Ayurveda On Sex: Health Benefits, Seasonal Sex, Post-Sex Regimen + Ayurvedic Aphrodisiacs

In Ayurveda sex or abramacharya as it is known, is given due importance for maintaining one’s mental and physical health. Sex is considered one of the three aspects of life which maintain health, along with diet and sleep.¹

Abramcharya is a controlled and disciplined manner of sexual intercourse which helps to maintain the bodily doshas or fundamental principles. But the role it plays in maintaining the manasika doshas, the mind level, is of greater significance.

Sex Health Benefits

Good memory
Intelligence
Long life
Health
Nourishment
Acuity of the sense organs
Strength and slow aging

The health benefits of sex can be achieved by having proper and disciplined sexual intercourse. This is the best form of exercise. According to modern research it also helps in secreting and maintaining a balance among the neurotransmitters like serotonin.²

Effects Of Improper Sexual Intercourse

Giddiness
Exhaustion
Weakness of the thighs
Loss of strength
Depletion of the tissues
Loss of strength in the sense organs
Premature death

Excessive sexual intercourse or overexertion provokes the Vata dosha in the body and thereby diminishes the nourishing kapha dosha and dhatus. The vital essence of the body (ojas) may also be diminished. The above explained disorders are Vata related.

These effects occur when a person indulges in sex more often than their physical strength can withstand. The same effects can occur due to excessive masturbation.¹

General Rules To Follow

Follow these general rules to get the most beneficial effects from sex.

1.  Always indulge in sex with one who is interested in sex, who is healthy and who is not menstruating or suffering from diseases of the sex organs. Practice cleanliness and maintain good hygiene.
2. Pregnant and recently delivered women should abstain from intercourse according to Ayurveda. This is due to a lack of energy and interest because of hormonal changes and to avoid any consequences during pregnancy. However if a women is fit, healthy and interested then with proper care, intercourse can be carried out.
3. Out of respect, abstain from sex in the abode of gods, teachers, monasteries or on burial grounds. Burial grounds possess negative energy and also carry the risk of infectious diseases.¹
4. Sex is also not encouraged during the new moon, full moon, eclipse or during days of mourning. Intercourse to a have progeny should be avoided during these days as it may bring negative effects to the off spring. The doshas of the parents and external environmental conditions tend to be altered on these days.
5. Avoid violent foreplay which can cause injury to the vital points or ‘marmas’. Romantic foreplay is described in detail in the ancient Indian text, the Kama Sutra.
6. Sex should be avoided after a heavy meal, when hungry, during excessive thirst, without keen interest, when physically disturbed by other bodily urges and when a person is physically unfit.

Seasonal Sex Guidelines

Winter

During winter one’s strength and stamina increases. Sexual intercourse can be performed according to one’s individual desire.

Summer + Monsoon Season

As the body energy is low due to excessive vata and pitta aggravation it is advised to perform intercourse once in a fortnight, or once in every two weeks.

Ayurvedic Post-Sex Regimen

1. Bathe
2. Expose the body to a cool environment
3. Apply scents
4. Drink cool water, milk, soups which contain meat, fruit juices or sweet natural drinks like coconut water. Alcoholic beverages like wine can also be consumed.
5. Sleep

This is the way to regain your lost energy.

Ayurvedic Aphrodisiacs

In Ayurveda, milk, chicken and meat in the form of soups are considered aphrodisiacs. Some ancient medical sciences consider consuming the testicular parts of animals to be an aphrodisiac.

Amla or Indian gooseberry is considered a potent aphrodisiac herb. It also increases the sperm quality and quantity.³

Mucuna purines known in Sanskrit as kapikachu is an important herb to increase the vigor and qualities of semen.⁴

Ashwagandha is a common Ayurvedic herb used in male aphrodisiac treatment. Consume 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha mixed in milk along with organic sugar. If you are underweight or lacking in stamina a spoon of ghee can be mixed into the milk as well.

Nutmeg known as jatiphala in Ayurveda is used widely in erectile dysfunction. Stress seems to play an important role in causing erectile dysfunction hence shirodhara can be good choice of therapy as well. Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage) and shirovasthi are also commonly performed.

Ayurveda considers sex an important aspect of health. It helps to balance the bodily doshas and brings a balance to the mind and thought. Sex is considered divine in respect of progeny. Rules, regulations and norms are explained here according to the social and cultural practices in the Indian tradition of Ayurveda. Follow them if you wish, according to your own social environment and climatic conditions.

References
¹ Ashtanga hrdayam sutra Sthanam chapter no 7 Annaraksadhyaya
² Romero, Tania. “Neurobiology of Human Sexuality.” Neurobiology of Human Sexuality. Serendip.BrynMawr.edu, n.d. Web. 15 July 2017.
³ Chakraborty, D., and R. Verma. “Spermatotoxic Effect of Ochratoxin and Its Amelioration by Emblica Officinalis Aqueous Extract.” Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 15 July 2017.
⁴ Suresh, S., and S. Prakash. “Effect of Mucuna Pruriens (Linn.) on Sexual Behavior and Sperm Parameters in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Male Rat.” The Journal of Sexual Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2012. Web. 15 July 2017.