The Harm of Masturbation to the Skin
Masturbation—also known as autoeroticism—involves self-stimulation to relieve sexual tension, discharge sexual energy, satisfy one’s sexual needs, and derive pleasure and comfort from sexual activity. Excessive or frequent masturbation undoubtedly exerts significant adverse effects on the body, detailed below:
① Coarse or Rough Skin
The human body relies on “blood and qi” (vital energy and nourishing blood) for sustenance, with these essential substances primarily derived from daily nutrition. Frequent masturbation may deplete blood and qi, leading to deficiency. When such deficiency occurs, the skin may gradually become coarse and dry, and premature aging may accelerate.

② Impairment of Mental and Emotional Well-being
Excessive masturbation can lead to mental fatigue, diminished willpower, indecisiveness, irritability, emotional volatility, suspicion, and anxiety. Individuals may react impulsively or withdraw excessively when facing challenges, lacking patience, perseverance, confidence, and courage. These manifestations stem from depletion of “essence” (jing), which impairs its normal transformation into “qi.”
③ Prostatitis
Frequent masturbation causes prolonged congestion and stasis in the prostate gland, severely disrupting its normal secretory and excretory functions—and potentially triggering prostatitis. During masturbation, heightened emotional arousal and tension render individuals highly sensitive to environmental disturbances; even minor external interruptions may abruptly halt the process before ejaculation is achieved. This results in recurrent congestion of the prostate and seminal vesicles, along with venous stasis—factors that predispose individuals to prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis.