Are you one of the many men who have erectile dysfunction (ED)? Does getting and maintaining an erection pose a challenge for you? Many men are embarrassed to talk about erectile dysfunction because there is so much stigma surrounding it. However, erectile dysfunction affects men of all ages. In reality, one in every five males has been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction! If you are looking for a natural solution for your erectile dysfunction, consider acupuncture and herbal medicine. We have been helping men from all over New York City with erectile dysfunction for more than 24 years!
Many males are concerned about their testosterone levels because they decrease with age in men. However, the link between the testosterone level and ED is not straightforward. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for males with normal testosterone levels is not beneficial in treating erectile dysfunction. However, TRT can only marginally enhance ED, even for low testosterone levels. Some males on TRT notice improvements in their erections but often require additional medication to assist them with normal erections. These medications focus on improving blood circulation to the penis.
ED is common in men with type 2 diabetes. It can stem from damaged nerves and blood vessels caused by poor long-term blood sugar control. Poor long-term blood sugar control can cause damage to the blood vessels and impede circulation. It can even cause nerve damage, leading to decreased sensation or numbness.
Thyroid issues can cause a hormonal imbalance that makes it difficult for men to get or maintain an erection. It’s common, especially in men with hypothyroidism.
Obesity and overweight may raise the chance of erectile dysfunction by 30-90% compared with normal-weight individuals. Subjects with ED are heavier and have a larger waist than individuals without ED, and they are more likely to suffer from hypertension and have higher levels of cholesterol.
Vascular diseases are those that affect the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure), and high cholesterol are examples of vascular disorders. These illnesses, which account for 70% of physical-related causes of ED, impair blood flow to the heart, brain, and–in the case of ED–penis. Atherosclerosis, on its own, causes roughly 50% to 60% of erectile dysfunction in men over the age of 60.
Kidney disease can induce chemical modifications in the body, including hormone disorders, blood flow issues, nerve function problems, and energy levels. These changes might reduce a person’s sex drive (libido) or sexual capability. Medications used to treat kidney disease have been shown to cause ED.
Problems with the nervous system may cause erectile dysfunction. It’s typical for men who have a stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries to have ED. ED occurs due to a break in the communication between the brain and the penis via the nerves.
Prostate cancer does not cause erectile dysfunction on its own, but treatment for prostate cancer might contribute to ED.
From a Traditional Chinese medicine perspective, reproductive function is primarily controlled by the liver and kidney, with contributions from the heart and spleen. The main TCM diagnostic patterns related to ED are liver qi stagnation, blood stasis, and kidney deficiency.
The main TCM diagnostic pattern for liver-related impotence is liver qi stagnation. This pattern affects the younger population of men, and it has an emotional component. Negative emotions emotional conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, play a central role in causing ED. These emotions harm the liver and cause liver qi stagnation. According to TCM principles, the liver governs the sinews and tendons. The liver channel wraps around the genitals. In addition, the penis is called an ancestral tendon in Chinese medicine. When the liver fails to course freely, Qi and blood fail to nourish the ancestral tendon, leading to ED.
Perhaps, acupuncture is the best remedy for sexual dysfunctions associated with Liver Qi stagnation because acupuncture alone addresses both the emotional and physiological components.
The main TCM diagnostic pattern for liver-related impotence is liver qi stagnation. This pattern affects the younger population of men, and it has an emotional component. Negative emotions emotional conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, play a central role in causing ED. These emotions harm the liver and cause liver qi stagnation. According to TCM principles, the liver governs the sinews and tendons. The liver channel wraps around the genitals. In addition, the penis is called an ancestral tendon in Chinese medicine. When the liver fails to course freely, Qi and blood fail to nourish the ancestral tendon, leading to ED.
Perhaps, acupuncture is the best remedy for sexual dysfunctions associated with Liver Qi stagnation because acupuncture alone addresses both the emotional and physiological components.
According to Traditional Chinese Medical theory, Jīng or Essence has two parts: the Yin is prenatal, and the Yang is postnatal or acquired. Prenatal Jing is received at birth from the parents: the father’s sperm and the mother’s ovum, a concept similar to DNA. Postnatal acquired Jing can be built up after birth through food, herbs, acupuncture, and the cultivation of one’s Qi (meditation).
The Yin and Yang Jing transform to create and replenish each other. The Yang Jing circulates through the eight extraordinary vessels and nourishes the marrow to become blood, hormones, and semen. With age, Jing Essence depletes, resulting in diminished libido, infertility, and inability to maintain an erection.
One of the most incredible benefits of acupuncture therapy is its ability to tap into the eight extraordinary vessels and help the body replenish the essence. These treatments work well to enhance and maintain reproductive function in men and women alike.
Kidney Yang is responsible for warming the body. It also plays a vital role in reproductive function and blood and body fluids circulation. Yang Deficiency can be a primary cause of infertility, diminished libido, and impotence. It can also induce or exacerbate secondary pathology—for instance, many men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia lack Kidney Yang. Acupuncturists developed straightforward and practical techniques to build up Kidney Yang. One of the techniques involves warming the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) warm acupuncture needles. In addition, it is hard to overestimate the value of Chinese herbs in the process of warming Kidney Yang.
A constitutional tendency may cause kidney Yin deficiency, or the Yin may become exhausted by overwork, not an unusual scenario for many men. Add to such conditions poor diet or rushed eating, polluted environment, inadequate sleep, and exercise are all cause depletion of Kidney Yin. Yin deficiency and dryness can also affect the blood and hormones. Yin deficiency is another reason for poor blood circulation in the pelvic region that may result in ED. Yin deficiency type of erectile dysfunction is more typical for older men.
Nourishing Kidney Yin is a process where acupuncture and herbal medicine play a central role. However, regular exercises, a clean diet, and a good night’s sleep are crucial parts of the therapeutic process.
If you and your spouse are having fertility problems, remember that you’re not alone. Fertility issues are more common than you might think. Male fertility usually depends on the quality of sperm cells, but it is also linked to sexual function, affecting semen quality.
While male infertility is not always treatable, there are some things you can do to boost your chances of conceiving.
Besides being good for your general health, exercises boost testosterone levels and improve fertility.
It’s tough to get in the mood when you’re nervous, but there may be more to it than just not being in the mood for sex. Stress can reduce your sexual pleasure and harm your fertility. Cortisol, a stress hormone, might be partly responsible for these negative effects of stress. Stress causes cortisol to rise, which has a detrimental impact on testosterone. When cortisol levels increase, testosterone levels typically drop.
While severe anxiety responds well to acupuncture and herbal medicine, you can reduce milder forms of stress with relaxation and meditation techniques. Taking regular strolls in the park might be enough to manage stress.
It’s tough to get in the mood when you’re nervous, but there may be more to it than just not being in the mood for sex. Stress can reduce your sexual pleasure and harm your fertility. Cortisol, a stress hormone, might be partly responsible for these negative effects of stress. Stress causes cortisol to rise, which has a detrimental impact on testosterone. When cortisol levels increase, testosterone levels typically drop.
While severe anxiety responds well to acupuncture and herbal medicine, you can reduce milder forms of stress with relaxation and meditation techniques. Taking regular strolls in the park might be enough to manage stress.
You don’t have to be an herb expert to explore some herbs that have a reputation for enhancing fertility. Yes, that’s true that the world of herbal medicine is very complex, and an experienced herbalist can be very helpful in suggesting the right herbs or formulas for your individual needs. However, one good place to start for most people is taking good quality ginseng. Another excellent tonic is royal jelly. If you are not sure whether these supplements are right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us for herbal consultation.
Carrying extra weight is associated with infertility. Did you know that we have a weight loss program?
Carrying extra weight is associated with infertility.
It’s time for a change. It will be hard not to find what works best with you with all of the treatments on offer. ED responds well to acupuncture, especially to acupuncture in combination with herbal medicine and lifestyle modifications. Our Acupuncture NYC center offers a comprehensive program to fit your unique situation and individual health history. We pioneered holistic treatments for male sexual health, and we have successfully treated thousands of male patients. Not sure whether acupuncture is right for you? Please email us with your questions. You can also stop by to consult with our founder, Andre Yershov, L. Ac., a veteran acupuncturist. He has been practicing acupuncture for 24 years, and he will be able to answer any of your questions. We are conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, zip code 10016.
By Gassan&Edmunt – Copyright © Acupuncture NYC 2021
