The human body goes through various physical and emotional changes when it is aroused and participates in sexual activity. These changes are represented by a model called the Sexual Response Cycle. It has four stages-
- Desire (libido)
- Arousal (excitement)
- Orgasm (climax)
- Resolution (return to normal function)
Sexual functioning refers to the ease with which one can move through the different phases of the cycle. It is an important factor in one’s overall quality of life. A healthy sexual function implies having no physiological or psychological difficulty throughout the different stages of sexual response, as well as a lack of pain or discomfort during sexual activity.
Besides that, the sexual function also includes one’s subjective pleasure during the activity and satisfaction with sexual frequency and behavior. But with age, certain aspects of sexual health are likely to change.
Read ahead to discover more about how age affects sexual health and function in people and how Ayurvedic doctorsapproach its management.
Aging and Sexual Function
As people age, various physical, psychological, and social factors hinder their sexual interest, function, experience, and overall sexual health. This is also known as sexual dysfunction. Though it can happen to people of all ages, older individuals have a higher chance of developing this condition because of their age-associated decline in energy and overall health.
The hormone testosterone plays a vital role in a male’s sexual experience. As males age, their testosterone levels gradually decline throughout adulthood, usually by about 1% per year after their 30s. Their libido and overall sexual function decrease, arousal takes longer, and their subjective experiences of the activity become less satisfactory. Sexual health issues like erectile dysfunctions, as well as conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and heart issues, become more common in aging males.
In the case of females, their estrogen levels decrease with age as they approach menopause. Moreover, their hormonal fluctuations and emotional changes affect their physical and mental health, causing a decrease in libido and an increase in arousal time. Health conditions like anxiety, weight gain, sleep issues, hot flashes, etc., become common among aging females.
The common symptoms of sexual dysfunction among males include erectile dysfunction, delayed or premature ejaculation, delayed orgasms, and decreased libido. Whereas among females, the symptoms include the inability to achieve orgasms and tense muscles, and inadequate lubrication in the sexual organs, often causing spasms, irritation, or pain during sexual activity.
Common Causes of Sexual Dysfunction
The common physical causes of sexual dysfunction include:
- Heart issues
- Blood vessel diseases
- Neurological disorders
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic illnesses
- Kidney or liver failure
- Alcohol consumption
- Drug abuse
Besides these, certain psychological factors can cause this health condition as well, including excess stress, anxiety, depression, guilt, concerns about sexual performance (lack of self-confidence), relationship issues, past trauma, etc.
Several prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs for other health conditions also have a direct impact on one’s sexual health and function, including anti-depressants, painkillers, anti-hypertensive drugs (blood pressure medications), and hormone drugs.
Work stress, family, and other responsibilities can severely affect a person’s libido as he/she ages. In the case of women, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, raising the children, and other commitments also have a direct influence on their energy and sexual interest.
Natural Ways to Improve Sexual Function
There are numerous traditional medications prescribed for sexual dysfunction. But these conventional drugs come with adverse health side effects such as-
- Severe headaches
- Changes in blood flow
- Dizziness
- Digestive system issues
- Muscle pain
- Lower back pain
- Blurry vision
- Skin allergies (flushes)
- Breathing issues
- Problems with hearing.
In severe cases, these drugs can even cause partial or complete loss of vision, worsen existing health issues, and increase the risk of chronic damage to other organ systems. Hence, the ancient and holistic science of Ayurveda offers a safer, more natural, holistic, and effective approach to alleviating hindered sexual function among aging individuals.
One of the most common treatment methods for sexual dysfunction prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors and health experts is the Vajikarana therapy. This therapy is one of the eight major specialties of the Ashtanga Ayurveda and is effective for improving sexual function, capacity, performance, libido, strength, potency, and overall sexual health and wellbeing. It further helps alleviate common sexual health issues among people.
The Role of the Three Doshas
As per Ayurveda, sexual dysfunctions can happen due to an imbalance in the three Doshas. An imbalanced Vata due to poor dietary and lifestyle habits can lead to impotency, while an aggravated Pitta can interfere with sexual and reproductive function. Kapha Dosha imbalance can affect a person’s sexual interest and function.
Ayurvedic therapies like Vajikarana are one of the many ways to balance all the Doshas and improve sexual activity, stamina, vigor, and overall function. It further helps improve fertility and rejuvenate the reproductive organs. Besides that, Ayurvedic doctors prescribe certain important Ayurvedic herbs to improve one’s sexual function, such as:
- Ashwagandha to balance the hormones, reduce stress and anxiety, calm the mind, and balance the Vata
- Shatavari to improve testosterone levels, enhance immunity, reduce stress, and cool the Vata and Pitta Doshas
- Gokhra to balance Pitta and improve libido and performance
- Jaiphal to reduce the risks of sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction and balance the Vata and Kapha
- Konch to improve blood circulation to the vital organs, balance Kapha, and improve libido
- Shilajit to balance the Vata and Kapha Doshas and enhance strength and stamina
- Safed Musli to balance the Vata, enhance muscle strength, improve libido, and alleviate stress
- Kesar to detoxify the body, balance all the doshas, and prevent the buildup of Ama that might interfere with sexual function.
Other Vital Remedies
Ayurvedic formulations like the Kameshwar Modakacan effectively help improve a person’s overall sexual health and function. This Ayurvedic cannabis solution contains Vijaya among its other herbal ingredients. Vijaya, a potent and valuable herb in Ayurveda, is highly effective in alleviating sexual dysfunction and health issues.
It directly impacts the body’s sexual organs and their working. This Ayurvedic cannabis solution binds to the endocannabinoid system’s cannabinoid receptors located in the brain regions that regulate sexual function. By activating those receptors, Vijaya gains direct control over the vital organs to help improve one’s overall sexual and reproductive functions.
In a recent study, consuming Vijaya improved sexual satisfaction in over 74% of the participants, while over 66% of the participants reported increased intensity of their orgasms. Kameshwar Modaka further helps alleviate mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression, along with physical health conditions, including heart issues and bodily pain.
This is because the cannabinoid receptors are spread throughout the body, allowing the Ayurvedic cannabis solution to influence the various organ systems and their function. Furthermore, the natural ingredients in Kameshwar Modaka make it safe for consumption and much more effective than conventional medications.
Besides these herbs, Ayurvedic doctors recommend making certain changes to one’s diet. Consuming a healthy, natural balanced, and well-spaced diet is vital. It must consist of healthy fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and digestive herbs. Harmful foods like junk, processed, and frozen items must be avoided.
Because foods rich in fats, sugar, sodium, oil, grease, and preservatives go undigested and cause the buildup of ama (toxins) in the body that interfere with one’s sexual function. Alcohol consumption and smoking must be reduced. Regular exercise, pranayama, yoga, and meditation must be a priority in one’s everyday schedule.
To know more about how you can improve your sexual function with Ayurveda, Contact Hempstreet and get the right ayurvedic consultation from the best Ayurvedic health experts.
References
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_668
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9119-sexual-response-cycle
https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/ss/slideshow-sex-drive-changes-age
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction
https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction-medications-common-side-effects#fa-qs
https://butterflyayurveda.com/blogs/news/sexual-wellness-for-men-the-ayurvedic-remedy-that-helps
