Origins of Sexual Health Care
Origins of Sexual Health Care
Sexual health care is a scientific discipline studying sexual psychology, physiology, pathology, techniques, health maintenance, and medical treatment. It is an integral part of traditional Chinese culture.
Ancient people believed sexual activity should occur only in private rooms without third parties present. Thus, all matters related to sexual health and medicine were collectively termed "sexual health care" or "the art of the bedroom."
China’s tradition of sexual health care is ancient and profound, a precious fruit of traditional culture. It evolved closely with ancient culture, developing alongside cultural evolution. It originated in antiquity, flourished during the Qin and Han dynasties, reached its peak in the Jin and Tang periods, declined during the Song and Yuan dynasties, and became obscure during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Ancient people referred to sexual behavior as "bedroom affairs" or "bedroom activities." Sexual intercourse is an innate animal instinct and physiological need, as well as a natural human instinct. Human existence, development, reproduction, and prosperity are all results of this instinct. In primitive societies, human sexual behavior was as free and open as animals—completely unrestricted. Such widespread and frequent sexual activity did not yet constitute sexual health care. Studying sexual behavior as a formal discipline traces back to the era of the Yellow Emperor. The Yellow Emperor was a legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, believed to have lived over 5,000 years ago. According to legend, when Nuwa created humanity, she was overwhelmed and enlisted other deities to assist. Shanglin helped create arms, Shang Lin helped create ears and eyes, while the most crucial part—the reproductive organs—was crafted by the Yellow Emperor. Thus, humans, as collective creations, first emerged with distinct characteristics. By the pre-Qin period, the "Huangdi Neijing" provided detailed descriptions of the entire process from sexual maturity to sexual decline. The "Han Shu: Art and Literature Catalogue" contains specific records on sexual health care. By the Sui and Tang dynasties, it had evolved into a genuine academic discipline.
China’s sexual health care tradition is rich in content. Over 2,000 years ago, traditional Chinese medicine had already established a dedicated field of sexual medicine, forming systematic theories and accumulating unique clinical experience. It is a valuable heritage of China’s historical and cultural legacy.