LOVE, LET'S MAKE SOME!

AYURVEDA AND THE SEXUAL BEING

The Vedas teach us that sex is a profound experience that moves beyond 
pleasure.

 It sheds light on the possibilities within sex and inspires us to expand 
consciousness, opening our hearts to ourselves and others with more passion. It 
teaches that sexual desire is a yearning for intimacy between ourselves and the 
divine.  Ayurveda never separates the mind, body and soul. When we try to 
act for the body alone, we never satisfy the true hunger from which our desires 
arise.  Intimacy is the union of the whole self.
  
According to the Vedas, life can be divided into four main concerns : spiritual pursuits 
(dharma), economic pursuits (artha), pleasure pursuits (kama) and liberation 
from the cycle of reincarnation (moksha).Creating fulfillment requires wisdom 
and the ability to appropriately navigate one’s desires. If the pursuit of 
pleasure, contradicts life’s other pursuits, sex becomes lacking. Instead of 
nourishing our desires it only fuels more. In Ayurveda, it is advised to follow 
certain observances and create mindfulness with sex. Sex is intended for us to 
find pleasure, give pleasure, and feel in harmony with our natural sexual 
beings.  As intelligent beings, we must understand how to use sex in a way 
that promotes health and happiness.
  
Treat sex as a sacred ritual.  Create a “Sacred Space” (see blog article on 
Sacred Space)that provides a feast for all your sense organs. Learn how colors 
and aromas can arouse. Find music that makes your hips find their groove. Sex is 
sexy and fun, and it is at the basis of life. Treat it as a teacher and a friend 
and you will move beyond just the physical layer of pleasure. Be attentive to 
your partner’s desires. Learn the contours of their body with your eyes closed. 
Hold them with your hands and your heart. Create a dance that becomes better 
over time.

Don’t  get too attached though and don’t assume more of a great thing is a better 
thing. Too much sex (some might say there is no such thing)  is regarded in Ayurveda 
as a detriment  to health. Sex itself is not bad, as some religions might 
point out. Ayurveda recognizes the need for an appropriate application of all 
things in life to bring about a state of wellness. An excess of sex puts strain 
on the nervous system, increases qualities of vata and lowers overall vitality. 

Hippocrites once said, "Individuals who do not regulate their sexual impulses are more prone 
to loss of strength, weak immune function, and various diseases owing to 
depletion of vitality. Those who regulate their sexual energy will have 
increased memory, power, intelligence, health, and 
longevity".
  
DOSHA TENDENCIES

Vata
Vata, the unpredictable romantic, welcomes mental foreplay and stimulating 
conversation as a preferred aphrodisiac. The anxiety prone Vata can benefit 
greatly from soothing touch, calming aromas, and peaceful 
music.

Pitta 
The natural passion and fire of pitta gives a force to their lovemaking style. Pitta 
can be prone to competing for the esteem of their ego, so it is good for a pitta 
to remember to tune in to their partners more. Learning to redirect their 
feelings through their heart rather than their genitals will help to chill out 
these hot lovers.

Kapha
These calm, gentle lovers embody endurance, affection and sensitivity. They are 
nurturing lovers, but need encouragement to explore new aspects of themselves. 
An enthusiastic, more passionate partner can offer Kapha types the motivation to 
lighten up and get more creative!
  
PHASES OF DESIRE AND DEEPER MEANING

Each phase of life presents us with different energy and focus. There is a time for 
growing, gaining wisdom and learning ourselves. There is a time for harvesting 
from our efforts, and dedicating our energy towards family. There is a time for 
reflection, slowing down and needing less.  If we live in accordance with 
what each phase offers and brings then we sustain our energies and savor life’s 
pleasures more fully.
 
The sexual revolution of the 1960s sought to expand our understanding of sex beyond 
the religious constraints of sex as sin. Great attention was placed on the 
physical act of sex and freeing it from its notorious negative implications. 
Yet, there was a failure to acknowledge the emotional and spiritual implications 
of sex. The pursuit of pleasure, though emphasized by sex, is grounded in our 
ability to expand our heart and transform our ever evolving beings.

The Bhagavad-Gita, states that  lust is the greatest enemy, as it leads to 
self-absorption and deluded meaning in life.  Increasing our capacity to 
give and receive love is life’s greatest lesson, challenge and gift.

This week’s challenge is to give yourself to love, to make love with all your heart 
and to go deeper into your desires. “ When you perceive yourself as spirit, you 
will not simply feel love you will be love” - Deepak Chopra
  
Be Healthy, Be Happy and Make Good Love!

Megan Fleming
Ayurvedic Health Educator 

---