The Need for a Holistic Approach to Sexual Health in Medicine
Sexuality, in all its forms, is a core aspect of human nature. However, the medical lens through which we've traditionally viewed it has sometimes been too narrow. Over the years, medicine has increasingly "medicalized" sexuality—treating it as a clinical issue rather than as an intricate blend of biological, psychological, and social elements. This article delves into this trend and explores alternative modalities, like tantra, sex therapy, and sexological bodywork, that offer a more comprehensive approach.
The Medicalization of Sexuality
We have a problem in medicine. The way that we learn about sexual health concerns is very rigid and does not take into consideration the many naunces of sex and sexuality. “Medicalizing” sexuality means pathologizing or treating aspects of human sexuality as medical conditions that require treatment. While medicine provides invaluable solutions to numerous health challenges, the reductionist approach—where a complex phenomenon like sexuality is boiled down to a mere physical or biochemical reaction—can often miss the bigger picture. For instance, conditions like erectile dysfunction or low libido, while sometimes having medical roots, can often be influenced by psychological or sociocultural factors. However, they are sometimes approached solely from a biological standpoint, often through pharmaceutical interventions. In the upcoming blog posts, we will explore different healthy sex and pleasure therapies, including Sexological Bodywork, Tantra, Sex Therapy, EMDR, and more, shedding light on how they can help individuals and couples achieve greater sexual well-being. Today we will be covering sexological bodywork.
A Biopsychosocial Approach to Sexuality
The biopsychosocial model suggests that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness. Applying this model to sexuality means looking beyond just the physical aspects:
Biological: Hormonal imbalances, diseases, and certain medications can influence sexual function.
Psychological: Past traumas, anxieties, or misconceptions about sex can shape one's sexual experiences.
Social: Societal norms, relationship dynamics, and cultural backgrounds can greatly impact one's sexuality.
What is Sexological bodywork?
Sexological bodywork is an emerging field that merges therapeutic touch, sexual education, and body-focused techniques to help individuals and couples navigate their sexual challenges and enhance their sexual experiences. I learned about this practice from one of my former patients who struggled after having surgery to treat a chronic pelvic pain that she had had for over a decade and that was poorly managed. Due to this, the psychological burden was significant despite the biologic cause of her condition being treated. She underwent work with a sexological body work group called Back to the Body, this work plus extensive EMDR therapy, changed her entire life. She is now able to have a pleasure filled life and has taken control over all aspects of her life.
The history of sexological bodywork can be traced back to the late 20th century when pioneers in the field of sexuality started integrating therapeutic touch with education. Over the years, it has evolved, drawing inspiration from various modalities, including tantra, somatic practices, and modern sexuality education.
Sexological Bodywork is a hands-on approach to sex therapy that involves working with a trained practitioner to address physical and emotional blocks related to sexuality. Practitioners use various techniques, such as breathwork, genital mapping, and touch, to help clients explore their bodies and overcome sexual challenges. Sexological Bodywork is particularly helpful for individuals dealing with issues like sexual trauma, body image concerns, and sexual dysfunctions.
Benefits of Sexological Bodywork:
- Healing from sexual trauma.
- Improved body confidence and self-esteem.
- Enhanced sexual pleasure and intimacy.
- Addressing and overcoming sexual dysfunctions.
Legality
The legality of sexological bodywork varies by country and region. While in some places it is recognized as a legitimate therapeutic practice, in others it may be misunderstood or even criminalized. Those seeking these services are advised to research the legal status in their respective jurisdictions and ensure they work with certified professionals. Click here to find accredited practitioners near you.
Back to the Body: A Boutique Sexological Organization
I got to experience sexological body work through Back to the Body. A patient invited me to an event and I was super excited to go. As a sexual health specialist, I want to learn about all the modalities that can help my patients have amazing success. Back to the Body stands out as an organization dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their sexuality in an authentic and holistic manner. Through retreats, workshops, and individual sessions, they offer a safe space for exploration and education. Their unique approach weaves together the principles of sexological bodywork, traditional therapies, and immersive experiences, helping participants shed societal conditioning and embrace their sexual selves fully. If you want to learn more Back to Body Special here. They are having an event in the LA/San Diego area the weekend of December 1st-3rd, 2023. They are currently running a buy one, get one special using the discount code “EARLYBLACKFRIDAY”. Bring a friend and learn more about your sexuality and pleasure. This discount code expires at midnight on Monday Nov 13th, 2023.
Conclusion:
Sexuality is multi-dimensional, and it's high time we approached it as such. While medical interventions have their place, it's essential to incorporate the biopsychosocial model, recognizing the deep interplay of our biology, psychology, and social influences. Modalities like tantra, sex therapy, and sexological bodywork offer paths to a richer, more holistic understanding of our sexual selves.
