There are many details to narrow in on when it comes to sparking intimacy. The emotional, the physical, the energetic elements must be lit, and, yes, with each of those come variables. But what if the spark isn't flickering like it used to?
If that’s the case it may be time to look into why your libido is leaving you with a smolder instead of a spark.
1)Mental and Physical Stress
Yes, stress is the number one bad guy when it comes to health in general, AND it is one of the biggest reasons men and women are lacking libido. Of course it is possible to be stressed and still have a great sex drive, but for those whose sex life is suffering; stress is one of the most common culprits - especially stress with your partner.
Why?
Because it decreases production of important sex hormones such as estrogen. Not to mention the emotional instability it can cause - females especially, need to feel safe in order to have good sex. This leads to our next obstacle…
2) Body Image and Self Acceptance
No matter what your size and shape, if you are not comfortable in your own skin, your sex life can suffer. It may be time to take an honest look at how you feel about this body you’re in and make changes wether in diet or outlook. It is also important to note that both overeating and undereating can impair hormone and neurotransmitter function which can affect libido. Yes, your food choices can even affect your sex life! Loving yourself where you’re at and taking care of yourself with a healthy diet are foundational to feeling good about yourself and keeping your hormones in check.
3)Inflammation and Pain
Pain can make it quite difficult to have a healthy libido. There are many underlying reasons for pain and inflammation. Needless to say, it is hard to feel sexy and interested in being physical if you are experiencing pain and discomfort. But even without pain, inflammation can inhibit brain chemicals that make it easier to have a robust libido. Making your health a priority can have a great impact on improving your sex life; physically and emotionally!
4)Medications
There are several common medications that can lower libido. Birth control, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety meds, antihistamines, and beta blockers are just a few. If you take prescribed medications, or even over the counter medication, this can certainly play a part in inhibiting your libido.
5) Emotional and Relationship Difficulties
While there are so many details around relational issues, most things can be boiled down to just a few core issues. It may be time to go beyond the story of your relationship struggles and get to the heart of the issue.
- Communication Issues
What is at the bottom of your communication issues? Do you have a different love language? Do you need better boundaries? Are distractions getting in the way? Sometimes it is just a matter of understanding your partner’s language and coming together with an open heart to understand each other so that you can communicate more effectively. Other times this is just a surface issue for something deeper.
- Old wounds
These can be any number of issues from childhood or earlier in the relationship. It is hard to work past current struggles when there is an old would that is continually bringing up pain. And while each partner has to take responsibility for their own healing; when one partner takes steps to wholeness, the other tends to follow. It is the phenomenon of resonance. Just like musical instruments tuning to each other; our healing can encourage our partner’s. Naturopathy offers many tools for helping you discover and heal old wounds as well as supporting you in the process. Ask us how.
- Vulnerability
Vulnerability is a crucial ingredient to intimacy. Being vulnerable comes from having an open heart. When we are hurt it is easy to wall off our heart to ease the pain. But dulling the pain also dulls our ability to love and experience intimacy. Is it time to ask yourself what is causing a lack of vulnerability? Is there someone in your life you need to forgive so you can be free? Is there an old wound that keeps you protecting your heart? The same wall around your heart that kept you safe or helped you survive something in the past may now be keeping you from experiencing love and intimacy.
If any of these reasons fit you and you are ready to experience life from a new perspective, we can help! We offer personalized Naturopathic consultations, energy therapies, essential oils and custom flower essence blends, as well as many other natural therapies to help bring balance to all aspects of your health. We would love to help you return to your vibrant self!
Meanwhile, stay tuned for some natural ways to increase your libido and spark intimacy!