Dear Sasha: For many years I have been intrigued by claims of certain scholars on the subject of Taoist sex, namely Mantak Chia and Jolan Chang, and the serious implications of ejaculation on the male. Apparently, semen is a precious substance not to be taken lightly, nor spent freely. Conversely, I am informed by doctors that ejaculation is a necessary function of the male and should be encouraged on a regular basis, so as to prevent prostate cancer. Which is it? East or West? Do you have any knowledge about these claims of the Taoists? Is it all mysterious snake charming? What are the ultimate ramifications of daily ejaculation? » Peking Tom Dick and Harry

Dear Peking,
As an unschooled and irrational rationalist, I'm hesitant to call millennium-old Asian sex practices snake charming, especially those with the resultant intention of encouraging deeper and prolonged pleasure. I will say that a lot of the research I've done into semen retention conflicts with some current scientific and chemical realities, and that I am erratically skeptical of any sexual practice that's basis is esotericism.

With regards to the Western medical perspective you mention, yes, there is research that suggests frequent ejaculation, particularly begun in the 20s, is a panacea for prostate cancer. Although the study is considered speculative, it is quite extensive. One piece of the theory is that carcinogens accumulate, and are concentrated in prostate fluid by virtue of its design, and when expelled regularly don't have time to damage surrounding cell tissue. Carcinogens were probably never a concern of the early Taoists, as they were not hoofing back pounds of bacon and gallons of pesticides. Still, it is interesting to note that Asian American men have the lowest incidence of prostate cancer in the States. Diet, cultural sex practices, physiology? Read more about the masturbation study here: www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99993942

Another culture that practiced semen retention and had a healthy male population was the Oneidans, a mid-19th-century utopian community in the eastern United States, helmed by John Humphery Noyes. Noyes's venture into semen retention began when his wife suffered several life-threatening miscarriages. As a devout Christian, Noyes could not abide semen waste or birth control, so he learned retention, a custom he taught to all the men of his community, who also practiced non-monogamy. The Oneidans are a fascinating subculture. I highly recommend a piece on them written by Kaz Dziamka, editor of the American Rationalist, at this Web site: www.infidels.org/org/ar/articles/dziamka2.html. Again, living in the mid-1800s and eating primarily fresh, pesticide-free food, the Oneidans probably had few concerns about ingesting chemicals that might make retention physically dangerous.

Many people who practice semen retention claim great results - increased focus and energy being just two. It's been my experience that many men who practice regular ejaculation rave about the same benefits.

Dear Sasha: I've been on a deep-space journey discovering my bottom side. Are there any books or videos that I'd do well to get? I've heard of one video called Anal Massage for Relaxation & Pleasure. I was online chatting with a Montreal guy who claims he has a shortish rectum and can use his pubo-rectal sling muscles to "milk" the top half of a guy's big cock while the whole thing is deep inside him. Have you ever come across such a thing during all your research? » Bum Love

Dear Bum,
I have not run across this practice, but I am never surprised at the corporal skills people acquire when they practice.

Regarding Anal Massage for Relaxation and Health, well Bum, I have little patience for the West Coast approach to sexual health. The video is directed by Joseph Kramer, and stars Carol Queen and Robert Lawrence. I find Joseph Kramer's New Age videos mortifying to watch, and while Carol Queen and Robert Lawrence have done a lot to help couples appreciate their assholes, their pedagogical, anti-shame enthusiasm leaves me dry. I know tons of people who just worship them, though, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you check it out, along with the oft-recommended Anal Pleasure and Health by Dr. Jack Morin, as well as The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Men by Bill Brent.

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