So what is this Taoist semen retention and what are the claimed benefits? How long a retention period are we talking about
According to the ancient taoists, semen is precious and highly potent, as only one sperm cell amongst the thousands that are ejaculated has the power to create a life that lives on for sometimes 90 years or so. The potential in but one load of ejaculated semen can literally populate a small town.
They feel that when semen is released, energy, (your vital force) along with heat and nutrition are frittered away.
For them, that powerful energy, if not ejaculated could be used as a fuel and focused by a Taoist practitioner to merge with the base energy at one of the energy intersection centers in the body that are major acupuncture points with specific names and specific expressions. They are able to be conscious of and uncover the source of energy-heat-fire in the human system and channel it for their own purposes, rather than just allowing the habitual functions of the body making use of it for mere survival of this organism and its pleasures.
I have witnessed Taoist masters on many, many occasions who have harnessed this energy, perform amazing and powerful feats of strength and even emit this harnessed energy into another person for instantaneous healing, or for amazing feats of Kung-fu.
When Flushing was in its infancy, many years ago, there were a few authentic masters that I had the good fortune of having friendship with that shared with me and we exchanged culturally with each other, what I had to offer and what they had to offer. No money was exchanged.
In engaging in martial arts sparring with them, their internal energy was like a force field around them. I could never lay a finger on them. And, their healing powers in the clinics left me in awe, as I brought my friends and family members there who had maladies, and even myself.
That was years ago and they left Flushing many years ago when the huge influx began and some died of advanced age and some returned to their countries. I also met charlatans who had zero ability.
As far as time to develop these powers, depends on the level of the student.
But, it is not merely retention of semen; you also need the ability to focus.
But, on all occasions when I asked if they missed the joy of ejaculation, they always laughed because I could not understand the power and joy they experienced within their own system which they said is far superior to ejaculation. It is like a fire cracker compared to an atom bomb.
But, they still enjoyed intercourse with women. They were not monks. Women also liked them very much, so they must have been doing something very good in the bedroom. In fact, they were irresistible to many women. They partook, but extremely cautiously for the sake of their reputations.