The male erectile response is initiated by the central nervous system and continued by intricate vascular system and neurological events. When working properly, the cardiovascular blood system works to dilate the arteries of the penis allowing flow into the area, then compresses the veins to limit outflow of blood, creating pressure and thus rigidity.

Many factors can impair the action of the blood vessels including medical disorders such as diabetes or vascular diseases, pharmaceutical drugs such as anti-depressants or prostate treatments, and physiological disruptions caused by damage to the central nervous system. Lifestyle choices including poor nutrition or the overuse of caffeine, alcohol or tobacco can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Problems can affect either the veins' ability to trap the blood, or the arteries' ability to dilate enough to achieve or maintain erection. In addition, aging can cause sexual dysfunction by decreasing testosterone levels and diminishing the desire for sex.

However, when speaking of sexual dysfunction, women are often overlooked as having actual physical problems with arousal. A survey published in JAMA sampled 1,749 women and 1,410 men ages 18 to 59 (Feb. 10, 1999; 6;281). The survey found that sexual dysfunction was more prevalent for women; 43-percent responded having sexual dysfunction as compared to men at 31-percent. Also, an article on the Web site onhealth reported research that showed about 66 percent of all women have sexual concerns that include lack of desire, lack of pleasure in sexual contact and pain with vaginal penetrations, problems with arousal and attaining climax and complete lack of orgasm. Problems can occur from various factors including poor circulation, lack of desire from skewed hormone levels or pharmaceuticals such as anti-depressants. Menopause also affects sexual response in women by altering hormone levels and sometimes the physical structure of the vagina.

There are many natural solutions that deal with these problems by healing more than just the physical response. Natural medicine looks deeper than the particular part of the body that is being affected by treating the whole health of the body. "Everything in the body is connected, when you take care of, or neglect, one part, the others follow suit," said Kenyon Raku, director of research and development at Healing Light based in Catskill, N.Y. "Positive energy flow in the system provides good sexual health." This is achieved through exercise, nutrition and natural remedies.