Hypersexualityaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Sexual Health Disorders
What is hypersexuality?
Hypersexuality is a condition characterized by an overwhelming preoccupation with sexual thoughts, urges, or behaviors that may disrupt daily life, relationships, and work. Individuals with hypersexuality often engage in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior despite negative consequences. This condition goes beyond a high libido, impacting emotional, physical, and social well-being. Understanding and addressing hypersexuality requires a nuanced approach, acknowledging its complexity and the diverse experiences of those affected.
How does TCM view hypersexuality?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypersexuality is seen as an imbalance within the body’s natural systems. Unlike the more clinical approach of Western medicine that may focus on psychological or physiological factors in isolation, TCM emphasizes the interconnection of body, Mind, and spirit.
Hypersexuality, in this context, is often attributed to disruptions in the harmony of Yin and Yang, as well as disturbances in the flow of Qi (vital energy). Diagnosing and treating hypersexuality in TCM involves identifying and correcting the underlying patterns of disharmony.
Root Causes of Hypersexuality in TCM
In TCM, the roots of hypersexuality are often traced back to Deficiencies and imbalances, particularly those related to Yin Deficiency and the resulting internal Empty Heat. For instance, Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency can manifest as excessive sexual desire alongside symptoms like night sweats and a dry mouth.
Similarly, Kidney Yin Deficiency is associated with an insatiable sexual appetite, alongside physical symptoms such as lower back pain and dryness of the mouth and throat. These examples underline the TCM principle that hypersexuality is not merely a symptom but a signal of deeper systemic issues, necessitating a holistic treatment approach.
Explore below more details about what might cause Hypersexuality according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Kidney
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hypersexuality
Common Symptoms: Preference For Sipping Night Sweats Dry Stools Scanty And Dark Urine Flushed Cheekbones Restlessness Insomnia Dizziness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency | Excessive sexual desire, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Excessive sexual desire, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Excessive sexual desire, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Hypersexuality
Common Symptoms: Afternoon Heat Sensation Preference For Sipping Night Sweats Dry Stools Scanty And Dark Urine Flushed Cheekbones Restlessness Insomnia
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency | Excessive sexual desire, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Excessive sexual desire, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Hypersexuality
Common Symptoms: Hearing Loss Lower Back Pain Scanty And Dark Urine Heat Sensation In Palms Evening Heat Sensation Flushed Cheekbones Preference For Sipping Tinnitus
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Excessive sexual desire, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Excessive sexual desire, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypersexuality
TCM addresses hypersexuality through a variety of formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's specific imbalance. For conditions rooted in Yin deficiency, formulas like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan are often recommended. Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with Softshell Turtle Shells, helps to clear Heat from deficiency, whereas Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, featuring Prepared rehmannia, nourishes Yin and tonifies.
Another formula, Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan, is utilized for its Anemarrhena Rhizomes, effective in purging Fire and clearing Heat. These treatment options illustrate TCM's nuanced approach, aiming to restore balance and address the unique patterns contributing to hypersexuality.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypersexuality, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause hypersexuality, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypersexuality Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Heat:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause hypersexuality, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypersexuality Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some hypersexuality-causing patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for hypersexuality
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some hypersexuality-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hypersexuality
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some hypersexuality-causing patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for hypersexuality
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some hypersexuality-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hypersexuality
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hypersexuality, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that cool the blood
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Hypersexuality can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypersexuality, like Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for hypersexuality
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Hypersexuality can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypersexuality, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for hypersexuality
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Hypersexuality can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypersexuality, like Huang Lian E Jiao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for hypersexuality
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang |
| Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Hypersexuality can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypersexuality, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit" recommended for hypersexuality
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren) | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
| Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren) | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Hypersexuality can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypersexuality, like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Hypersexuality can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypersexuality, like Huang Lian E Jiao Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Hypersexuality can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypersexuality, like Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang.