Golden Rules For Intimacy According to Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, sex is considered one of the natural urges. The ability to have sex and having a strong sexual appetite are signs of good health and longevity. Natural urges for sex should be attended to at the appropriate times depending upon a person’s strength and stamina.

During sex, complex hormonal and nerve impulses happen in both partners, which ultimately lead to arousal and orgasms.

In Ayurveda, sex is seen as a way to procreate and continue our lineage. The mental attitude of both the male and female influences the physical and mental health of a baby. So sex should be done at the right time for both partners and with a happy, carefree mind. Like all other things in life, sex is to be enjoyed in moderation and not done excessively. The best time for sex is after menstruation, near ovulation, if you are trying to conceive.

Sex during pregnancy

Under certain conditions, Ayurveda restricts sex during pregnancy. Sex can be one of the reasons some women may miscarry as there is a loss of Ojas (vitality) during sex.

Sex during period

Sex during your period is not advised if you have a long-term disease or heavy menstrual bleeding. Dawn and dusk sex should generally be avoided.

Sex during Panchakarma

Prior to and during a Panchakarma, you should abstain from sex. Sexual encounters can create mental and emotional changes that are not advised during a Panchakarma. All mental and physical exertions should be avoided during a Panchakarma as you are going through a healing process.

Seasons

During the cooler months, you can enjoy regular sexual intercourse, 3 to 4 times a week is considered normal.

In the warmer seasons or in extreme heat, excessive sex can create tiredness in the body.

Food and Sex

In Ayurveda, milk and milk products aid male fertility and increase vitality. Lentils and sesame seeds improve female fertility. In general berries, goji berries, Indian gooseberry, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and ghee are good for improving fertility and vitality for both males and females.

• For females—Shatavari asparagus racemose, sida cordifolia, and soybean can increase estrogen which can increase a woman’s libido and improve fertility.
• For males—Mucuna or velvet bean, sida cordifolia, Indian gooseberry, and Goji berry are very effective in improving male fertility.

Sex at different times of the day

Times of the day correlate to different Doshas:

• 2-6 am – Vata
• 6-10 am – Kapha
• 10 am – 2 pm – Pitta
• 2-6 pm – Vata
• 6-10 pm – Kapha
• 10 pm-2 am – Pitta

Sex during Pitta times can deplete the body, the ideal time to have sex according to Ayurvedic wisdom is between 4-7am or 8-10pm.

 

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Dr. Resmi V. Rajagopal, BAMS, MS (Ayurveda Gynec), PGDYN

Dr. Resmi is a versatile Ayurvedic physician from Kerala, India, specializing in women’s health and pregnancy care, therapeutic yoga, and nutrition.

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