According to Eastern medicine, to achieve complete satisfaction in sexual activity, men need to fulfill the “Four Essentials” (adequate energy in four organs), while women must experience the “Nine Essentials” (nine stages of sexual arousal development).
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While Western sexuality is based on observing phenomena that occur during intimacy, Eastern philosophy focuses on functions. Traditional Eastern medicine posits that human sexual behavior serves three primary functions: pleasure, health, and reproduction, with health being the foremost priority. To fully harness these functions, “the interaction of Yin and Yang” must occur according to “the Dao,” meaning it must adhere to proper principles and protocols.
In the interaction of Yin and Yang, ancient scholars emphasized the importance of “mutual arousal” and “mutual pleasure,” indicating that sexual intercourse should only happen when both partners desire and enjoy it equally. “Mutual arousal” and “mutual pleasure” are the prerequisites and goals of the Yin-Yang interaction process. To help couples achieve this goal, ancient sexual experts conducted meticulous observations and research, uncovering many rules. The two exceptionally unique findings are the Four Essentials for men and the Nine Essentials for women.
The Four Essentials for Men
The Four Essentials refer to four signs or states indicating the levels of arousal in men. If the penis does not “rise,” it means the liver energy is insufficient, as this organ is responsible for tendons. If it can rise but does not expand fully, it indicates that the spleen energy is not adequate, as the spleen is responsible for muscles. If it expands but does not become firm, it suggests that kidney energy is lacking, as the kidneys relate to bones. If it is firm but not warm, it indicates that the heart energy (energy of the heart organ) is insufficient, as an unstable heart cannot maintain prolonged intercourse.
These four stages represent the levels of engorgement in the penis’s blood vessels, according to modern medicine. The Four Essentials are the four conditions that men must possess to engage in satisfactory intercourse with women. Without fulfilling all Four Essentials, intercourse cannot occur. Ancient wisdom suggests that if the Four Essentials are lacking, one should not force intercourse, as it not only fails to please women but can also harm men’s health.
If liver energy is insufficient, forcing intercourse can damage tendons, resulting in semen that is released only in drops and not with vigor. If kidney energy is lacking, intercourse can harm bones, leading to insufficient or very little semen release. If heart energy is inadequate, attempting intercourse can damage blood, potentially leading to conditions like cold semen syndrome. In Traditional Eastern medicine, the Four Essentials are often referenced in classifying conditions such as “Yang deficiency” (erectile dysfunction).
The Nine Essentials for Women
The Nine Essentials represent nine states or stages reflecting sexual arousal levels in women, serving as indicators for men to accurately assess their partner’s pleasure. Ancient physicians studied the process of female climax extensively and discovered that in each stage, energy (“Qi”) accumulates in specific body parts, creating distinctive reactions that can be observed and recognized.
Blushing cheeks and a subtle smile indicate that heart energy has arrived. Sparkling, moist eyes with flirtatious glances show that liver energy is present. A shy, lowered head signifies the arrival of lung energy. Tilting the head and swaying reflects the presence of spleen energy. An open vagina and moistness indicate that kidney energy has arrived. Numbness in joints and immobility signifies the arrival of bone energy. Legs wrapped tightly around the male partner indicate the presence of muscle energy (tendons). Sweating profusely and feeling warm indicate that blood energy has arrived. Soft, limp skin, as if one has “died,” signifies the presence of flesh energy.
All Nine Energies must be present to proceed with intercourse. Only then can climax be achieved easily, benefiting health and longevity. Forcing intercourse when a woman has not achieved all Nine Essentials can lead to health issues and reduced lifespan. For instance, if lung energy is insufficient and one rushes into intercourse, it can damage the lung organ, leading to susceptibility to colds, coughing, and asthma over time. Forcing intercourse when kidney energy is inadequate (when the vagina is not yet opened) can harm the kidney organ, leading to menstrual irregularities.
“The Dao” Between the Four Essentials and Nine Essentials
In the interaction of Yin and Yang, timing is crucial, meaning that starting and concluding at the right moments is essential. For example, if a woman is aroused and the man does not “seize the opportunity,” and intercourse occurs after her arousal has waned, it can emotionally harm the woman (damaging the heart organ). If the penis is not yet firm and intercourse is forced, it can lead to damage to the eyes, potentially resulting in blindness. Conversely, if the penis remains rigid for too long, with intercourse continuing after arousal has passed, the spleen organ in the woman may be affected, leading to abdominal pain, indigestion, and digestive disorders.
In practice, the Four Essentials and Nine Essentials discussed here primarily relate to middle-aged and elderly couples. For younger couples, sexual potential is newly formed and quite strong, making it easier to meet these criteria.
