I tried an intimate sex treatment to boost my libido – but it was way more intense than I expected

We all know how important it is to take care of our physical and mental health, but what about sexual health?

No, I’m not talking about practical matters such as regular STD checks or contraception, but about actual intimacy.

What if I told you there are non-surgical treatments that can improve sexual vitality and unlock new pleasures?

I’m in a tranquil seaside therapy room at the idyllic Nova Maldives resort – a favorite with Victoria’s Secret models – about to try a treatment with Dr. Lim, a specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to see if the age-old practice can work. help revive my libido.

I sink my face into the small recess of a massage bed overlooking the Indian Ocean and feel a slight prick in my spine as the first needle for my Integrative Acupuncture treatment, which aims to improve movement, penetrates my skin .

Surprisingly, the needles feel soothing rather than painful and I feel my energy levels increase – all of which is crucial when it comes to increasing arousal and boosting libido.

I later learned that in TCM the spine is considered the “second brain” because when you tap an acupoint on it, the cells stimulated near it can send messages to the brain.

Another needle was placed on my hip bones, as this area includes the entire reproductive system, to stimulate activity. Improving blood and oxygen flow near the cervix improves vaginal pleasure, says Dr Lim, by revitalizing my natural lubricating abilities.

And above the pelvic area lie two important organs for restoring libido; the first is the kidneys.

‘Kidneys control the maturation of the sexual instinct. Insufficient kidney energy can therefore directly affect sexual and reproductive functions,” says Dr Lim.

In Chinese medicine, kidneys are strongly associated with sexual vitality because they “store the essence of life.”

And acupuncture can nourish and strengthen the kidneys, which in turn strengthens sexual function, according to Chinese medicine.

Although the feeling of needles piercing my skin is a little uncomfortable at first, I quickly get used to it and feel the tension leave my body.

Those who practice this practice believe it has numerous benefits, including hormone regulation, improving ovarian function, supporting the immune system, and addressing erectile dysfunction.

The second primary organ mentioned is the liver, which connects directly to the reproductive system and, according to TCM and supported biomedical research, can aid in reproduction.

Dr. Lim tells me that the liver can influence premature ejaculation in men, too. She explains: ‘Conditions related to sexual health and reproduction can arise from imbalances in the liver.

‘For example, stagnation of Qi (vital energy) in the liver can lead to infertility, low libido, sexual anxiety, poor erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and cysts and fibroids.’

Integrative acupuncture, combined with herbal remedies that promote the Qi movement of the liver, can help relieve stagnation that hinders free blood flow and improve overall well-being.

THE VERDICT

How did I do? Of course, the therapy seems to have boosted my sex drive; Reducing my stress gives me better control and focus, which helps me both professionally and personally.

Afterwards, I felt more limber and had greater flexibility, allowing me to switch between sex positions with ease. The acupuncture also focused on pressure points that stimulated my erogenous zones.

Moxibustion, a TCM technique that involves burning a dried herb called moxa, stimulates the flow of Qi, which is associated with high vitality and increases sexual pleasure.

The lightly scented herb in a small box is placed near my genitals, releasing heat along my lower abdomen to stimulate the flow of Qi. The health benefits? Pain relief, reduced fatigue and detox.

The treatment generally gives me a calm feeling, which is extremely important for a better sex life, because tension can affect sexual pleasure. Yet the box had the opposite effect, stimulating me for the sexual arousal phase.

I also talk to Dr. Lim to discuss lifestyle changes to improve my libido after the therapies.

As expected, daily exercise and eating foods high in antioxidants such as broccoli, cauliflower and olives are at the forefront of her recommendations, while limiting alcohol and coffee can positively impact sexual vitality.

Not always easy to do, but I was told to walk on grass or sand daily to calm the mind, reduce stress levels and aid digestion, which can and did boost my sexual energy.

Luckily for me, the Nova Maldives resort has nothing but white sand everywhere I go. Feeling the soft grains under my feet is cathartic and the eye can only see deep blue seas and specks of small neighboring islands in the distance – it is breathtaking.

Continuing my wellness journey, I head to Eskape Spa, a serene setting near the ocean.

Unlike most health clubs, exclusivity is paramount and each guest has the luxury of their own sauna or steam room, as well as shower and changing facilities.

After the pampering session, there is a premium beach bed overlooking the Indian Ocean where you can relax with a cup of herbal tea.

Later I head to Soul Kitchen, a buffet restaurant with a variety of dishes for lunch, including French, Italian and Spanish dishes.

At the live stations, chefs create delicious meals to order for guests, using mainly local ingredients.

At the mercy of my sweet tooth, the dessert corner is a station I’m quickly growing accustomed to, sampling everything from silky vanilla flan to fluffy passion meringue pie and chocolate mousse. It’s heavenly here.

For dinner, the options are Mizu, an overwater teppanyaki restaurant, where I feast on fresh seafood and precision-cut meats prepared by a skilled chef whose iron-plate theater keeps me thoroughly entertained.

Then there is Flames, a stylish grill house where delicious dishes are served straight from the fire.

On special occasions, Flames Beach is transformed into an alfresco dining experience, where an array of fresh fish is barbecued until smoky and succulent, before an elaborate fire display lights up the night sky.

Besides stuffing my face, I also enjoy the simple pleasures like soaking my feet in the Solis infinity pool, where guests can swim to the underwater bar for a cheeky cocktail, spirits or wine, no matter the hour (after all, it’s always five o’clock). o’clock somewhere).

When I fancy some privacy while still embracing the crystal clear waters, I take the stairs at the back of my oceanfront room down to the ocean, where sea creatures like large crabs, exotic fish and reef sharks live in harmony, just a few meters away from me.

As the sun sets and the DJ plays tunes to match this perfect backdrop at Wink cocktail bar, I sit back in a comfortable armchair with a glass of wine in hand and start thinking about my trip to Nova Maldives.

What immediately becomes clear is that this wasn’t just about improving my libido, but about reconnecting with my body, mind and soul.

Whether you relax in the pool, immerse yourself on the pristine white sand beaches or indulge in some pampering, Nova may be the perfect location for rediscovery.