Taoism, considered the original religion of China, has a highly advanced attitude towards sexuality, in which sex is seen as something that leads to fulfillment and fulfilment. This notion was understood perhaps 2 thousand years before (or more) than when we in the West noticed this. In a classic text called Su Nu King either Classic of the Virginrecently published in Spanish, there are some clues to Taoist sexuality.
Although the text was published 1,500 years ago (although it is believed to be much older), already at that time and in almost the entire world there was a certain machismo or patriarchy and that also exists in this book, or at least it is revealed. explains that to achieve the balance of energy a feedback is necessary, in such a way that the woman reaches the climax. But here lies the essence of Taoist sexuality and the so-called internal alchemy or Neidan: the woman must reach orgasm, but the man must retain the semen. The man benefits from the feminine yang but he must maintain the vital essence of it, which is part of the original celestial energy. The emphasis is huge on keeping the sperm from him.
He Su Nu King offers three ways to prevent ejaculation:
-The first is the best known and consists of simply withdrawing the penis –the so-called «jade stem»– still erect before ejaculating. Although this may be unsatisfactory for an orgasmocentric sexuality, in practice it is revealed as a way to achieve more lasting pleasure and well-being.
-The second consists of blocking the perineum area (between the scrotum and the anus, the muscle used to stop urine), in order to retain the semen and even reabsorb it. When reabsorbed it becomes a kind of elixir.
-The third is to perform an alchemical breath that recirculates the energy that descends upwards. This is similar to so-called «celestial orbit breathing» and requires instruction from a qualified teacher.
In the case of women, Taoism focuses its alchemical and energetic instructions on the restriction of menstrual flow.
Cover photo by Yogendra Singh on Pexels