We all know the importance of taking care of our physical and mental health, but what about sexual health?
No, I'm not talking about practicalities such as regular STI checks or being on top of contraception - but actual intimacy.
What if I told you there are non-surgical treatments that could enhance sexual vitality and unlock new pleasures?
I'm in a peaceful seafront therapy room at the idyllic Nova Maldives resort - favoured by Victoria's Secret models - and about to try a treatment with Dr. Lim, a specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to see if the ancient practise can help revitalise my libido.
I sink my face into the small cutout on a massage bed, which comes with a view of the Indian Ocean, and feel a slight pinch in my spine as the first needle for my Integrative Acupuncture treatment, which aims to improve movement, penetrates my skin.
Surprisingly, the needles feel soothing rather than painful and I can feel my energy levels rising - which is all crucial when it comes to heightening arousal and boosting libido.
I later learned that in TCM, the spine is considered the 'second brain', because when you pierce an acupoint on it, the cells stimulated near it can send messages to the brain.
Another needle was placed on my hip bones because the area holds the whole reproductive system, to stimulate activity. Improving the blood and oxygen flow near the cervix enhances vaginal pleasure, says Dr. Lim, by revitalising my natural lubricating ability.
Shanique Joseph explored both the Maldives - and her libido - after being invited to try a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment that claims it can enhance pleasure.
Moxibustion is a TCM technique that involves burning a dried herb called moxa - placing the box with the burning herb close to the reproductive organs can enhance pleasure, Dr. Lim claims.
And above the pelvic area lie two key organs for libido restoration; the first are the kidneys.
'Kidneys control the maturation of sexual instinct. Insufficient kidney energy can therefore affect sexual and reproductive functions directly,' says Dr. Lim.
In Chinese medicine, kidneys are heavily associated with sexual vitality as they 'store life's essence'.
And acupuncture can nourish and 'tone' the kidneys, which in turn strengthens sexual function, according to Chinese medicine.
Although the sensation of needles piercing my skin is a little uncomfortable at first, I quickly adjust to it, and feel the tension leaving my body.
Those who do the practice believe it has countless benefits including hormone regulation, improving ovarian function, aiding the immune system, and addressing erectile dysfunction.
The second primary organ mentioned is the liver, which connects directly to the genital system and can, according to TCM and backed up biomedical research, help with reproduction.
Dr. Lim tells me that the liver can affect premature ejaculation in men too. She explains: 'Conditions related to sexual health and reproduction can arise from imbalances in the liver.
'For example, Qi (vital energy) stagnation at the liver can lead to infertility, low libido, sexual anxiety, poor erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and cysts and fibroids.'
Integrative Acupuncture, combined with herbal remedies that promote liver Qi movement, can help relieve stagnation impeding the free flow of blood and improving overall well-being.
THE VERDICT
How did I get on? The therapy naturally seems to have amplified my sex drive; by reducing my stress I have better control and focus, which helps me professionally and personally.
After, I felt more limber and had greater flexibility, easily flowing between sex positions. Also, the acupuncture targeted pressure points that stimulated my erogenous zones.
Moxibustion, a TCM technique that involves burning a dried herb called moxa, encourages the flow of Qi, which is associated with high vitality and enhances sexual pleasure.
The lightly fragranced herb in a little box is placed near my genitals, releasing heat across my lower belly to stimulate the flow of Qi. The health benefits? Pain relief, reduced fatigue, and detox.
The treatment generally leaves me feeling at peace, which is hugely important for an improved sex life, as tension can affect sexual pleasure. Yet the box had the opposite affect, awaking my stimulus for the sexual excitement stage.
I also sit down with Dr. Lim to discuss lifestyle changes to improve my libido after the therapies.
As expected, exercising daily and eating food high in antioxidants like broccoli, cauliflower and olives are at the forefront of her recommendations, while limiting alcohol and coffee can positively affect sexual vitality.
Not always easy to do, but I was told to walk on grass or sand daily to calm the mind, lower stress levels and help digestion, which can and did boost my sexual energy.
Luckily for me, the Nova Maldives resort has nothing but white sand everywhere I turn. Feeling the soft grains beneath my feet is cathartic and the eye can only see deep blue seas and specks of small neighbouring islands in the distance - it is breathtaking.
Continuing my wellness journey, I head over to Eskape Spa, a serene environment on the ocean's doorstep.
Unlike most health clubs, exclusivity is paramount and each guest has the luxury of having their own sauna or steam room, as well as shower and changing facilities.
After the pamper session there is a premium beach bed facing the Indian Ocean to unwind in with a cup of herbal tea.
Later, I head to Soul Kitchen, a buffet-style restaurant offering a variety of cuisines for lunch including French, Italian and Spanish dishes.
At the live stations, chefs create delicious meals to order in front of guests using mostly locally sourced ingredients.
At the mercy of my sweet tooth, the dessert corner is a station I quickly grow accustomed to, tasting everything from silky smooth vanilla flan to fluffy passion meringue tart and chocolatey mousse.
For dinner, the options are Mizu, an overwater teppanyaki restaurant, where I indulge in fresh seafood and precision cut meat prepared by a skilled chef whose theatrics with an iron plate keep me thoroughly entertained.
Then there's Flames, a stylish grill house offering mouth-watering dishes straight off the fire.
On special occasions Flames' beachfront is turned into an alfresco dining experience, where an array of fresh fish is barbecued until smokey and succulent, before an elaborate fire display lights up the nights sky.
Aside from stuffing my face, I enjoy the simple pleasures like wetting my feet in the infinity pool at Solis, where guests can swim up to the underwater bar for a cheeky cocktail, spirit or wine no matter the hour (after all, it's always five o'clock somewhere).
When I fancy some privacy while still wanting to embrace the crystal-clear water, I take the stairway down the back of my seafront room to the ocean, where marine creatures including large crabs, exotic fish and reef sharks live in harmony, just a few feet away from me.
As the sun settles and the DJ plays tunes to match this picture-perfect backdrop at cocktail bar Wink, I recline in a comfy armchair with a glass of wine in hand and start reflecting on my journey at Nova Maldives.
What becomes clear immediately is that this wasn't just about improving my libido but about reconnecting with my body, mind and soul.
whether relaxing in the pool, grounding myself on the pristine white-sand beaches or getting pampered, Nova might be just the perfect location for rediscovery.
ABOUT NOVA MALDIVES
- Nova Maldives is an all-inclusive island brimming with natural beauty, where guests have the pick of 76 signature overwater villas.
- The marine wildlife haven offers snorkelling and diving experiences to see whale sharks and manta ray from a submerged vantage point.
- Nova is renowned for its soft-luxury setting where guests can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- A seven night stay for two adults in a Beach Villa on an all-inclusive basis, flying out from London Heathrow in January, starts from £3,129pp; nova-maldives.com