Today let’s talk about the little secrets for how men can have a “sexually happy” life. Actually, there are just three points: protect the kidneys, have sufficient qi, and nourish the liver—these three are indispensable.

First, let’s talk about protecting the kidneys. The kidneys play a decisive role in men’s happiness. If kidney essence is deficient or kidney yang is insufficient, it’s like the body has lost its source of warmth—libido decreases, and there may be premature ejaculation or embarrassing seminal emissions. Common accompanying symptoms include soreness and weakness of the loins and knees, general fatigue, possible edema of the lower limbs, increased urination, and an increased sensitivity to cold. At that time one should warm and tonify kidney yang and strengthen the loins and knees; Chinese herbs such as Cornus officinalis (Shan Zhu Yu), Achyranthes bidentata (Niu Xi), Plantago asiatica seed (Che Qian Zi), and Rehmannia (Di Huang) can all be helpful.

Now about tonifying Qi. Qi in our body is the major force for propulsion and containment, like an invisible shield protecting us from external pathogenic factors. If Qi is deficient, it cannot perform its functions properly, and symptoms may include lack of strength, short duration, excessive sweating, frequent urination, overall fatigue, poor appetite, and even a tendency to diarrhea. At that point you need to tonify Qi and consolidate the root; processed Astragalus (zhi huangqi), Polygala (yuanzhi), and Schisandra (wuweizi) are among the Chinese herbs that can warmly tonify Qi and blood and alleviate the discomfort caused by Qi deficiency.

Finally, about nourishing the Liver. The Liver governs the tendons, and the Liver and Kidney share a common origin; essence and blood can mutually generate one another. Only when Liver blood is abundant and vigorous can the ancestral tendons (zongjin) receive sufficient nourishment and be strong and vigorous. If Liver blood is insufficient, the ancestral tendons will not receive adequate nutrients, making erection difficult and causing flaccidity and weakness. One will also commonly feel extreme fatigue, lack of energy, dizziness and blurred vision, and be unable to exert oneself in daily activities. At that point it is necessary to tonify and benefit the Liver and Kidney for regulation; Cornus (shanzhuyu), Moutan bark (danpi), prepared Rehmannia (shudihuang), Angelica sinensis (danggui), turtle shell (guiban), and Anemarrhena (zhimu) are among the Chinese herbs that can help.

So, if you want to achieve a "sexually happy" life, protecting the kidneys, replenishing qi, and nourishing the liver all need to be done together. Don't focus on just one aspect and neglect the others!