BOOSTING LIBIDO
Love is in the air, and for many of us that means opening to more creativity, spontaneity, and experiencing more passion in all areas of our life. For others, this energetic shift could lead to over extending ourselves and eventually reaching a stage of burnout, depleting our desire to do much of anything at all. There are many factors that can contribute to a decreased libido or life force, including stress, toxicity from the environment, and poor diet. Low libido however, often stems from an even bigger issue: inflammation that impairs energy production and blood flow throughout the body.
If you are experiencing low libido or a lack of passion & creativity, there are many lifestyle and diet shifts you can implement to re-energize. Integrate the following foods and practices into your routine and watch as your energy & vitality re-ignites.
Tend to Stress
Ever wonder why vacation sex is the most memorable? It’s because you aren’t stressed! Stress plays a huge role in decreased libido. If we don’t deal with our stressors, negative emotions and energy become stagnant in the body, blocking our ability to feel fully relaxed, connected to our heart, and in a space of pure joy and sexuality. Tune into whatever it is that helps you fully unwind and unplug. This could be massage, meditation, hypnotherapy, or a long soak in the bath.
A full night’s sleep supports the body in complete physical and cellular regeneration. Proper rest decreases inflammation, boosts immunity, and balances hormones. Shoot for 8 hours a night and get to sleep before midnight to ensure that you sync up to your circadian rhythm and complete a full sleep cycle. Create a sleep routine (that includes sensual touch) and enough time for yourself to fully decompress and let go of the energy from the day.
Love your liver and lymph
Your overall health and vitality is greatly affected by your liver’s ability to detoxify itself. The liver works to cleanse & filter excess toxins and estrogen from the body, keeping hormones in check. The lymph system is responsible for creating proper circulation throughout the body and balancing bodily fluids.
Keep the liver cleansed by drinking PLENTY of water, sipping on milk thistle tea, adding apple cider vinegar to your diet, and noshing on plenty of dark leafy greens. Limit your exposure to toxins and keep your blood & body alkaline!
Support the lymphatic system by getting regular exercise (using a rebounder or vibration plate is great!) Practice deep breathing techniques, dry brush, and self-massage as often as possible to get stagnant qi flowing through your body. Book acupuncture sessions for concentrated lymph and libido work and set yourself on the fast track to inner harmony.
You will not only notice an increase in your libido, but also in your clarity, confidence, and stamina, all of which will leave you beaming and ready for new energy & love to flow in.
Consume Aphrodisiac Foods
Some foods have a sexual appeal to them while others can promote sexual feelings. For example, oysters contain antioxidants that increase sexual tension. They are packed with zinc, a mineral central to fertility. Another example is asparagus, which is high in vitamin E. Its powerful antioxidant properties help protect sex cell membranes and oxygen-rich blood flow to the genitals from free-radical damage. Vitamin E also increases the skin’s sensitivity to touch and produces that “sexual flush,” making the whole experience much more pleasurable. In Asia goji berries are known as a strong erotic fruit that people often eat when they want to increase their sexual desire. Spicy foods like ginger & chili increase blood flow, especially to the sexual organs. They also work to warm the blood and optimize the body’s temperature. Cacao contains a compound called phenylethylamine (PEA), which promotes a happy, elated feeling and alleviates stress and depression. They call it the “love molecule’ because it raises your pulse and gives you that same feeling you get while falling in love. Cacao also contains a neurotransmitter known as anandamide that has the ability to alter dopamine levels in the brain, causing a sense of peace and happiness.
Nourish & Balance with Herbs
Maca is known as “natures Viagra” and is famous for its sex-enhancing properties. Packed with nutrients, it’s used to increase energy, improve memory & concentration, overcome anemia, and fight depression. In addition, it enhances fertility by decreasing erectile dysfunction and increasing sperm count in men and ovarian function in women. Maca is also known as an adaptogen, which means that it helps restore balance throughout the body and minimizes the negative effects of stress. Other adaptogens like ashwaghanda & holy basil support endocrine health, which helps to restore, balance and boost libido. Rhodiola helps to increase dopamine and serotonin, which promote creativity, stamina, and pleasure. Ginseng is a mild stimulant and increases circulation throughout the body. It is also considered an excellent herb for stress as it strengthens the adrenals and pituitary gland. (I’d recommend taking earlier in the day) More specifically for men, ginseng increases blood flow and helps to maintain an erection. Not only that, it has also shown promise for women to boost passion, desire, energy, and orgasm.