Q. A year ago, seeking relief for the pain of an arthritic knee, I began seeing a traditional Chinese acupuncturist. Within a couple of months, much to my surprise, not only was my knee much better but my libido was also resurrected!
This systemic unblocking of vital energy affects every system in the body, and it makes perfect sense to me that sexual energy is affected. I continue regular acupuncture “tune ups” and feel like the desirable/desiring woman I was 20 years ago.
A. A recent meta-analysis of acupuncture for chronic pain reviewed 31 randomized controlled trials (Archives of Internal Medicine, online Sept. 10, 2012). The pain conditions considered in these studies included back and neck pain, shoulder pain, osteoarthritis and chronic headache. According to the investigators, acupuncture is effective for treating chronic pain, so we are not surprised that your knee responded well.
We were amazed, however, that your libido was also restored. We could find no relevant studies in the medical literature, though one review suggested improved libido in stallions (Theriogenology, Aug. 2008).
This may well be worth a try. We have included other possible approaches to overcoming a postmenopausal drop in sexual interest in our Guide to Female Sexuality.
