Tea!

Discover how to perform a Kitchari Cleanse here!

5. Increase the digestive fire (Agni).

If you are experiencing digestive issues, it is not too surprising that your sexual energy has been negatively affected as well. A sluggish or weakened digestive fire is a major cause of low sexual potency, as it leads to reduced energy, slow metabolism, lack of motivation, and built-up toxins. Increasing digestion will help to alleviate all of these issues and get you ready for the bedroom!

Eating a healthy diet that is suitable for your dosha type is a great first step to increasing the digestive force. You can also take herbal remedies to complement these dietary changes, making them all the more effective. Here are some of my favorite herbs and tonics for increasing the Agni (digestive fire):

6. Make exercise a daily habit.

Exercise has a laundry list of health benefits and is essential for everybody, every day. In regard to treating sexual disorders, exercise is a must, as it balances the mood, increases vital circulation, boosts energy and motivation, reduces stress, promotes self-confidence, and creates a positive body image.

Ideally, it is important to get at least 30 minutes of “intentional movement” in daily. This could be a simple walk outside each day, routine visits to the gym, biking, hiking, swimming, exercise classes, exercise videos, dancing, or whatever you enjoy and realistically can do on a regular basis.

Discover how to get the most out of your exercise routine here.

7. Get proper sleep each night.

Sleep governs so many areas of our health, and this includes our hormone levels. Therefore, it is essential for our sexual vitality that we are sleeping enough hours and at proper times each night. Here is a general list of some healthy sleep ideals:

Sleep 7-8 hours a night
Be asleep by 10 pm each night
Be awake by 6-7 am each morning
Minimal awakenings throughout the night
Wake up refreshed and ready to go, not groggy and sluggish (read more on how to wake up with energy here!)

If you are experiencing a sleep disorder, this will be a vital factor in balancing your sexual health. Improper sleep patterns not only cause hormonal imbalance but also lead to emotional disorders (depression, anxiety, etc), chronic exhaustion, elevated stress levels, and overall Vata imbalance; all of which will deplete the sexual energy further.

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Discover a healthy Ayurvedic nighttime routine for sound sleep here.

8. Reduce the overall Vata imbalance.

Since many (but not all) sexual disorders involve high Vata in the system, it may be essential to treat the Vata imbalance to increase the sexual potency. Sexual disorders that often have a Vata influence include impotence, low libido, vaginal dryness, premature ejaculation, an oversensitivity in the genitals, and fear, insecurity, or trauma related to sex. Treating Vata often includes:

Taking a Vata-Pacifying Diet
Performing a daily oil massage with Vata Massage Oil
Oiling the feet with Vata Oil before bed
Taking a Vata-balancing medicated ghee such as Rasayana Ghrita
Taking Vata-pacifying herbs
Performing Nasya (administration of nasal oil) with Vacha Oil or Prana Nasya

9. Sweat it out.

Svedana, or sweating therapy, is great for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, increasing circulation, removing obstruction, and detoxifying the body; all of which complement your sexual healing journey quite perfectly. The most highly used methods of sweating in Ayurveda (for home therapies) are the beloved ginger-baking soda baths, steam rooms, or saunas. If you are experiencing sexual issues, aim to partake in one of these svedana therapies 2 to 3 times a week minimum.

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Discover our Ginger Detox Bath recipe here.

10. Utilize some simple breathing techniques.

One of the most effective (and simple) ways to reduce stress, promote relaxation, increase circulation, balance the mind, and reduce Vata is to add some calming breathing techniques to your daily routine. If you are not familiar with any Pranayama (controlled breathing) techniques, then simply taking time to sit and take 10 deep belly breaths each morning, midday, and evening will do just fine (be consistent!).

If you are familiar with Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), then this will be even better. Perform 10 rounds of Nadi Shodhana, without retention, each morning and again before bed (every day!). If you are suffering from impotence or premature ejaculation, it may be beneficial to practice one of these breathing techniques up to an hour before intercourse as well.

Read our article on how to perform Nadi Shodhana for detailed instructions.

