Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Traditional Chinese Medicine
We live in a nation of high and overachievers, but what is sometimes good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander. As many as 30 million men in the U.S. suffer from erectile dysfunction, and as our population ages, that number, unfortunately will go up.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual disorder characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ED is in the scope of Jin Wei (“tendon wilting”) and can result from the natural process of aging, or lifestyle choices such as excessive masturbation or sex, depression, or improper diet.
In TCM, we always try to maintain a balance within our lives and our bodies, and when something is out of balance, issues occur. In ED, we see stagnation and qi deficiency in the liver and its ability to move qi and blood. We also see clogging caused by dampness that sticks in the tubes and pathways where fluid should flow. The health and strength of the kidneys are also contributing factors in ED.
Why do I Suffer So?
Stress and overwork, late night eating, and excessive alcohol or sex can cause the organs to stagnate. The liver and kidneys in TCM are responsible for sexual function in both men and women. The liver and the kidneys filter the blood and play important roles in hormonal activity, ensuring smooth reproduction, vitality and longevity. The heart is involved in this process with blood pressure and overall heart function playing a key role in blood distribution. Prolonged stress—work, emotional, physical—taxes the body and weakness results. The kidneys and adrenals are affected by continual stress and become worn out. Low back pain, knee pain, fatigue, low libido, and greying hair are all signs that the kidneys need a boost. In the West we tend to pop a pill to alleviate our health issues and then we go right back to a lifestyle that got us to that unhealthy point. In TCM we address the entire body and discuss lifestyle changes that will contribute to helping your body function in a state of balance and wellness.
From a Chinese Medicine Viewpoint
Kidney Yin Deficiency/Kidney Yang Deficiency
Kidneys are a complementary pair of body organs responsible for reproduction, stamina, libido, moisture, and temperature regulation. When erectile dysfunction occurs, symptoms include dry mouth, dizziness, night sweats and back pain that is worsened with sexual activity. This indicates that the yin aspect of the kidneys is lacking, and the fluid (ejaculate) portion of the kidneys during sex is involved. Libido and the ability to maintain an erection is the responsibility of the yang aspect of the kidneys, evidenced in symptoms such as knee pain, low energy and urination issues.
Liver Qi Stagnation
As shared above, the liver is in charge of moving the qi in the body. When there is stress, compression and constriction are palpable on the body and cause the liver to stagnate. If the liver cannot move properly, there is no real flow. A lot of mood disorders like depression, irritability and anger become regular character traits. Ribcage and side of body pain may occur, and difficulty achieving an erection is likely.
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Worry, fear and anxiety are held under the spleen in TCM. This organ is also responsible for making phlegm and contributing to dampness. Dampness and phlegm can impair the flow of energy and dampen desire. Digestion and blood flow are not at optimum levels when they are impaired by phlegm blocking the channels flow. Blood flow and blood production are essential and when the body is not producing enough, it will store blood to fulfill the need of daily activities. Nature knows that energy cannot be wasted on reproduction when the body is too weak to carry out daily activities—reserves will be withheld to necessitate daily functions as simple as standing upright! When someone with ED is complaining of low energy, poor memory, palpitations, or performance anxiety, qi and blood must be boosted.
Damp-Heat
Inflammation due to damp heat accumulation is another culprit in poor performance and ED. Dampness and phlegm are heavy and turbid and tend to sink low, into the lower abdomen, just above the genitals. Dark or strong urine, fluid accumulation (edema), nausea, dry mouth and anger can result.
If you are suffering from low libido and erectile dysfunction, it’s time to consider acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments. Contact the Acupuncture by Andrea office and request a consultation.