Would seeing someone while separated ruin chances of reconciliation?

My wife left 5 weeks ago and is adamant that she doesn't want to be with me any more. She said that she still loves me but does not want to come back to me - although she says that she's not interested in a divorce either which I find a bit confusing. There's no one else involved and I have asked her to give our relationship another go as there was no major falling out or arguing, we just neglected each other a bit and she was depressed and very homesick (we were living overseas). I love her but don't know what to do for the best. As she's made it quite clear that it's over between us when should I start dating again? I'm going over to see the kids next week and I have an ex in the area who has made it perfectly clear that I could pick up where I left it with her. It may sound quite heartless but I am a very physical person and I have needs - I'm not talking about - it's physical contact in general I'm craving. But is it too soon? should I give my wife a bit more space and just see what happens with her first?