11. Add a little Yoga to your day.

Since most sexual disorders have a mental imbalance involvement, along with high stress, poor circulation, and low Agni (digestion), what better way to combat these issues than with some daily Yoga practices? The type of Yoga that will be best for your sexual issues will be determined by the underlying causes. For example, if there is high stress, a Vata imbalance, or exhaustion, a gentle or restorative practice will be needed.

No matter the cause, here are some beneficial poses for increasing sexual potency and rejuvenating the reproductive organs:

Sarvangasana (aka “shoulder stand”)
Legs up the wall
Supta Badhakonasana (reclined butterfly pose) or Badhakonasana
Upavishtakonasana (aka “seated wide angle forward fold”)
Gentle twists such as ardha matsyendrasana or marichyasana 3
Ardha Padma Paschimottanasana (half lotus forward fold)
Janu Sirsasana 2
Maha Mudra (only for experienced practitioners)
Siddhasana (only for experienced practitioners)

For best results, choose the Yoga postures that are most suitable for you, and perform them on a daily basis. You can follow with some breathing techniques (see #10) or meditation for added healing benefits!

12. Perform Ashwini Mudra.

This Yoga technique is specific for toning the pelvic region and the genitals, bringing strength, control, and new blood flow to these areas. This practice is useful for sexual debility, low libido, and premature ejaculation.

Ashwini Mudra is performed by the contraction and release of the buttock muscles, perineum, and the anus. This practice can be done in a comfortable seat such as lotus or half lotus pose and should be performed 3-5 times a week for chronic issues, administering about 10 contractions (slowly and with control) at a time. You should also practice this along with meditation or pranayama up to one hour before intercourse. It is said that through regular practice of Ashwini Mudra, one can learn to control ejaculation and strengthen sexual energy.

13. Use Rasayana Ghrita (internally and externally).

A powerful way to increase sexual potency and strengthen reproductive organs is through the proper administration of Rasayana Ghrita or a similar medicated ghee. Ghee is similar to reproductive fluid in quality and therefore acts to increase lubrication and rejuvenate the sex organs. When infused with herbs that benefit these areas and promote hormonal balance (i.e. Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Vidari, etc), it is much more potent than taking either option alone. The best medicated ghee available for this is Rasayana Ghrita or Rejuvenation Ghee, as it contains the most potent herbs for supporting hormonal balance and increasing libido and overall sexual energy.

Rasayana Ghrita can be applied locally to the genitalia (great for both dryness in women and sexual debility in men), as well as taken each day internally. For extreme issues, take 1 teaspoon twice daily upon awakening and at midday (along with daily application); for mild issues, take 1 teaspoon upon awakening only (along with local application).

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14. Take an herbal formula for increasing sexual potency.

If you do not have the medicated ghee available, taking an herbal formula filled with Rasayana (rejuvenation) and Vaji Karana (aphrodisiac) herbs will also do the trick. Herbs are a great complement to these other therapies mentioned and will help to expedite the process when used together. Here is a list of my top Ayurvedic herbal choices for increasing sexual potency, lubricating the tissues, boosting circulation, and strengthening the reproductive organs.

Ashwagandha (specific for men)
Shatavari (specific for women)
Vidari
Anantamul
Bala
Kapi Kacchu
Gokshura
Ginger
Guggulu
Shilajit
Pippali

Of course, the herbs that will best fit your needs will be determined by the cause of your condition, your Prakritti (dosha type), and your current Vikrrti (current doshic imbalance). If there is a specific dosha imbalance that is affecting the reproductive tissue, Ojas, or Prana, this will also have to be considered.

Conclusion

Sexual debility is a multi-dimensional issue, as it often is an indication of other imbalances in the body. The first step for treatment is to determine these causes to discover the proper pathway for healing. Once the causes are found, it will be essential to make the necessary changes (e.g. reducing the workload, detoxifying the body, eating a healthy diet, etc) while welcoming beneficial practices into your daily routine (e.g. breathing techniques, exercise, meditation, etc). Finally, to get the most for your money, a supportive medicated ghee or an appropriate herbal formula can be taken simultaneously to relieve related imbalances, strengthen reproductive tissue, and ignite sexual energy directly.