Ancient Texts and Their Insights on Longevity and Sexual Health
Could texts from a thousand years ago provide insights into longevity and sexual health? For centuries, the Japanese Imperial Family and their physicians, such as Ishijima, have focused on what they called “the heart of medical prescriptions.”
These ancient scrolls advocate a holistic view of health that encompasses remedies rooted in herbs, nutrition, and sexual healing, often referencing a concept they describe as the Holy Trinity.
The overarching theme emphasizes the connection between all body systems, a notion articulated by scholar Dennis Noble, who refers to it as an “integrated communication system.”
These texts specifically detail ways to cultivate and sustain jingqi (Life Force) through sexual energy and expression. It appears that the ancients understood something significant about sexual medicine and its role in longevity.
To replace cells, DNA must duplicate into new cells. Each strand of DNA is capped with telomeres, which shorten with each replication. Researchers have long suggested that measuring telomere length can reflect biological age and might even help reverse some aging effects.
Leslie Kenny, the founder of Oxford Health Span, believes that activating telomeres is essential. “We just need to discover something that can kickstart the telomeres,” she mentioned. One such method? Sexual intimacy, which she claims facilitates a meditative state that enhances telomere length.
Kenny also pointed out that sexual intimacy boosts oxytocin, a hormone that reduces inflammation and aids in healing and immune function. “This is precisely what we want,” she said.
Another major factor in aging is stress, a primary contributor to many diseases. The good news? Engaging in sexual intimacy can effectively mitigate stress.
While sex is often seen as nearly universal in offering health benefits, there’s an ongoing debate regarding the frequency of ejaculation and its implications for health.
Kenny referenced a 1997 study published in the British Medical Journal that found men aged 45 to 59 who frequently orgasm had a 50% lower early mortality rate.
Though sex generally seems beneficial, the scientific community remains divided on the health effects tied to how often a man ejaculates.
Some evidence suggests a link between higher ejaculation frequency and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, while other studies yield conflicting conclusions. Interestingly, the Ishijima scrolls advise against frequent ejaculation, claiming it can drain one’s life energy, potentially leading to premature aging.
This belief posits that retaining sperm can allow its energy to be redistributed within the body, a view echoed by some Taoist teachers who suggest that men should only ejaculate 20-30% of the time they have intercourse.
While there’s no definitive scientific validation for the health claims regarding semen retention, Kenny argues that ejaculation can deplete testosterone, which she refers to as “the essence of a man.” Research indicates that testosterone levels can drop following ejaculation. Kenny believes that this decline can occur with frequent ejaculation.
Spermidine, a naturally occurring compound in living organisms, is linked to anti-aging and health benefits by facilitating autophagy—the process of removing damaged cell components.
Kenny explained that sperm contains essential nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and glutathione, which is crucial for the body’s antioxidant defenses. “Men could be missing out on many important minerals,” she said.
To assist in preserving men’s vitality, Kenny advocates for a mix of self-discipline, breathing techniques, and muscle control to prevent ejaculation while achieving internal sensations. This approach could enable men to enjoy successive orgasms without releasing sperm.
For those who prefer replenishing over retaining, Kenny recommends a diet rich in antioxidants, especially from cruciferous vegetables like avocados, leafy greens, and broccoli, along with supplements such as B12, vitamin C, zinc, and liposomal glutathione. Foods like nuts, wheat germ, and fermented beans can also contribute to sperm replenishment.
